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Nexus is a strategic partnership between Colorado School of Mines and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that strengthens, accelerates and enhances collaborative efforts.

The mission of Nexus is to invest in the development of joint responses to grand challenges; catalyze research funding to pursue joint work; and foster the exchange of ideas and funding via research and teaching.

The Challenges Ahead

The world faces multiple challenges in energy and sustainability presented by global megatrends and needs: growing urbanization; circular economy for materials and resources; economic competitiveness in a global economy; global well-being (a fair distribution of resources such as energy, water and raw materials); and increased autonomy in devices, systems and transportation.

Nexus leverages the combined capabilities of Mines and NREL to innovative solutions for key global challenges.

The Challenges Ahead

The world faces multiple challenges in energy and sustainability presented by global megatrends and needs: growing urbanization; circular economy for materials and resources; economic competitiveness in a global economy; global well-being (a fair distribution of resources such as energy, water and raw materials); and increased autonomy in devices, systems and transportation.

Nexus leverages the combined capabilities of Mines and NREL to innovative solutions for key global challenges.

About Mines

Colorado School of Mines is consistently ranked as one of the top-rated science and engineering schools in the country. Mines’ students and world-renowned faculty address the challenges society faces today, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. The front range of the Rocky Mountains is a hub of research activity, boasting 33 national laboratories (one of the highest concentrations in the country). Three of these are located close to Mines – NREL, the U.S. Geological Survey (on campus) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder – and have extensive interactions with Mines, including shared facilities, joint appointments, joint projects and co-advised students.

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About NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), focuses on creative answers to today’s energy challenges. From scientific breakthroughs to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy. NREL’s world-class research delivers foundational knowledge and innovations to advance the next generations of technology for renewable power, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency. The research at NREL increases the security, resiliency and reliability of electricity grids and enables advanced energy technologies to be integrated and operated effectively in infrastructure at all scales.

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About Mines

Colorado School of Mines is consistently ranked as one of the top-rated science and engineering schools in the country. Mines’ students and world-renowned faculty address the challenges society faces today, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. The front range of the Rocky Mountains is a hub of research activity, boasting 33 national laboratories (one of the highest concentrations in the country). Three of these are located close to Mines – NREL, the U.S. Geological Survey (on campus) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder – and have extensive interactions with Mines, including shared facilities, joint appointments, joint projects and co-advised students.

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About NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), focuses on creative answers to today’s energy challenges. From scientific breakthroughs to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy. NREL’s world-class research delivers foundational knowledge and innovations to advance the next generations of technology for renewable power, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency. The research at NREL increases the security, resiliency and reliability of electricity grids and enables advanced energy technologies to be integrated and operated effectively in infrastructure at all scales.

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Nexus Leadership

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Mines Lead

Dr. Ryan Richards
Professor, Dept. of Chemistry
Colorado School of Mines

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NREL Lead

Dr. Ellen Morris
Director, University Partnership Programs
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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NEXUS RESEARCH 

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