News & Updates
Our Mission & Focus Areas

Mission
Statement
Statement
The Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy at the University of Utah strives to provide transformative, integrative, and cutting-edge science, education, entrepreneurship, and practical solutions to tackle climate change in Utah, the United States, and the globe.
Researchers affiliated with the Wilkes Center are working on the defining issues of our age.
ABOUT US
Climate
Solutions
Solutions
In collaboration with stakeholders and multiple partners, Wilkes Center researchers analyze and innovate on climate solutions, aiming to inform policy in key areas of water resources, climate extremes, and nature-based climate solutions.
Climate
Impacts
Impacts
Wilkes Center scholars are illuminating climate impacts on local communities, economies, ecosystems, and human health in Utah and around the globe and are developing key tools to mitigate, adapt, and manage climate impacts.
Climate
Forecasting
Forecasting
The Wilkes Center aims to support and develop state-of-the-art science around near-term forecasts and longer-term projections of key climate changes with major societal impacts and to make this information available for decision-makers.
Undergraduate Funding
The Wilkes Scholars Program enables students to explore pressing climate challenges through transformative research. Spring '24 applications accepted from Sep. 2 until October 31, 2023.
Opens: Sep. 2, 2023
Faculty Seed Grants
Apply to receive funding support for impactful research surrounding climate change, as well as the policy impacts. Spring '24 funding applications accepted from Sep. 15 until Nov. 15, 2023.
Opens: Sep. 15, 2023
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Designed to attract spectacular recent graduates doing research in the areas of climate science and policy. Application Portal Opens November 1, 2023, closes January 31, 2024.
Apply by Jan. 31, 2024
Graduate Research and Travel Funds
Designed to support all graduate students pursuing research in the areas of climate science and climate policy. Application deadline is September 15, 2023.
Deadline: Sep. 15, 2023
U Student Innovation Prize
We invite all U students to submit their most innovative, creative, and bold ideas for tackling climate change. Submissions were due April 21, 2023.
Learn More
Wilkes Center Travel Award
Provides graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to present their climate science and policy research to the academic community. One-time award, $500 max.
Learn More
Events & Partnerships
Climate Solutions Hackathon
The 2nd Annual Wilkes Climate Solutions Hackathon will be held January 26, 2024! Registration opens September 15. All U students are invited to put their passion, knowledge and teamwork toward achieving climate solutions. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be awarded.
Register Here
Wilkes Summit
The inaugural Wilkes Climate Summit was held May 16-17, 2023, at the University of Utah. It brought together Utah's leading policymakers, and nationally-recognized scientists, foundations, and innovators to discuss the most promising and cutting-edge solutions for climate change. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Learn More
Great Salt Lake Strike Team
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team includes researchers from the University of Utah and Utah State University working together with state leads from the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and additional experts from other entities. Together, these entities join in a model partnership to provide timely, relevant, and high-quality data and research that help decision-makers make informed decisions about Great Salt Lake.
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Speaker Series
The Wilkes Center Speaker Series provides a welcoming venue for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to discuss challenges and solutions for the defining issue of our age - climate change. The series seeks to create a platform for distinguished researchers to share insights, to foster meaningful opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, and to enhance awareness and motivate effective policy action.
Learn More

The Wilkes Climate Prize at the University of Utah supports innovative projects anywhere in the world that help address the impact of climate change. We will begin accepting Phase I applications for the 2024 Prize soon.
Learn More
The Wilkes Center Podcast

Conversations about transformative research happening in the fields of climate science and policy at the University of Utah.
Climate Modeling Tools

Carbon Futures
Modeling Tool
Modeling Tool
This is interactive tool shows carbon storage potential in forests in the US.
Explore This Tool

Global Forest
Climate Risk Tool
Climate Risk Tool
This tool projects the relative risk to Earth’s forests globally during the 21st century based on multiple approaches, datasets, and climate change scenarios.
Explore This Tool

US Forest Risks
Mapping Tool
Mapping Tool
This map tool shows harmonized projections of risks to US forest carbon from fire, drought, and insects under a changing climate.
Explore This Tool

Utah Greenhouse Gas
Monitoring Tool
Monitoring Tool
This map provides real-time data on CO2 and methane emissions at strategic monitoring sites across northern and eastern Utah.
Explore This Tool
Sign up for our Newsletter
By joining our mailing list you'll stay up-to-date about new Wilkes Center projects, including the Wilkes Prize, upcoming events, climate solutions initiatives and research funding opportunities.
Founders
Clay and Marie Wilkes have worked on humanitarian projects for decades,
leading education and economic initiatives in Salt Lake City, Peru, and Nepal.
The Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy was created in 2022 as a result of their
desire to urgently address threats created by climate change. Learn more about the donation