Institute for Energy Solutions
The demand for energy solutions is urgent and global.
Institute for Energy Solutions Mission: to pursue energy science and technologies to enable, accelerate, and inform the transition to an equitable, resilient, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
PhD Student and Postdoctoral Fellows Program
The IES PhD Student and Postdoctoral Fellows Program is a one-year program that brings together U-M PhD students and postdoctoral scholars from diverse disciplines interested in advancing future energy solutions via interdisciplinary networks. We currently have 11 fellows in our 2026 cohort.
Energy Seminar Series
IES hosts a regular seminar series on diverse energy research topics from researchers across the U.S. Join us on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 PM to learn more about the newest advancements taking place across the energy sector.
Living Learning Labs
IES supports energy-related Living Learning Laboratories (LLL) at the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor through funding for LLL development and programming to raise awareness and engagement in LLL research.
Programs and Activities
Energy Solutions focuses on research, outreach, community engagement, communication, and educational activities. Fostering, facilitating, and creating connections within the College of Engineering, with other University of Michigan units, and with external organizations are key objectives of the Institute. Importantly, Energy Solutions also supports the University of Michigan’s carbon neutrality goals. Please reach out to Institute leaders to share your ideas and vision for a clean and equitable energy future.
Ongoing IES activities include:
- seminars and round table discussions with external experts on energy topics
- annual IES PhD Student and Postdoctoral Fellows Program
- convening and planning activities for responses to energy funding opportunities
- IES doctoral graduate student recruiting incentives
Resources
Institute News
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2026 Michael B. La Marca Energy Award Recipient Announced
The Institute for Energy Solutions is pleased to announce that Assistant Professor Sita Syal has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Michael B. La Marca Energy Award, which includes $3,000 in research funds.
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IES is an Affiliate of the new Great Lakes Energy Accelerator of Michigan (GLEAM)
IES is an affiliate of the new Great Lakes Energy Accelerator of Michigan (GLEAM).
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IES Energy Symposium 2026 – Plenary Benjamin Kroposki, National Laboratory of the Rockies
IES will be welcoming Dr. Benjamin Kroposki, the Director of the Power Systems Engineering Center at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), to give a plenary at the symposium; “Using Generative AI in Power Systems Operations”.
Join Us!
To lay a strong foundation for Energy Solutions, we’re working to build community across the university and beyond. If you’re a UM faculty or staff member whose work focuses on or informs energy research or related social, environmental, and economic interconnections, let us know. Energy experts are searchable by topic or by last name and will also be added to our monthly newsletter list.