At the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, you’ll deepen your understanding of the living world and your place within it.
The work that happens here is rooted in our land- and sea-grant mission, and connected to the needs of the local, regional, and global communities. Our faculty researchers work collaboratively across disciplines, drawing from a broad, inclusive field of human knowledge to make critical discoveries within their fields. URI’s core research facilities and specialized labs offer the latest technologies that will enable you to gather field data, synthesize vast amounts of information, and develop solutions to real world challenges. Whether you are interested in urban food systems; protecting marine wildlife; understanding what makes an organism adapt and an ecosystem thrive; or assisting policy makers in the shift towards renewable energy and sustainable natural resource management, you’ll find your place here.
URI Cooperative Extension
Education and engagement with Rhode Island communities is at the core of what we do. As a land-grant and sea-grant university, our mission is to ensure URI provides education and applied research that helps communities and improves the lives of Rhode Islanders.
learn moreNews and Stories
URI Researchers and Students Showcase Work at Regional Entomology Conference April 8, 2026 - From biological control of invasive pests to pollinator–plant interactions, URI students showcased hands-on research from multiple labs at a regional meeting of the Entomological Society of America.
Nature Conservancy award supports URI research on salt marsh health April 7, 2026 - Madison Geraci, a Ph.D. student in evolution and marine biology, received a Nature Conservancy award to study microscopic organisms that reveal how local salt marshes respond to restoration and change.
URI Research Drives Global Collaboration to Protect Iceland from Invasive Species April 6, 2026 - An international workshop led by URI Professor Laura Meyerson highlighted the urgent need for national coordination, monitoring, and public engagement to protect Iceland’s ecosystems, economy, and communities.
Community support comes together to seed new silvopasture at URI’s Peckham Farm March 26, 2026 - A team of faculty and staff is looking forward to growing its tree research capacity, while nourishing the animals who live on campus, with a recent donation from the Indiana company Tree Pro of 1,500 tree protectors and the same number of wooden stakes.
