Holistic Design for Benign Chemicals and Materials
We aim to redesign chemical, material, and production systems to reduce contaminants that threaten human and ecosystem health, supporting safer alternatives and smarter prevention.
Research
TPI brings together Northwestern researchers, students, and external partners to develop solutions that are scientifically rigorous and designed for impact. We help teams turn ideas into action—supporting collaborative research, place-based pilots, and practical tools that can be tested in real-world settings and shared for wider use, in partnership with communities, public agencies, civic leaders, and industry.
Research Focus Areas
Strengthen Climate and Ecosystem Resilience
We aim to restore and enhance ecosystem services—such as flood protection, heat mitigation, and water filtration—so communities can better withstand climate impacts and environmental disruption.
Advance Water and Food Security
We aim to improve the access, quality, safety, and reliability of water and food systems, especially where infrastructure gaps and inequities put health at risk.
Build Open Tools for Decision-Making
We aim to create open-source data, models, and decision tools that help partners assess risk, compare interventions, and invest with confidence.