Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory

Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Name	Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Formation	2020
Type	Research institute
Headquarters	Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Key people	Peter Schlosser (Vice President and Vice Provost)

Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory is a major interdisciplinary research institute at Arizona State University dedicated to developing solutions to the complex challenges facing humanity and the planet. Its mission is to create a future where all life can thrive by integrating knowledge across science, technology, governance, and culture. The laboratory serves as a central hub for global-scale research and innovation aimed at resilience and sustainability. It represents a foundational component of Arizona State University's commitment to being a comprehensive "New American University."

Overview and mission

The laboratory operates on the principle that addressing existential threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity requires unprecedented collaboration across traditional academic boundaries. Its mission is explicitly focused on actionable outcomes, aiming to translate research into real-world policy, technology, and community engagement. This work is guided by a vision of planetary stewardship and equitable human development, positioning the institute as a proactive architect of a positive future rather than merely an analyst of current crises. The scope of its ambition places it among leading global institutions such as the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Organizational structure and leadership

The laboratory is led by Vice President and Vice Provost Peter Schlosser, a renowned earth scientist formerly of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. It is organizationally situated within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, which itself is part of the larger Arizona State University enterprise. The structure is designed to be a "laboratory without walls," comprising numerous interconnected research centers, initiatives, and faculty from across all of Arizona State University's colleges, including the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and the College of Global Futures. This matrix model facilitates collaboration between experts in fields like law, engineering, social science, and life sciences.

Research and initiatives

Core research themes encompass climate resilience, sustainable economies, equitable governance, and technological innovation for sustainability. Major initiatives include the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars program, which recruits top researchers to tackle specific challenges. The laboratory also houses the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, focusing on urban systems and circular economies. Specific projects might involve developing drought-resistant crops with the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, modeling climate impacts with the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions, or studying policy frameworks for the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Educational programs and engagement

Educational efforts are channeled primarily through the College of Global Futures, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in sustainability, futures thinking, and global development. Programs like the Master of Science in Global Technology and Development and the PhD in Sustainability are directly aligned with the laboratory's mission. Public engagement is a key pillar, achieved through public lecture series, partnerships with K-12 education systems, and executive education for leaders in government and industry. The laboratory also frequently hosts major conferences, such as the Global Climate Action Symposium, connecting ASU students with global experts.

History and establishment

The laboratory was formally launched in 2020, building upon more than two decades of foundational work in sustainability at Arizona State University. Its creation was catalyzed by a historic gift from philanthropist Julie Ann Wrigley, a longtime supporter of Arizona State University's sustainability initiatives, including the establishment of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability in 2004. The 2020 launch represented a strategic scaling-up of ambition, consolidating and expanding the university's vast array of related research under one umbrella to increase its global impact and respond with greater urgency to planetary crises.

Partnerships and collaborations

The laboratory maintains a vast network of external partnerships with academic, governmental, non-profit, and private sector entities worldwide. Key collaborators include the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development, and corporations like Salesforce and Intel. It also works closely with indigenous communities, local Arizona governments, and international consortia such as the University Climate Change Coalition. These collaborations are essential for testing solutions, sharing data, and implementing research findings on a global scale.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:Arizona State University Category:Climate change organizations Category:Organizations established in 2020