EarthLab News
Three former EarthLab summer interns honored in 2026 Husky 100
Congratulations to three former EarthLab summer interns recognized in the 2026 Husky 100!
Each year, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the University of Washington. The recipients actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future.
University of Washington's EarthLab Announces Two New Grant Programs to Advance Climate and Environmental Justice Research
EarthLab, an institute at the University of Washington College of the Environment, just announced the launch of two new grant programs designed to accelerate community-engaged climate change and environmental justice research. The Incubator Grants and Rapid Response Grants are now accepting applications through March 6, 2026. Both programs offer twelve-month awards of up to $10,000 to eligible University of Washington faculty, staff, and research scientists across all three campuses (Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma).
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EarthLab Releases Second Annual Impact Report, Highlighting Community-Led Climate Solutions and Resilience
SEATTLE, WA – November 13, 2025
The University of Washington’s EarthLab released its second annual impact report today, documenting fiscal year 2025 achievements in community-centered environmental research and action. The report highlights how trust-based partnerships are driving climate solutions across Washington state.
“This past year has reminded me that everything we do begins with trust,” said Phil Levin, Interim Executive Director of EarthLab.
EarthLab extends Strategic Plan through 2028
EarthLab has released an updated and extended strategic plan to guide the next three years of our work. This document reflects a shared commitment aligning our diverse partners — from Tribes and nonprofits to students and faculty — around a common vision for climate action. In times of uncertainty, this roadmap helps us make decisions that honor both our mission and the communities we serve, ensuring that our efforts create lasting, equitable impact.
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Learn Climate + Public Health Research Methods with the Reach Fellowship
The University of Washington Research and Engagement on Adaptation for Climate and Health (REACH) Center is hosting the inaugural Implementation and Evaluation Fellowship, designed for health practitioners and researchers. Applications are due by November 28th at 5 pm PT. REACH is part of the Center for Health and the Global Environment, an EarthLab member organization.
Read moreA Conversation with Phil Levin: EarthLab's New Interim Executive Director
Phil Levin has spent his career asking a deceptively simple question: How can science actually help the places and people who need it most? Since joining the University of Washington as a Professor of Practice in 2016, he’s worked to bridge what often feels like a large gap between research and real-world conservation challenges.
In late June, we announced that Levin will serve as EarthLab’s interim executive director prior to a comprehensive national search being conducted for a permanent successor.
EarthLab's Phil Levin To Deliver Opening Plenary at Ecological Society of America
Phil Levin, interim executive director of EarthLab, will deliver the opening plenary presentation at the 2025 Ecological Society of America (ESA) meeting on Sunday, Aug. 10. Held this year in Baltimore, MD, the annual meeting brings together thousands of scientists to share knowledge and raise awareness about critical ecological issues.
The title of Phil’s plenary, Embracing Radical Amazement: Harnessing Wonder and Awe for Transformative Environmental Policy, pulls from his time serving at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he directed the first-ever U.S.
Why Now: Reflections on Joining EarthLab
EarthLab's new Interim Executive Director, Phil Levin, reflects on the moments that led him to this role and the possibilities available to us in this moment of change.
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Ben Packard reflects on his leadership at EarthLab
Ben Packard, inaugural Harriet Bullitt Endowed Executive Director of EarthLab, reflects on his eight years of leadership at the University of Washington before passing the baton to new Interim Executive Director Phil Levin.
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Ben Packard Stepping Down as Inaugural EarthLab Executive Director
After eight years of leadership, Ben Packard will step down from his role as EarthLab's inaugural Harriet Bullitt Endowed Executive Director, effective August 1, 2025. Phil Levin, a professor of practice at the UW College of the Environment and the director of the United by Nature initiative, will serve as the interim executive director until a comprehensive national search is conducted for a permanent successor.
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