The R2I2 National Office supports 19 projects spanning the country, each dedicated to addressing a unique regional challenge. These project teams translate research into actionable resilience strategies tailored to their specific local needs. Learn more about the projects at the NSF R2I2 program website.
This project fosters a prosperous and secure Arctic by co-developing resilient civil infrastructure adapted to Alaska’s dynamic environmental changes. In partnership with Indigenous communities, industry, and government agencies, the team addresses critical challenges—such as permafrost degradation and coastal erosion—while building a robust pipeline for workforce development. By combining foundational research with techno-economic analysis, the initiative enhances the economic competitiveness, national security, and long-term well-being of U.S. Arctic communities.
Learn more on the NSF Award Pages: Award # 2519283 (Primary), Award # 2519284, Award # 2519285, Award # 2519286 and Award # 2519287
Addressing the critical threats posed by thawing permafrost, this project develops state-of-the-art forecasting tools and physical solutions to protect Alaska’s infrastructure and water quality. An interdisciplinary team integrates satellite imagery and machine learning with community expertise to provide local decision-makers with actionable land-management strategies. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens national security and public policy while fostering a resilient American workforce in applied Arctic science.
Learn more on the NSF Award Pages: Award # 2522035 (Primary), Award # 2522036, Award # 2522037, Award # 2522038 and Award # 2522039
This project addresses Hawaiʻi’s food security challenges by revitalizing traditional fishpond aquaculture to build community resilience against climate stressors like sea-level rise and ocean acidification. By integrating place-based knowledge with advanced microbial ecology and genomic sequencing, the team co-develops sustainable restoration strategies and monitoring tools alongside local leaders. These efforts empower regional self-sufficiency and establish scalable, science-based models for ecosystem adaptation throughout the Pacific.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2518717
This initiative addresses the critical gap in subseasonal-to-seasonal weather forecasting by developing machine-learning models specifically tailored to Midwest agriculture. By integrating AI-driven predictions with the practical expertise of local stakeholders, the project provides farmers with actionable data to mitigate the risks of extreme weather and fluctuations in crop yields. Ultimately, these tools empower agricultural communities to overcome information barriers, strengthening regional food security and long-term sustainability.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2518299
This project strengthens the winter reliability of Midwest electric power systems by helping small municipal and cooperative utilities navigate the risks of extreme weather. By integrating Earth system science with engineering tools, the team addresses uncertainties in weather severity alongside shifting electricity demands from heat pump and electric vehicle adoption. Through collaborative stakeholder engagement, the initiative identifies critical data gaps and develops cost-effective resilience strategies to protect public health and essential infrastructure.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519254
This project addresses the dual challenges of agricultural productivity and energy reliability by developing community-driven solar microgrid solutions. Through an interdisciplinary framework involving atmospheric science, economics, and energy engineering, the project mitigates tensions between food and energy production while providing critical backup power during extreme weather events. This collaborative effort establishes a replicable model for sustainable rural development, strengthening both economic stability and local resilience across the region.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519425
This project enhances the region’s ability to manage drought and extreme weather by integrating AI-driven forecasting with satellite and ground-sensor data. Through deep collaboration with tribal nations, government agencies, and agricultural stakeholders, the project develops data-driven frameworks to protect vital food systems and economic infrastructure. These efforts provide a scalable model for disaster preparedness, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic growth across the Northern Great Plains.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519681
This project establishes a framework for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) in the Northeast United States, focusing on direct district heating and cooling as a resilient, weather-proof alternative to intermittent energy sources. Through advanced subsurface modeling and techno-economic analysis, the team identifies the specific engineering and environmental metrics required to scale this ubiquitous resource across the region. Ultimately, the initiative provides a dispatchable energy solution that reduces electricity grid demand and enhances the long-term sustainability of urban infrastructure.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2517787
This project addresses the critical threat of rising sea levels and flood risks in the Northeastern United States by translating Earth system science into localized adaptation strategies. Through a collaborative network of scientists, engineers, and policy experts, the initiative co-develops practical solutions—such as living shorelines and machine-learning flood alerts—specifically tailored for individual properties and neighborhoods. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and municipal needs, the project protects vulnerable infrastructure and populations while establishing a national model for coastal resilience.
Learn more on the NSF Award Pages: Award # 2519468 (Primary), Award # 2519469, Award # 2519470 and Award # 2519471
This project addresses the devastating impact of saltwater intrusion on Mid-Atlantic farming and forestry by developing a portfolio of science-based resilience strategies. In collaboration with a coalition of landowners, researchers, and government agencies, the team creates practical tools such as salt-tolerant crop markets and advanced web applications for mapping intrusion. Ultimately, these efforts protect regional biodiversity and economic stability while bridging the gap between foundational Earth science and community-aligned solutions.
Learn more on the NSF Award Pages: Award # 2519478 (Primary), Award # 2519479 and Award # 2519480
This project addresses extreme weather challenges in Allegheny County by developing a county-wide framework for scalable green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. By aligning stormwater engineering with municipal priorities and community needs, the initiative creates practical tools for monitoring and maintaining interventions like rain gardens, bioswales, and urban woodlands. Ultimately, the project fosters regional resilience by equipping local leaders with the implementation guides and educational resources necessary to mitigate urban heat and manage stormwater effectively.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519658
This project addresses the intensifying threats of flooding, erosion, and landslides in the Pacific Northwest by developing a suite of community-informed resilience solutions. By integrating Earth system science with local knowledge, the initiative tests nature-based strategies and localized modeling tools to enhance regional preparedness for both acute and chronic hazards. These collaborative efforts foster long-term coastal resilience while providing a replicable model for disaster mitigation across the United States.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519682
This project introduces the Living Engineered Reef System, an innovative coastal defense designed to protect Texas shorelines while simultaneously restoring oyster habitats and storing carbon dioxide. By integrating advanced materials engineering and artificial intelligence with community-led design, the team creates a scalable model for mitigating flood risks and enhancing marine biodiversity. The initiative ultimately bolsters regional economic stability and provides specialized training to prepare the workforce for future coastal resilience challenges.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519712
This project bridges the gap between geoscientific research and practical decision-making by fostering collaboration among scientists, government leaders, and North Carolina communities. Through participatory workshops and predictive modeling, stakeholders co-create actionable solutions to address complex regional hazards, from coastal erosion to mountain infrastructure stability. By integrating lived experiences with scientific expertise, the initiative builds public trust and establishes a community-driven agenda for long-term environmental resilience.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519237
This project addresses the critical loss of Louisiana’s wetlands by transforming Mississippi River crevasses from incidental breaches into a systematic tool for land restoration. By balancing the delivery of land-building sediment with the requirements of river navigation and drinking water safety, the initiative establishes a formal framework for adaptive river management. Through extensive partnerships and workforce development, the project empowers local communities and practitioners to design sustainable solutions for the long-term resilience of the Mississippi River Delta.
Learn more on the NSF Award Pages: Award # 2521996 (Primary), Award # 2521997, Award # 2521998 and Award # 2521999
This project addresses escalating water management challenges in California’s San Joaquin Valley by integrating advanced forecasting with adaptive engineering strategies. Through technologies like Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations and Managed Aquifer Recharge, the project co-develops decision-support tools with local agencies to mitigate drought and flood risks while stabilizing groundwater levels. This collaborative framework ensures that scientific innovations are tailored to agricultural and community needs, fostering long-term resilience and productivity across the region.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519484
This project addresses Utah’s escalating wildfire crisis by co-developing high-resolution risk models and innovative insurance frameworks to protect communities and infrastructure. By combining Earth system science with machine learning and local expertise, the team evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation strategies like defensible space and utility hardening to ensure long-term insurability. Ultimately, the initiative provides decision-makers with scalable tools to bridge coverage gaps and enhance the economic and physical resilience of the Western United States.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519523
This project addresses the critical health and educational risks that extreme heat poses to schoolchildren. By integrating biophysical modeling with the expertise of school nurses, coaches, and administrators, the project co-develops practical adaptation strategies such as safe physiological play limits and passive cooling solutions. This collaborative program establishes a comprehensive framework for schools to identify and mitigate heat impacts, ensuring a safer and more resilient learning environment across the Southwest.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2521935
This project addresses the escalating threats of invasive Caribbean pine and wildfire in Puerto Rico by developing high-resolution mapping and predictive AI tools. In collaboration with local agencies and citizen scientists, the team creates user-friendly applications to guide land management and protect native ecosystems from coupled fire and hurricane damage. By combining advanced remote sensing with STEM workforce training, the initiative strengthens regional resilience and provides a scalable model for fire-prone island environments worldwide.
Learn More on the NSF Award Page: Award # 2519605