We envision a world in which trust between scientists and the public forms the basis for a more sustainable and resilient environment for all people to live, grow, and prosper.
OAL students at the IAC 2018, September 2-7, 2018
Deep Sengupta presented a poster "Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds in Fresh and Laboratory-Aged Biomass Burning Aerosols" and gave a talk "Estimation of Snow Albedo Reduction due to Deposition of Light Absorbing Aerosols Using a Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Model"...
Secrets of Successful Solar
Photo caption: Prototype sky-imaging camera. Credit: Eric Wilcox. By: Jane Palmer Reno, NV (September 1, 2018) - Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, but integrating solar power into the grid is not without challenges. For electricity to be...
Low-severity wildfires impact soils more than previously believed
Above: In semi-arid ecosystems such as the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Las Vegas, which burned as part of the Carpenter 1 fire during July and August 2013, fuel is limited and fires tend to be short lived and low in peak temperature. New research shows...
DRI presents a series of community-based events across Nevada that celebrate how science shapes our lives, fuels creativity, and deepens our understanding of the world by underscoring the transformative power of curiosity and knowledge.
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More than 60 years of scientific discovery and innovation, in Nevada and around the world
Since 1959, the faculty, students, and staff at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) have advanced scientific knowledge to help solve pressing environmental challenges and improve human health. With more than 600 employees, over 300 projects on all seven continents, and two world-class research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as one of the eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Atmospheric Sciences
Research and services related to air quality and associated health risks, climate, cloud and aerosol physics, renewable energy, fire science, and atmospheric dynamics.

Hydrologic Sciences
Research, development, and education services contributing to society’s fundamental understanding of hydrologic systems and advancing the sustainability of water resources.

Earth & Ecosystem Sciences
Research in the life & earth sciences, particularly those dealing with the complex interactions of geological processes, organisms, biological communities, and human societies.

Education & Workforce Development
Training Nevada's K-12 teachers and providing professional development opportunities and training for education-based activities.

Environmental Research Areas
DRI faculty and staff work in over 40 scientific fields on all seven continents.

40 Laboratories and Facilities
DRI has more than 40 specialized labs and facilities on research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.

60 Years of Scientific Excellence
Since 1959, DRI has contributed to solving our toughest environmental challenges.
As a non-profit, we rely on your support.
By making a gift to DRI, you’re providing the resources our scientists need to better understand and address the challenges posed by our changing planet.