BEaRS Summer Workshop Empowers WPI-SKCM² Researchers to Advance Energy Resilience and Sustainability
- The Boulder Energy and Resilient Sustainability (BEaRS) Summer Workshop, co-sponsored with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and The International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM²), was held from July 16-19 at the University of Colorado Boulder with the aim to empower researchers to explore real-world applications of energy resilience and sustainability, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and societal impact.
- WPI-SKCM² supported early-career researchers to attend this workshop, fostering cross-cultural engagement and expanding their academic horizons.
- Learn about the workshop experiences of WPI-SKCM² researchers, Natsuki Mukai and Shashanka Muengowda Hadonahali, supported by the institute’s travel grants.
Energy resilience and sustainability are pressing global challenges that demand interdisciplinary collaboration and collective action. In response to this need, the Boulder Energy and Resilient Sustainability (BEaRS) Summer Workshop, co-sponsored by WPI-SKCM², was held from July 16–19 at the University of Colorado Boulder. The workshop was co-hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), one of the world’s leading institutions bridging foundational research with practical applications to integrate various energy technologies. This initiative aligns with the core mission of the WPI-SKCM², which aims to foster a sustainable society through advanced scientific research and innovation.
The event brought together researchers from diverse disciplines—ranging from physical sciences and engineering to social sciences and policy—for an intensive week of discussion and collaboration. Several WPI-SKCM² Principal Investigators (PI), including Prof. Katsuya Inoue (Hiroshima University) and Prof. Hiroshi Sato (Hiroshima University & RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science), were invited to speak, sharing their expertise in chiral and porous materials, respectively, in the context of sustainable solutions. Distinguished invited speakers also included Amory Lovins (Rocky Mountain Institute / Stanford University) and Chuck Kutscher (RASEI), who shared their visions and insights on advancing energy resilience and sustainability.
The workshop encompassed the following topics:
- Sustainable materials for the built environment; thermal control of buildings
- Economics of renewable integration
- Electrification and EVs
- Renewable energy policy and regulatory design
- Critical mineral and the energy transition
- Energy impacts of AI hardware and datacenters
- New approaches to energy-efficient, unconventional computing
- Chiral materials energy-efficient information storage and other applications
In addition to sustainability as a key mission, WPI-SKCM² is committed to internationalization. Therefore, all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are eligible for travel grants to attend schools, conferences, and international research exchanges with PIs of SKCM² worldwide. In line with this initiative, WPI-SKCM² awarded travel grants to two early-career researchers: graduate student Mukai Natsuki and postdoctoral fellow Shashanka Muengowda Hadonahali, both of whom were selected among a handful of WPI-SKCM² representatives to participate in the event. Each of them returned with new insights they’re eager to integrate into their future research and professional endeavors.
Notably, this marked the first time either had visited the United States. The experience left a lasting impression—not just academically, but personally.
“It was my first time going overseas. I was impressed by how big everything was and how beautiful the nature was. The people were also very kind and friendly, which made me feel very comfortable. The most special experience for me was talking with local people because I like meeting people with different backgrounds from mine. It was very exciting and meaningful for me.” — Natsuki Mukai, 2nd Year PhD Student, WPI-SKCM²
While the trip was full of firsts, what stood out most was the workshop’s emphasis on real-world applications of research, especially for its contribution to sustainability. Engaging with both scientists and practitioners, the WPI-SKCM² participants began to see how their own work could impact broader society.
“The beauty of this workshop is that I could meet people from the social sciences—like policymakers and economists—who were brilliant at explaining what sustainability really means. Before this workshop, I usually focused on one direction. Now, I have a better understanding of how to transform laboratory research into industrial research, while keeping sustainability in mind for future generations.” — Shashanka Muengowda Hadonahali, Postdoctoral Researcher, WPI-SKCM²
The workshop also prompted deeper reflection on the ethical responsibilities of researchers in addressing social inequalities. One such realization was the link between sustainability and socioeconomic disparity.
“In my opinion, the financial gap between people—the rich and the poor—is strongly related to sustainability. For example, the rate of electric vehicle ownership is highly correlated with income levels.” — Natsuki Mukai, 2nd Year PhD Student, WPI-SKCM²
Both participants returned with a renewed sense of purpose. For them, scientific research extends beyond laboratory experiments and academic publications. Through their journey in this workshop, the participants embraced the idea that their work should meaningfully contribute to society and serve as a vehicle for change.
“For me, the main takeaway from this workshop is that your research should always be useful for society. You shouldn’t do research only for the sake of publication. You should do it in a way that it benefits people—because we all come from society, and we all belong to it. Ultimately, this is our chance to give back in a meaningful way.” — Shashanka Muengowda Hadonahali, Postdoctoral Researcher, WPI-SKCM²
We proudly congratulate Natsuki Mukai, Shashanka Muengowda Hadonahali, and other selected participants on completing the BEaRS Summer Workshop. We look forward to seeing how they harness this experience to pioneer innovative energy solutions and serve as agents of change in the pursuit of sustainability.
Shashanka Hodonahali Munegowda’s interview video:
Natsuki Mukai’s interview video:
