SEI’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Celebrating 20 Years of Energy Research at Georgia Tech

In October, Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) celebrated its 20th anniversary with campus, government, and industry partners. Since its inception as an interdisciplinary research initiative in 2004, SEI has grown and evolved into one of the top energy institutes in the nation, convening and facilitating multidisciplinary teams in the nation’s critical path to net-zero and climate goals.

The celebration included reflections by President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough and an engaging Conversations With Cabrera segment that included SEI External Advisory Board (EAB) members Mark Berry and Danielle Merfeld sharing their thoughts on clean, affordable, reliable power systems in the future. 

The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion exploring the future of regional energy policy and national security with Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer for the City of Atlanta; Jonathan Philipsborn, climate and resilience manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission; Elaine Johns, EAB member; SEI Distinguished External Fellow John Tien; and SEI’s Director of Research and Studies Richard Simmons.

The message from Interim Executive Director Christine Conwell resonated among all stakeholders celebrating SEI’s first 20 years. “The success of the Strategic Energy Institute is a testament to the incredible team we have. By partnering with experts across campus and building strong collaborations with industry, government, and communities, we create solutions that make a real difference in Georgia, in the Southeast, and beyond. We look forward to continuing this partnership and driving transformative change through ongoing collaboration and a shared vision.”