NEBULA Engineering Research Center
Reimagining Buildings. Inspired by Nature. Powered by Science.
What is NEBULA?
NEBULA is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center revolutionizing how the world builds. By integrating bioinspired materials, cutting-edge engineering, and AI-powered design, we aim to reduce and reverse carbon emissions in the $2.1 trillion global construction industry.
We unite a diverse alliance of researchers, educators, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to shape the next generation of sustainable, high-performance infrastructure.
Our Team
Our research targets fundamental barriers to reducing carbon emissions in construction, integrating expertise across:
- Education & Innovation
- Biophysics & Biomaterials
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Material Science & Architecture
- Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing
- AI & Computational Modeling
Our Mission
We aim to revolutionize how we build by integrating bioinspired science, advanced engineering, and AI.
We aim to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry while fostering innovation, workforce development, and equitable access to sustainable building solutions.
Our Impact
The built environment contributes to nearly 30% of U.S. carbon emissions, with concrete and steel accounting for over 15% of global CO₂ output.
We address this issue by mobilizing a national alliance of universities, over 30 industry and community partners, and a workforce of 10 million Americans tied to the construction sector.
Impact
Bioinspired materials and carbon-negative building technologies have the potential to transform how we design and interact with the built environment. Advancements in sustainable materials and construction can reduce global carbon emissions, improve the resilience of communities to climate change, lower energy costs, and create healthier indoor environments. These innovations will also drive new economic opportunities in green construction, modernize infrastructure, and train a workforce equipped to lead in sustainable engineering and climate-focused design.
Join Us
We welcome companies, research institutions, and public, educational, and advocacy organizations to partner with us in advancing sustainable, bioinspired technologies for the built environment. NEBULA ERC is headquartered at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, with core partners including the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Princeton University, UMass Dartmouth, and Cornell University. Together, we are building a collaborative ecosystem focused on reducing carbon emissions through innovative materials and engineering. Contact us to learn more about joining NEBULA or to stay informed about our research and opportunities.