- Who We Are
- What We Do
- Science Distilled Events
Nevada Science, Global SolutionsFor nearly 60 years, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) has excelled in scientific research and the application of technologies to improve lives throughout Nevada and the world. With campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
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SCIENCE SERVING SOCIETYSince 1959, DRI's research has advanced scientific knowledge, supported Nevada's diversifying economy, provided science-based educational opportunities, and informed policy makers, business leaders, and community members. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students, and staff develop scientific knowledge and innovative technologies, improving lives within Nevada and around the globe.
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Join Us for an evening of science. January 23, 2019: In the Line of Fire
Fire behavior is becoming more unusual and unpredictable. Listen to stories from wildland firefighters and learn what firefighters’ journals can teach us about risk, values, and decision-making.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED - WORLD RENOWNED
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. For more than 50 years DRI research faculty, students, and staff have applied scientific understanding to support the effective management of natural resources while meeting Nevada's needs for economic diversification and science-based educational opportunities.
Click below to explore some of DRI's research capabilities and global impact
DRI News and Announcements
Mon, 03 Dec 2018
Data from DRI ice core lab shows rapid melting of Greenland ice sheet
Reno, Nev. (Dec. 5, 2018): The melting of the Greenland ice sheet has increased rapidly in response to Arctic warming, and is likely to continue to do so into the future, according to... Read more
Tue, 27 Nov 2018
DRI ice core data illustrates climate “teleconnection” between Earth’s poles during climate changes in the…
Reno, Nev. (Nov. 28, 2018): This week, new research on historical climate changes in the Earth’s polar regions by an international team of scientists was... Read more
Fri, 16 Nov 2018
Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Receives $4.5M for Continued Research
Collaborative climate research center has received renewed funding from USGS to continue climate studies and outreach throughout the U.S. Southwest. November 15, 2018 (Reno, NV) -... Read more
Thu, 15 Nov 2018
In Memoriam – Dr. John Hallett
Please join us for the Celebration of Life for Dr. John Hallett on Monday, December 17th from 3pm-5pm in the DRI Stout Conference Center, located at... Read more
Tue, 13 Nov 2018
First non-polar historical iodine record shows impact of fossil fuel emissions
Reno, Nev. (Nov. 13, 2018): A new ice core record from the French Alps shows impacts of fossil fuel emissions in the form of a... Read more
Thu, 01 Nov 2018
DRI and Collaborators Awarded $6 Million Grant for Innovative Genetic Research
Project to create jobs and develop new technologies in Nevada, Maine, New Hampshire Las Vegas, NV (November 1, 2018): The Desert Research Institute, in partnership with... Read more
Thu, 18 Oct 2018
DRI Welcomes Sheldon Flom as New Vice President for Finance and Business
Reno, NV: The Desert Research Institute proudly announced today that Sheldon Flom, CPA has been named the Institute’s new Vice President for Finance and Business. Flom has... Read more
Thu, 18 Oct 2018
DRI Welcomes Tracy Bower as New Director of External Affairs
Las Vegas, NV: The Desert Research Institute proudly announced today that Tracy Bower has been named the Institute’s new Director of External Affairs. Bower will lead DRI’s... Read more
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
Renown Health Appoints DRI's Joseph Grzymski, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 25, 2018) – Taking the next step toward expanding its landmark population health and genetics research initiative to a statewide and national level, Renown Healthtoday... Read more
Fri, 21 Sep 2018
Interdisciplinary research team to investigate impact of changing mountain snowpack on agriculture in western US
Reno, NV (Friday, September 21) - Mountain snowpack and rainfall are the primary sources of water for the arid western United States, and water allocation... Read more
Thu, 20 Sep 2018
DRI ice core data provides insight into how dust and precipitation reach Earth's poles
Reno, NV (September 20, 2018): In September, new research by a team from the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Washington, Columbia University... Read more
Mon, 10 Sep 2018
Updated California Climate Tracker tool provides more than 120 years of climate data
Reno, NV (Sept 10, 2018): Scientists from the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, NV are pleased to... Read more
Tue, 28 Aug 2018
Low-severity wildfires impact soils more than previously believed
New research shows negative effects of fire on soil structure and organic matter Las Vegas, NV (August 28, 2018): Low-severity wildland fires and prescribed burns have... Read more
Wed, 15 Aug 2018
Significant amount of cancer-causing chemicals stays in lungs during e-cigarette use, Nevada-based researchers find
Reno, NV(August 15, 2018) – E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular as a smoke-free alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, but the health effects of “vaping” on humans... Read more
Tue, 31 Jul 2018
Governor Sandoval, President Averyt meet with Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo during Trade Mission
ACCRA, GHANA (July 30, 2018) – Highlighted by a meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo, the successful first leg of Governor Brian Sandoval’s trade mission to... Read more
Fri, 20 Jul 2018
Gault site research pushes back date of earliest North Americans
Luminescence dating confirms human presence in North America prior to 16 thousand years ago, earlier than previously thought July 20, 2018 (Reno, NV) - For decades, researchers believed the Western Hemisphere was settled... Read more
Thu, 19 Jul 2018
Tesla selects DRI’s Science Alive program to develop statewide teacher training infrastructure focused on robotics…
Reno, NV (July 19, 2018): The Desert Research Institute is proud to announce that the DRI Science Alive K-12 Outreach Program has been selected as one... Read more
Wed, 06 Jun 2018
DRI's Ben Hatchett wins Nature Geostory competition
Reno, NV (June 6, 2018): Benjamin Hatchett, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, has been selected as one of... Read more
Fri, 01 Jun 2018
Craig Rosen Recognized as Nevada Sustainability Leader
NV GREEN Alliance Names DRI Science Alive Administrator 2018 Environmental Hero at Awards Gala May 22, 2018 (Las Vegas, NV) - Craig Rosen, Community Relations... Read more
Wed, 09 May 2018
Lead pollution in Greenland ice shows rise and fall of ancient European civilizations
Reno, NV (May 14, 2018): To learn about the rise and fall of ancient European civilizations, researchers sometimes find clues in unlikely places: deep inside... Read more
Tue, 24 Apr 2018
Ancient ‘quids’ reveal genetic information, clues into migration patterns of early Great Basin inhabitants
Las Vegas, NV (Tuesday, April 24, 2018): If you want to know about your ancestors today, you can send a little saliva to a company where –... Read more
Tue, 24 Apr 2018
DRI launches cybersecurity internship program in collaboration with SANS Institute
Program now accepting applications for 2018 Reno, NV (Tuesday, April 24, 2018): From malware infections to attacks on critical infrastructure like electricity grids, cybercrime is a... Read more
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
New research improves prospects for imperiled Devils Hole Pupfish in captivity
DRI study finds key differences between artificial habitat and the real Devils Hole Las Vegas, NV (Tuesday, March 20, 2018): In a first-of-its kind study of... Read more
Thu, 15 Mar 2018
Healthy Nevada Project announces pilot study insights and phase two enrollment
Population Health Study Begins Clinical Care Integration and Opens Genomic Testing to 40,000 Nevadans Reno, Nev. (March 15, 2018) – Eighteen months ago, northern Nevada made... Read more
Wed, 14 Mar 2018
DRI Stories in the Snow Project collects over 400 images from local citizen scientists
Detailed photographs help local scientists understand regional storms, collect weather data Reno, NV (Wednesday, March 14, 2018): No two snow crystals are alike, an old saying... Read more
Thu, 01 Mar 2018
Board of Regents award DRI air pollution expert 2018 Rising Researcher Award
Dr. Vera Samburova Winner of 2018 Rising Researcher AwardReno, Nev. (Thursday, March 1, 2018) - The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents... Read more
Thu, 01 Feb 2018
Saving the Desert’s Upper Crust
NEXUS researchers investigate the preservation of a vital component of desert ecosystems To a casual observer, desert lands may appear a barren vista of sand and soil... Read more
Wed, 17 Jan 2018
Scientists investigate northern Sierra Nevada snow droughts
New research from DRI explores root causes of declining snowpack levels Reno, NV (Wednesday, January 17, 2018): The Lake Tahoe Basin and northern Sierra Nevada are currently... Read more
Tue, 09 Jan 2018
Helix to help expand Healthy Nevada Project
Community-driven population health study prepares to significantly increase public enrollment Reno, Nev. and San Carlos, Calif. (Tuesday, January 9, 2018) – Fifteen months after launching the... Read more
Fri, 05 Jan 2018
DRI names Lawrence Buja new Vice President for Research
Reno, NV (Friday, January 5, 2018): Lawrence Buja, Ph.D., has been named the new Vice President for Research (VPR) for Nevada’s Desert Research Institute. Dr. Buja... Read more
Thu, 07 Dec 2017
Climate Engine offers unprecedented access to Earth image datasets
New web application utilizes Google Earth Engine to process and visualize climate and satellite image data Reno, NV (Thursday, December 7, 2017): Working with large environmental... Read more
Fri, 17 Nov 2017
DRI and Scripps Oceanography receive $3 million NOAA grant to help decision makers prepare for…
Program to focus on climate-driven impacts to local communities Reno, NV (Friday, November 17, 2017): A climate research program led by scientists at the Desert Research... Read more
Wed, 08 Nov 2017
DRI Science Alive included in Nevada’s newest list of recommended STEM programs
Reno, NV (Wednesday, November 8, 2017): The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is proud to announce that Science Alive, the Institute’s K-12 outreach program and home of... Read more
Tue, 05 Sep 2017
Massive Antarctic Volcanic Eruptions Linked to Abrupt Southern Hemisphere Climate Changes Near the End of…
New findings explain synchronous deglaciation that occurred 17,700 Years Ago (Reno, NV) – New findings published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences... Read more
Wed, 30 Aug 2017
DRI Nevada Medal Community Event: Women Shaping the Future of Science and Technology
Special DRI Nevada Medal Community Event: “Women Shaping the Future of Science and Technology" Tuesday, September 26, 2017 As part of the 2017 Nevada Medal events, DRI... Read more
Thu, 10 Aug 2017
Black Carbon Emissions from Ancient Wildfires Linked to Historical Climate Conditions
DRI-led research team publishes longest ice core black carbon record to date Reno, NV (Thursday, August 10, 2017): Smoky skies and burnt landscapes are the easily... Read more
Tue, 01 Aug 2017
In Memoriam - Dr. Barbara Zielinska
A memorial service for Barbara is scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Mountain View Mausoleum, Meditation Chapel, 435 Stoker Avenue Reno at 12... Read more
Fri, 14 Jul 2017
DRI Researchers Identify Connection Between Atmospheric River Events and Avalanche Fatalities in Western United States
RENO, NV (Friday, July 14, 2017): Recently published research led by atmospheric scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) demonstrates a connection between the occurrence... Read more
Fri, 14 Jul 2017
Source of Arctic Mercury Pollution Identified in New Study
DRI research team part of international effort to understand global impact Reno, NV (Friday July 14, 2017): Vast amounts of toxic mercury are accumulating in the... Read more
Thu, 29 Jun 2017
DRI’s Alan Gertler awarded prestigious fellowship at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem
Reno, NV: Dr. Alan Gertler, DRI’s Vice President for Research and Chief Science Officer, has been named a 2017-2018 Lady Davis Fellow at the Hebrew... Read more
Wed, 17 May 2017
DRI secures $47 million to continue work for U.S. Department of Energy
Technical research contract to build on more than 40 years of scientific and engineering service Las Vegas, Nev. (Thursday, May 18, 2017): Building on more than... Read more
Mon, 24 Apr 2017
2017 Snowmelt Runoff Signals Good News for Walker Lake but Raises Flooding Concerns Along Walker…
USGS model simulations suggest that Walker Lake will rise by as much as 15 to 18 feet this year, the most in a single year... Read more
Wed, 19 Apr 2017
New Technology Company Comes to Nevada to Focus on Water Quality
Australia-based STAR Water Solutions to partner with DRI to bring innovative bio-filtration technologies to Nevada LAS VEGAS — With support from WaterStart, Australia-based water technology... Read more
Thu, 13 Apr 2017
Celebrating over 15 years of science in the classroom
DRI Science Alive Program launches new brand, new tools for Nevada’s teachers Reno, Nev. – Building on nearly two decades of science education and outreach across... Read more
Fri, 03 Mar 2017
DRI and Italian researchers collaborate to share climate science expertise
Las Vegas, Nevada – (March 3, 2017): The Desert Research Institute (DRI) this week hosted leaders from the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and... Read more
Fri, 03 Mar 2017
Regents honor DRI’s Casey Schmidt with Rising Researcher Award
Reno, Nev. (March 3, 2017): The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents this week awarded Casey Schmidt, Ph.D., an assistant research professor of... Read more
Fri, 03 Mar 2017
Call for Applications: 2017 Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences
RENO, NV – The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is now accepting applications for the Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences. The... Read more
Wed, 22 Feb 2017
A new model, a new vision for health science
RENO, Nev. (February 21, 2016) – Six months after recruiting 10,000 residents to participate in a one-of-a-kind, community-based population health study, Nevada-based Renown Health, the... Read more
Thu, 16 Feb 2017
DRI unmanned cloud-seeding realizes beyond visual line of sight
Research team records longest unmanned, cross-country flight in Nevada history Reno, Nev. (Feb. 16, 2017) – Nevada’s unmanned cloud-seeding research team today realized another fundamental capability... Read more
Thu, 09 Feb 2017
A life-detection strategy for NASA’s Europa Lander Concept
DRI microbial ecologist co-authors report on the scientific value of future mission Reno, Nevada – Dr. Alison Murray’s research has taken her to the southern-most waters surrounding... Read more
Fri, 03 Feb 2017
Congratulations to Dr. Kristen Averyt
Statement from Acting President Dr. Robert Gagosian On behalf of everyone at the Desert Research Institute, I would like to congratulate Dr. Kristen Averyt on her... Read more
Fri, 03 Feb 2017
Regents name Dr. Kristen Averyt president of the Desert Research Institute
Reno, Nevada – February 3, 2017: The Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. Kristen Averyt as the next president of the Desert... Read more
Fri, 27 Jan 2017
Dr. Kristen Averyt named finalist for Desert Research Institute presidency
January 27, 2017 RENO, Nev. -- After completing a nationwide search, today the DRI President Search Committee and the Advisory Committee have nominated Dr. Kristen Averyt... Read more
Sat, 14 Jan 2017
Two finalists named for Desert Research Institute presidency
Finalists are Dr. Kristen Averyt of the University of Colorado Boulder and Dr. Philip Mote of the Oregon Climate Change Institute January 14, 2017 LAS VEGAS, Nev... Read more
Tue, 10 Jan 2017
Rocky Mountain haze - Study finds a link between drought and air quality in the…
Reno, Nevada - During summer months in the West people often head to the mountains to escape the haze regularly found in lower elevation cities... Read more
Fri, 02 Dec 2016
DRI Foundation names seven new Trustees, three reappointments
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 2, 2016) –The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents today approved the following appointments and election of officers to the DRI... Read more
Tue, 29 Nov 2016
Prominent geophysicist Marcia McNutt named 30th DRI Nevada Medalist
Special events scheduled for Fall 2017 in Reno and Las Vegas RENO, Nev. (Nov. 30, 2016) – The Desert Research Institute (DRI) proudly announces the selection... Read more
Thu, 10 Nov 2016
Hazardous chemicals discovered in flavored e-cigarette vapor
Scientists stress need for thorough research into flavored e-liquids RENO – Building on more than 30 years of air quality research in some of the most... Read more
Fri, 04 Nov 2016
In Memoriam – Dr. Kelly Redmond
Donations to support the Dr. Kelly Redmond Memorial Fund can be made to the DRI Foundation online. [CLICK HERE] to donate and be sure to... Read more
Tue, 01 Nov 2016
Research Takes Flight with NV Energy Drone Pilot Program
RENO, Nev. – Nov. 1, 2016 - NV Energy announced today that with several partners, it has completed a drone pilot program to inspect, collect... Read more