Featured Post from University of Delaware

Sustainable mining: Can we satisfy green energy demands without destroying ecosystems?

Aug 26, 2024

1 min

Saleem Ali

Minerals are essential for sustainable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal power, yet their importance has led to geopolitical tensions, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These resources are geographically constrained—South Africa's platinum is vital for hydrogen fuel cells, and China leads in mineral refining. Efforts to diversify sources often spark local disputes, as demonstrated by recent opposition in Minnesota to a green-transition minerals project due to environmental and social concerns.


University of Delaware expert and Environmental peacemaker Saleem Ali, has a proposed solution: a "mineral trust," or a global mechanism to manage mineral distribution more effectively.



As he outlines in a recent TED Talk, this trust would operate like an asset protection trust, with both mineral-producing and technology-demanding countries involved as trustees. It aims to stabilize commodity prices, prevent politicization of resources and enhance management efficiency.


Ali has appointments in UD's Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, Data Science Institute, the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy and Delaware Environmental Institute. He has written for and been quoted in multiple outlets, including Forbes. To speak with him further, click his profile. 



Connect with:
Saleem Ali

Saleem Ali

Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

Prof. Ali's research examines the causes and consequences of environmental conflicts.

Environmental HealthEnvironmental PolicyEnvironmental PlanningHealth and Safety
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

University of Delaware biomedical engineer helps develop first immune-capable cervix-on-a-chip featured image

2 min

University of Delaware biomedical engineer helps develop first immune-capable cervix-on-a-chip

A major breakthrough in biomedical engineering is changing how scientists study sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – and a researcher from the University of Delaware is at the forefront. Published in Science Advances, the study introduces the first immune-capable “cervix-on-a-chip,” a cutting-edge microphysiological system that replicates the human cervical environment. The platform allows researchers to observe how infections, the immune system and the vaginal microbiome interact in real time – something not previously possible with traditional lab models. Co-lead author Jason Gleghorn, associate professor in the College of Engineering, led the development of the model. His work highlights how engineering-driven approaches are advancing critical research in women’s health. By integrating engineering with biology, we can now simulate complex human systems more accurately and make these tools accessible to a wider range of researchers, Gleghorn said. The model recreates key features of the cervix using human cells, immune components and naturally occurring microbiomes within a dynamic system that mimics physiological conditions. When tested with infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, the platform revealed how protective bacteria can reduce infection risk – while imbalanced microbiomes can worsen outcomes. These findings could help accelerate the development of new therapies, including probiotics and other preventative strategies aimed at strengthening the body’s natural defenses. The research underscores the growing impact of the College of Engineering, where interdisciplinary collaboration is driving innovation across biomedical engineering and beyond. By combining expertise in engineering, microbiology and immunology, the team has created a powerful new tool that could reshape how STIs – and other complex diseases – are studied. To speak with Gleghorn further about this advancement, email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Artemis II and why repeated missions are essential to lunar success featured image

1 min

Artemis II and why repeated missions are essential to lunar success

Getting to the moon wasn’t a one-and-done kind of effort. It took repeated missions, each one teaching scientists and engineers something new, and each one making the next attempt a little smarter and a lot safer. That’s a big reason lunar success eventually became possible: people kept going back, gathering more data, fixing problems, and building confidence step by step. With all eyes on the Artemis II mission's final hours, University of Delaware space professor Bennett Maruca can talk all things space exploration and the race to the moon.  Have you ever wondered why Apollo 11 was named Apollo 11? It's because Apollo 1-10 were already taken! And mostly were fact-finding missions, with many barely leaving the ground, says Maruca.  Space program launches can cost billions of dollars. In order to ensure that they are successful, trial runs need to take place. Space travel leaves very little room for guesswork, and even small mistakes can have serious consequences. By launching multiple missions, experts could spot weaknesses, improve hardware, and make sure astronauts were better protected before taking on even bigger risks. In a way, each mission was like a rehearsal that made the final performances much more reliable. Maruca can reveal facts like this and more. He has been featured in multiple publications. Click his profile to learn more. 

Inside the Italian art heist: Experts explain the global fight to protect cultural heritage featured image

2 min

Inside the Italian art heist: Experts explain the global fight to protect cultural heritage

A lightning-fast art heist in Italy has reignited global concerns about museum security and the protection of cultural heritage. As investigators search for stolen works by some of history’s most celebrated artists, University of Delaware experts are available to help journalists unpack the broader implications. Earlier this month, thieves executed a highly coordinated robbery at the Magnani-Rocca Foundation, stealing paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse in a matter of minutes. Authorities say the operation was swift, targeted and likely premeditated – highlighting the evolving sophistication of art crime. The theft adds to a growing pattern of high-value art crimes across Europe, raising urgent questions about how institutions safeguard collections and what happens when culturally significant works disappear into illicit markets. UD experts are available to provide context, analysis and on-the-record commentary: Debra Hess Norris Chair, Department of Art Conservation A globally recognized leader in art conservation, Norris specializes in the protection, preservation and recovery of cultural heritage. She can speak to: How museums assess and mitigate security risks What happens after a major art theft The challenges of recovering stolen works in international markets How conservation science supports authentication and repatriation Jessica Horton Associate Professor of Art History Horton’s research examines global art histories and the movement of cultural objects across borders. She can discuss: Why stolen artworks matter beyond their monetary value Cultural ownership, repatriation and ethical considerations How art theft disrupts historical narratives and public access The broader cultural consequences of illicit art trafficking While headlines focus on the dramatic nature of art heists, the deeper story is about the fragility of cultural heritage – and the global effort required to protect it. To speak with Norris or Horton, email mediarelations@udel.edu.

View all posts
Powered by