National
Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center

Bridging boundaries for research & discovery.

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) brings together the science of the natural world with the science of social systems and decision making to solve problems at the human-environment interface. For 10 years, SESYNC has accelerated research and learning that seeks to understand the structure, functioning, and sustainability of coupled social and environmental systems. To further this work, we invite you to explore our research and learning resources.

Learn more about us.

Center Highlights

The backs of people who are standing facing a speaker in the background at a meeting

Explainer: What Is Governance? A Socio-Environmental Perspective

This brief explainer introduces the concept of governance within the context of socio-environmental systems and problems. It differentiates between formal and informal governance and introduces the pioneering work of Elinor Ostrom in the field and and her institutional analysis and design framework.

Our Latest Newsletter – July 2024

In Case You Missed It: Our latest newsletter features three new resources perfect for learners new to socio-environmental studies.

A young boy scooping garbage into a bag while standing in a dump

Lesson: Socio-Environmental Problems – Both Social & Wicked

This lesson first seeks to challenge learners to accept that all environmental problems are social in their origin and or consequences, and it introduces the concept of wicked problems.