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Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program

TRI University Challenge

Every year, thousands of U.S. manufacturing and other industrial facilities submit reports on their waste management practices of certain toxic chemicals, including the release of those chemicals into the environment. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program makes data about management and releases of these chemicals available to everyone through a variety of online reports, search tools, and applications.

About the TRI University Challenge

MAY 2019--PLEASE NOTE: The TRI University Challenge has been indefinitely suspended due to changing budget priorities within the Agency. We will not be accepting applications for the next academic year.

The TRI University Challenge successfully increased awareness of the TRI Program and data within academic communities; exposed hundreds of  students to TRI data, tools, and analysis; and generated many innovative programs, activities, recommendations, and research that have improved the accessibility, awareness, and use of TRI data.

Eligibility

Previous TRI University Challenge partners included anyone affiliated with an accredited college or university, such as: 

  • Academic faculty and researchers
  • Undergraduate/graduate students with faculty leadership
  • Ph.D. candidates

Challenge Benefits

Challenge partners received direct support from EPA TRI staff experts to answer questions and assist with TRI tools and data analysis. In addition, partners:

  • Received national recognition and promotion for their university, students and project activities by being featured on the TRI University Challenge website, and offered opportunities to speak at conferences and events;
  • Collaborated with EPA and peers to advance TRI-related research and knowledge;
  • Participated in special networking events and webinars;
  • Engaged students to understand and solve problems relevant to their communities; and
  • Helped students gain practical experience working on environmental issues with EPA.

Any reports, conclusions and recommendations created and submitted by academic institutions participating in the TRI University Challenge do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the TRI Program or the U.S. EPA, nor does EPA or any of its employees endorse the providers of such material. EPA is providing these materials for informational purposes only. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by the academic institutions. Project proposals may consist of or include copyrightable or other proprietary subject matter (IP). Applicants grant to EPA permission to use all project proposals for purposes of evaluation. EPA and the winning applicant(s) will negotiate rights in project proposal IP and memorialize those rights in the MOU. Title to any project proposal intellectual property will remain with the winning applicant(s).