Climate Research Incubator
Advancing climate action and engagement with researchers and communities
Green Umbrella’s Climate Research Incubator is an annual cohort providing training to regional researchers related to climate and engagement. The program serves as a platform for fostering collaboration among scholars and researchers, community members, and government representatives across Greater Cincinnati.
Our Priorities
Provide training in science communication and public engagement to cross-disciplinary researchers in Greater Cincinnati
Foster opportunities for relationship building and collaboration among incubator participants
Support actionable seed projects and research opportunities developed in partnership with communities to better understand and respond to climate change
Develop ideas and provide research for Green Umbrella and partner’s forthcoming Sustainable Playbook for Greater Cincinnati
Benefits of Participation
Improved research questions and understanding of research findings, design of management priorities, and participation by under-represented groups in science and other disciplines.
Better informed policy process and development and positive sustainable change.
Increased access to funding and added capacity for large-scale projects
Increased public support for science and environmental stewardship through a deepened sense of place. Together this can inspire public action and increase public involvement in decision making.
Meet the 2025-26 Climate Research Incubator Cohort
2025-2026 Cohort Timeline
Fall 2025 - Training & Development
Fall workshops for incubator participants include training in Public Engagement, Science Communication, Communicating with Government Officials, and Aligning Your Work with the Community.
Winter 2026 - Annual Symposium
The CRI Annual Symposium will bring together community partners, public servants, and researchers to build meaningful engagement in regional climate action. The Symposium will serve as a catalyst for the co-creation of useful projects that move the region forward in reaching climate resilience goals.
Spring-Summer 2026 - Collaboration Workshops
In the second half of the year, the Incubator will focus on facilitating and supporting new climate-related research projects. The CRI will provide opportunities for teams to work collaboratively and receive support, resources, and feedback. An example workshop includes identifying funding opportunities and possibilities for collaborative proposals.
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Climate Research Incubator
20
local researchers trained
6
research institutions engaged
15
research specialities activated
Questions about our Climate Research Incubator? Contact bamidele@greenumbrella.org today.
Dr. Kristy Hopfensperger
Meet our 2025-2026 Science Fellow!
Dr. Kristy Hopfensperger is an environmental scientist, researcher, and professor. She is currently the Director of the Environmental Science Program at Northern Kentucky University and helping design and lead the first Climate Research Incubator cohort. Dr. Hopfensperger's work aims to guide students through the wonderful world of science by leading interactive classes, mentoring ecological research experiences, and demonstrating active community engagement. Her recent research topics include the efficiency of green infrastructure, invasive species and their ecosystems, and ecosystem restoration and mitigation.
Why is climate research important? Check out these resources!
Get Involved
The Climate Research Incubator application for regional scholars and researchers interested in the 2025-2026 cohort has closed. If you are a community organization or government interested in getting involved, please contact Dr. Kristy Hopfensperger. Please check back in summer of 2026 for next year's cohort.
Stay Connected
Updates on our Climate Research Incubator projects and trainings will be in Green Umbrella’s bi-weekly Green News You Can Use newsletter! Sign up today to stay connected and learn more about this work.