Who We Are
The Resilient Communities Lab (RCL), led by Professor Janelle Knox-Hayes and housed within the Department of Urban Studies & Planning (DUSP), is an interdisciplinary team of MIT faculty, researchers, and students developing climate adaptation solutions. We aim to build a collaborative network connecting academic, government, non-profit, community, and policy groups to ensure equitable sustainability outcomes. Our engagement supports vulnerable frontline communities in formulating resilience strategies to withstand, respond, adapt, and recover from present and future climate change impacts.
Our Values
We believe that genuine sustainability is built upon equity and justice. Traditional science and engineering strategies often at the center of addressing climate change are not mutually exclusive of the dimensions of humanity they aim to serve. The Resilient Communities Lab uses a humanistic approach to resolve environmental conflicts, aiming to develop holistic solutions for people and the planet. Through academic exploration and community collaboration, we seek to grow cultural understanding, foster respect, and ensure the inclusion of all peoples.
The RCL commits to promoting social justice, respect for diversity, and equity in our work—values essential to creating a world where all communities can thrive.
How We Work: Statement of Ethics
The RCL is committed to upholding ethical principles in all aspects of our work. We believe diverse perspectives are essential to addressing complex global challenges, and that achieving such diversity requires transparency.
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We seek engagement with and meaningful input from the community at all stages of research, with the aim of creating collaborative and meaningful relationships. We prioritize the community's needs and perspectives.
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We respect the autonomy of communities and their right to control their data. We adhere to ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy.
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We believe open communication and transparency are essential to building and maintaining trust. We articulate research objectives, methodologies, and findings to partners and community members.
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We seek to be accountable in our interactions with the community through dialogue, review, and critical self-reflection.