About CE-CERT

Our Mission

The Bourns College of Engineering, Center for Environmental Research & Technology (CE-CERT)’s mission is to be a recognized leader in environmental education, a collaborator with industry and government to improve the technical basis for regulations and policy, a creative source of new technology, and a contributor to a better understanding of the environment.

Established in 1992 and now operating as the largest research center at the University of California at Riverside, CE-CERT brings together multiple disciplines throughout campus to address society’s most pressing environmental challenges in air quality, climate change, energy, and transportation. CE-CERT’s activities encompass all three aspects of the University of California’s overarching mission: research, education, and public service.

RESEARCH

For over 30 years, CE-CERT has proudly served as a model for partnerships among industry, government, and academia and has brought together faculty and students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines in pursuit of the knowledge needed to achieve environmental sustainability. From working to understand how emissions impact air quality to developing the technologies needed to improve solar and other renewable energy sources, our research teams are continuing the tradition of innovation through research and development in support of one or more of our five research focus areas:

EDUCATION

Our interdisciplinary research model at CE-CERT brings together students from diverse backgrounds to conduct hands-on research, while training them to become future leaders in environmental technology and sustainability. Dozens of undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, science, business, and policy are active at CE-CERT, working on research projects and developing practical skills and valuable experience.

If you are an undergraduate student interested in having hands-on experience working on projects, see our current job opportunities page.

ray of light about facts

PUBLIC SERVICE

Consistent and ongoing stakeholder and community engagement is an important part of our long-standing commitment to the development of future innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders. From conferences to initiatives and everything in between, CE-CERT regularly hosts events that bring together community members with the goal of creating positive change through education and engagement with the people around us.

For more information, please view our upcoming events .

LEADING THE WAY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT CE-CERT

Collaborative Innovation with Real-World Impact

For over 30 years, CE-CERT has acted as an honest broker—facilitating collaboration between industry, government, and academia to address critical environmental and energy challenges. By providing a neutral platform, CE-CERT ensures that technologies are independently validated, practically applied, and aligned with regulatory standards.

Through targeted consortia in areas such as clean transportation, air quality, and renewable energy, CE-CERT brings together researchers, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to generate actionable insights and accelerate technology deployment.

CE-CERT also conducts pilot-scale demonstrations and testbed evaluations to assess emerging technologies under real-world conditions, supporting the transition from research to implementation.

Learn more on our Consortia and CalTestBed pages.

Years of Innovation & Impact

Students Supported in 2024

Faculty and Staff Researchers

Million Dollars in Research Funding in 2024

Awards and Recognitions

CE-CERT’s leadership in environmental research and technology has earned recognition through numerous prestigious awards. These honors reflect the dedication and innovation of our team in addressing today’s most critical environmental challenges—and motivate us to continue advancing science and technology for real-world impact.

Leadership in Air Quality Award (2023)

The Leadership in Air Quality Award recognizes exceptional contributions to improving air quality and advancing environmental sustainability. The Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at UC Riverside was honored with this award at the 34th Annual Clean Air Awards for its outstanding research and development of sustainable technologies. This recognition underscores CE-CERT's commitment to reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner, healthier communities.

Department of transportation intersection safety challenge

U.S. DOT Intersection Safety Challenge (2024)

CE-CERT was recognized for its "Safety Assurance System for Vulnerable Road Users at Signalized Intersections (SAINT)" project. This transformative initiative, in collaboration with the City of Riverside, converts a six-mile stretch of University Avenue into an innovation corridor, integrating advanced technologies to benefit disadvantaged communities. The project was selected for a $100,000 prize, which will facilitate further research and expansion.

2023 Electron Level STEP Sponsor and Partner

Electron Level STEP Sponsor and Partner (2023)

For over a decade, CE-CERT has collaborated with the annual Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEPCon) and continues to advance STEM education in the Inland Empire. CE-CERT was recognized by the Science and Technology Education Partnership for inspiring Inland Empire students to pursue STEM careers, emphasizing its commitment to educational outreach and community impact.

2022-2023 EcoCAR EV Challenge Spirit of Communications

EcoCAR EV Challenge Spirit of Communications (2023)

The EcoCAR Team at UC Riverside was recognized for exceptional communication efforts in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, highlighting innovative automotive engineering.

EcoCAR EV Challenge Spirit of Communications (2023)

The EcoCAR Team at UC Riverside was awarded for its outstanding participation and spirit in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, a hands-on automotive engineering competition that fosters innovation and practical experience.

SAE International Arch T. Colwell Merit Award (2022)

CE-CERT's Dr. Guoyuan Wu and researchers were honored for their significant contributions to mobility engineering through their award-winning paper, advancing knowledge in this critical field.

2021 GRID IE’s Sunshine Award for Collaboration

GRID IE’s Sunshine Award for Collaboration (2021)

Dr. Alfredo Martinez-Morales and his team were honored for advancing community work in the Inland Empire, aligning with GRID Alternatives' mission to support green initiatives and career development.

2021 Climate Leadership Awards: Innovative Partnership Certificate

Innovative Partnership Certificate (2021)

The Volvo LIGHTS project is recognized for its innovative partnership in designing and implementing a support ecosystem for battery-electric trucks. The project involved 14 public and private partners.

Vincent Bendix Automotive Electronic Engineering Award (2020)

SAE International has awarded CE-CERT researchers Dr. Ziran Wang, Dr. Kanok Boriboonsomsin, and Dr. Matthew Barth the Vincent Bendix Automotive Electronic Engineering Award for their paper on the Cooperative Ramp Merging System. This award recognizes the best paper in automotive electronics engineering.

IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Institutional Lead Award (2020)

Recognized for contributions to environmental technologies that improve transportation, air quality, and energy efficiency, CE-CERT was awarded for its significant research and successful ITS implementations.

Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers International (2020)

CE-CERT was honored for developing the Fractional Cabin Air Recirculation System, improving vehicle cabin air quality by filtering small air particles, thereby advancing automotive environmental standards.

Breath of Life Award (2020)

CE-CERT, part of the Volvo LIGHTS project, was recognized by BREATHE Southern California for its significant contributions to clean air and healthy lungs. The project received a $44.8 million award from the California Air Resources Board, promoting sustainable transport solutions.

Innovative Transportation Projects (2010)

The UCR IntelliShare Project, in collaboration with CE-CERT, UC Riverside, and Honda, was recognized for its innovative approach to transportation solutions, enhancing mobility and reducing emissions.

2002-2003 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Fostering Undergraduate Research: Outstanding Faculty Mentor

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Fostering Undergraduate Research: Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2002-2003)

Dr. Joseph M. Norbeck, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Director of CE-CERT, was honored for his exceptional mentorship in undergraduate research, fostering innovation and academic excellence.

1999 WRCOG Norton Younglove Air Quality Award

WRCOG Norton Younglove Air Quality Award (1999)

Awarded for outstanding contributions to achieving healthy clean air in Western Riverside County, underscoring CE-CERT's commitment to enhancing air quality and public health.

1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge Best Oral Presentation

Ethanol Vehicle Challenge Best Oral Presentation (1998)

CE-CERT was recognized by the US Department of Energy, General Motors, and Natural Resources Canada for the best oral presentation in the Ethanol Vehicle Challenge, demonstrating ethanol's potential to lower emissions and improve vehicle performance.

Clean Air Awards: Promotion of Good Environmental Stewardship (1995)

Awarded to Dr. Joseph Norbeck, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Director of CE-CERT, for his exceptional contributions to promoting environmental stewardship through groundbreaking research and initiatives at CE-CERT, highlighting his dedication to advancing clean air technologies.