Center for Environmental Research & Technology

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.