The Utrecht Centre for Energy research (UCE) at Utrecht University initiates, acquires and manages national and international energy research projects. Research is in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and carbon capture and storage, and ranges from fundamental research to support for policymakers. The partners have created UCE with a small staff (5 persons), so the projects are carried out by experts from its partners, often including experts from third parties.

The Copernicus Institute investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The institute thus seeks to contribute to the development of knowledge and techniques as well as methods and instruments in the field of sustainable development, taking note of related social debates and policy processes.

It is the ambition of the institute to make a difference - in science and education, and in society at large - in the exploration of a sustainable world.