Research

We welcome interest from researchers at all levels and in any discipline with questions that relate to Ecovillage at Ithaca as a site of inquiry.

Thrive Ithaca Ecovillage Education Center supports and facilitates research that deepens understanding of topics related to ecovillages and cohousing and their relevance to a greater society.

Ecovillage at Ithaca was founded to serve as a model for neighborhood development in other communities through the provision of research and education programs and to promote experiential learning about ways of meeting human needs for shelter, food, energy, livelihood, and social connectedness that are aligned with the long-term health and viability of the planet and all its inhabitants.

To access past research and media coverage about Ecovillage at Ithaca, go to the “Publications” page.

Organizations

We also welcome collaborations with other organizations; we are always looking to expand our network for resource-sharing, relationship-building, educational or research purposes to strengthen our own community evolution or understanding of sustainable community.  If you are part of an organization that is looking to connect with Thrive or Ecovillage at Ithaca, please contact us to discuss a potential collaboration.

Guidelines for Researchers

Please keep in mind some considerations for potential researchers:

  • Ecovillage at Ithaca is a residential community and participation by residents is on a voluntary basis and may be limited in capacity.  Researchers are expected to respect the privacy and time of any EVI participants.

  • Researcher (or institution) is responsible for costs associated with visiting or conducting research.

  • Thrive can help facilitate research by assisting with accessing materials, making connections, finding accommodations, or hosting an in-person visit.

  • Visitors to EVI must have a host and conform to guest policies.  Guests may visit EVI for up to 30 days consecutively.

  • Researcher commits to providing a copy or link to final research deliverables for EVI archives.


We recommend potential researchers review this protocol from the Global Ecovillage Network regarding working with ecovillages.

Contact for Researchers

If you are interested in carrying out research that involves Ecovillage at Ithaca, please fill out the Research Inquiry Form below.