Founded in 1954, UW–Madison's Solar Energy Lab (SEL) is the oldest of its kind in the world and has been awarded the highest distinction given by the International Solar Energy Society, the Weeks award, for outstanding achievements in developing practical uses of solar energy. The SEL’s mission is to educate students through research experiences in solar and conventional energy utilization and to remain on the competitive edge of new developments in sustainable energy technologies. The SEL emphasizes applications of engineering fundamentals to energy problems, and leads students to advanced degrees in both mechanical and chemical engineering.