STANDARD LICENSE; PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL ASSET FOR FULL LICENSE TERMS.

Environment, Geography and Geoscience Research

Explore the broad range of environment, geography and geoscience research we’re undertaking across our three areas of expertise

School of the Environment and Life Sciences explores a wide range of research focused on our planet's past, present, and future – from the evolution of the Earth and life, to solving present environmental challenges, and creating a sustainable world for the future. 

Our work is at the interfaces of science, policy, industry, and society, and involves global partnerships. We're passionate about providing an inclusive, supportive and inspiring environment for our staff, students, and visitors to pursue this research.

In our submission to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021), the majority of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour: 82% for Unit of Assessment (UoA) 7 and 53 % for UoA14. The impact of our research was rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance. Our impact case studies showed societal benefits in areas such as water quality monitoring, management of the Chernobyl exclusion zone and improving the wellbeing of international women migrants and their families in Indonesia.

Our research regularly receives funding from many leading organizations, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC),  Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Royal Society, Innovate UK, the British Council and charitable trusts.

Interested in a PhD in Environmental, Geography and Geosciences?

Explore our Earth and Environmental Sciences postgraduate research degrees - including PhDs and MPhils. 

Explore our areas of expertise

Find out more about our three interconnected areas of research expertise, including our projects, publications and partnerships.

Learning from the Earth's past

Explore our research in crustal evolution, tectonics, palaeontology, environmental change, and applied geoscience

UNSPLASH STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY - FREE TO USE UNDER THE UNSPLASH LICSENSE.
Read more

Solving present societal and environmental challenges

Explore our research in environmental science, physical geography, engineering geology and natural and anthropogenic hazards.

STANDARD LICENSE; PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL ASSET FOR FULL LICENSE TERMS.
Read more

Creating a sustainable and resilient world for the future

Explore our research in sustainable development, disaster management, human geography and institutional governance.

Read more
DES telescope exterior against night sky

Scientists release the most detailed analysis yet of the expansion of the Universe

23 January 2026

Scientists release the most detailed analysis yet of the expansion of the Universe
marketing agency

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú helps launch free marketing agency to support business growth in the city

23 January 2026

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú helps launch free marketing agency to support business growth in the city
unsplash laptop image

Backing those who serve: University launches new civic initiative

21 January 2026

Backing those who serve: University launches new civic initiative
Steve Fletcher

As global plastics treaty talks get stuck in a hiatus, UK leadership comes under the spotlight

21 January 2026

As global plastics treaty talks get stuck in a hiatus, UK leadership comes under the spotlight
14/05/2021.ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú - B Roll - Day Two..All Rights Reserved - Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960.Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú launches the UK’s first Probation Practice Apprenticeship

20 January 2026

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú launches the UK’s first Probation Practice Apprenticeship