Research and innovation
Sainsbury’s partnership
Leeds Institute for Data Analytics will deliver data-intensive research projects through a new partnership aligned with Sainsbury's Net Zero strategy
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Antimicrobial pollution
Dr Laura Carter, who investigates environmental antimicrobial pollution, is among our researchers tackling the growing global crisis of resistance to antibiotics and other drugs
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Research and innovation
We work at the forefront of global research agendas, leading the way in finding solutions to major social, political and environmental challenges. This exciting and impactful research takes us to some of the remotest places on Earth, including the high mountains, both poles and the depths of the tropical rainforests, as well as to the world’s major urban conurbations in the global north and south.
We have a strong track-record of collaborations with academic institutions, businesses, NGOs and governmental bodies around the world. We also work extensively with other schools and centres across the University of Leeds, with leadership roles in cross-faculty initiatives such as the Priestley International Centre for Climate, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, water@leeds, Cultural Institute and strong links with the Leeds Social Sciences Institute and Leeds Migration Research network.
Over 75%
of our research is
'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' REF 2014
16th
in the world for Geography
ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020
Over 80
academic and research staff
working with over 60 PhD researchers to deliver high-impact research
Our research
Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy
We develop innovative ways of looking at the world to understand business, society and the environment at different spatial scales and by providing applied or policy-related analyses of geographical behaviour.
More on Centre for Spatial Analysis and PolicySocial Justice, Cities, Citizenship
We aim to understand the complexities of social (in)justice and citizenship at different geographical and temporal scales and contribute to efforts at achieving a radically fairer world.
More on Social Justice, Cities, CitizenshipEcology and Global Change
Working in biomes across the world from tropical rain forests to Arctic tundra, we aim to determine the nature of environmental change at a range of temporal and spatial scales.
More on Ecology and Global ChangeRiver Basin Processes and Management
We provide leadership in understanding and managing environmental processes and feedbacks that control and link water, sediment, solute and biotic dynamics in river basins, estuaries and marine systems.
More on River Basin Processes and Management
Research impact
We collaborate with civic society, businesses and governments to improve societal well-being and sustainable economic growth. These case studies illustrate some of the global impacts of our research:
Leading the way to affordable, low impact homes
Bringing economic benefits to consumers and the water industry
Using tropical forest research to influence global climate change policy
Helping global retailers maximise profits through retail network research
We regularly summarise our latest research in our Briefing Notes.
News

LIDA announces partnership with Sainsbury’s
Wednesday 20 January 2021
More on LIDA announces partnership with Sainsbury’sAccess our facilities
We are committed to sharing our facilities and associated expertise with external academic and industrial collaborators. We have a team of dedicated professionals who provide a high quality, friendly and comprehensive service.
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