Research and innovation
We conduct interdisciplinary and impact-orientated research to address challenges at regional, national and global levels. To achieve this our research is user-led and solutions focused, driven by the needs of our partners and stakeholders.
- Earth Surface Science Institute
- Institute of Applied Geoscience
- Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science
- Sustainability Research Institute
- Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy
- Social Justice, Cities, Citizenship
- Ecology and Global Change
- River Basin Processes and Management
- Choice Modelling
- Economics and Appraisal
- Human Factors and Safety
- Spatial Modelling and Dynamics
- Social and Political Sciences
Earth Surface Science Institute
We advance understanding of Earth surface processes, both in modern and ancient environments.
MoreInstitute of Applied Geoscience
We are researching fundamental geoscience with application and impact towards energy, environmental, industrial and infrastructural problems.
MoreInstitute of Geophysics and Tectonics
Our research is dedicated to understanding the structure and evolution of the Earth from the core to the surface.
MoreInstitute for Climate and Atmospheric Science
We develop and use innovative atmospheric models to study aerosols, chemistry and air pollution, global climate, high resolution weather and climate processes, global agriculture, and palaeo-climate.
MoreSustainability Research Institute
Our research is based largely on the environmental social sciences and draws upon aspects of geography, sociology, politics, planning, economics, management, development and technology studies.
MoreCentre 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.
MoreSocial 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.
MoreEcology 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.
MoreRiver 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.
MoreChoice Modelling
Our research covers new methodological developments, theoretical insights and practical solutions to real world problems.
MoreEconomics and Appraisal
We look at the economics of transport from a demand and supply side perspective to assess the overall business case for transport investment.
MoreHuman Factors and Safety
We investigate road users’ interactions with new and current transport systems and technologies to advance transport safety.
MoreSpatial Modelling and Dynamics
We develop mathematical and statistical models and simulation tools for the representation, analysis and optimisation of traffic and transportation systems.
MoreSocial and Political Sciences
We investigate transport and mobility from perspectives of the social and political sciences studies with the aim of delivering effective and sustainable mobility systems.
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Research degrees
Whether you’re looking to begin an academic career or want to develop your skills and expertise for a career in industry, studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential. We have a number of funded PhD projects and scholarships available including funded places in the Panorama NERC Doctoral Training Partnership and the White Rose Social Sciences DTP.
News
New home for University’s climate research
The Priestley Building will provide a base on the University's main campus…
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Immersive technologies become the new reality at Leeds
Virtual reality (VR) is becoming the new normal at the University of Leeds,…
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Celebrating satellites’ contribution to polar science
Seven areas of fast-flowing ice on the Antarctic Peninsula have been formally…
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Using the past to unravel the future for Arctic wetlands
A new study has used partially fossilised plants and single-celled organisms…
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