Research and innovation
Robotics for urban nature
International Leeds-led research assessed the opportunities and challenges this cutting-edge technology could have for urban nature and green spaces
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Access our facilities
Our research facilities are available for external organisations to access
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NCAS at Leeds
The National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) is a world leading research centre dedicated to the advancement of atmospheric science
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Research and innovation
We are a major international powerhouse for environmental research that has wide-ranging and positive impacts on the world that we live in. Our research is carried out within five institutes which represent our core research areas, but much of our work is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges. The School is home to a large community of passionate research staff and postgraduate researchers, accessing a range of facilities and working within dedicated research laboratories.
Top 15
in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
90%
of our research is
'world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent' REF 2014
14th
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences
Complete University Guide 2021
Our research
Earth Surface Science Institute
We advance understanding of Earth surface processes, both in modern and ancient environments.
More on Earth Surface Science InstituteInstitute of Applied Geoscience
We are researching fundamental geoscience with application and impact towards energy, environmental, industrial and infrastructural problems.
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Our research is dedicated to understanding the structure and evolution of the Earth from the core to the surface.
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Our research covers air pollution due to chemistry and aerosols, climate change, high resolution weather processes, global agriculture, and palaeo-climate.
More on Institute for Climate and Atmospheric ScienceSustainability 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.
More on Sustainability Research InstitutePriestley International Centre for Climate
The Priestley Centre brings together world leading expertise in all the key strands of climate change research.
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Research impact
Much of our research has far-reaching and positive impacts beyond academia. Our researchers are working with partners in business, industry and the third sector to tackle major environmental, economic and social challenges. These case studies show some of the ways our research is bringing benefits to society.
Partnerships and collaborations
Many of our research activities take place in partnership with other centres of excellence.

A robotic revolution for urban nature
Tuesday 5 January 2021
More on A robotic revolution for urban nature“RT @african_swift: 📢 New SWIFT research finds satellite observations are key to Africa’s short-range weather forecasts, and could miti… t.co/74xy81vuNv” -
3 days ago
“RT @UniversityLeeds: Within a day of his inauguration, 46th US President @JoeBiden has sworn he will rejoin The Paris Agreement that aim… t.co/Aq01Ip8sbT” -
3 days ago
“RT @ICASLeeds: Some CONGRATULATIONS on a Wednesday........our latest #PhD success is Dean Walker, his project "Seasonal Forecasts… t.co/8gx2GGlg0M” -
4 days ago