Research and innovation
Ancient volcanoes sound 'warning bell' over climate warming
Catastrophic volcanic eruptions that warmed the planet millions of years ago shed new light on how plants regulate climate and sound a warning about rising temperatures.
Learn moreHalving emissions by 2030 can keep 1.5°C within reach
Without significant increases in the speed and ambition of climate action, limiting global warming to 1.5°C will be beyond reach, according to a major international report
Find out moreCarbon capture and removal at Leeds
We are working on research to reduce carbon emissions by developing new and affordable carbon capture and storage technology.
Read more on our workResearch and innovation
We are a major international powerhouse for environmental research that has wide-ranging and positive impacts on the world. Our exciting and impactful research is carried out within five institutes that represent our core research areas, but much of our work is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges at the forefront of global research agendas.
We have a strong track-record of national and global collaborations with academic institutions, businesses, NGOs, policymakers and governmental bodies. The School hosts many national centres, bringing scientists together to provide leadership in earth systems research, and is home to several major UKRI Energy Programme Centres.
We work extensively with other schools and centres across the University of Leeds, with leadership roles in cross-faculty initiatives such as the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, water@leeds, the Global Food and Environment Institute, and Geosolutions Leeds. We have strong links with Energy Leeds, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Social Sciences Institute, and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research.
Top 20
in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
Over 285
academic and research staff
working with over 135 PhD researchers to deliver high impact research
96%
'world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent'
Submitted research - REF 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.
More on Institute of Applied GeoscienceInstitute of Geophysics and Tectonics
Our research is dedicated to understanding the structure and evolution of the Earth from the core to the surface.
More on Institute of Geophysics and TectonicsInstitute for Climate and Atmospheric Science
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 InstituteResearch themes
Our research brings together expertise from across our institutes, centres and groups to focus on multidisciplinary efforts to tackle global challenges.
More on Research themesImpact
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.
• Pioneering the use of satellite technology in hazard response and ground stability monitoring
• Empowering retailers and consumers to make sustainable choices
• The storm chasers making life-saving forecasts
• Tackling climate change through place-based action
• Transforming our understanding of the connection between global temperatures and emissions we release
Research projects
Our research expertise is driving solutions to global issues, shaping environmental planning, protection and influencing our future. You can search and read our impactful, innovative and highly diverse projects in our Research directory.
Inaugural lecture series
The School of Earth and Environment Inaugural lecture series reflects our broad ranging research expertise; driving solutions to global issues, shaping environmental planning, protection and influencing our future.
You can join our insightful lectures and hear about our impactful, innovative and highly diverse research directly from the people who create it.
Partnerships and collaborations
Many of our research activities take place in national centres of excellence based at the School and through strategic partnerships.
New funding supports climate PhD researchers
Friday 22 November 2024
More on New funding supports climate PhD researchersClimate change threatens rare temperate rainforests
Wednesday 13 November 2024
More on Climate change threatens rare temperate rainforestsResearch degrees
Studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential.
Search our projects, ideas, funding opportunities, research areas and PhD supervisors.
Collaborate with us
We are committed to sharing our world-leading knowledge, facilities, expertise and technologies with external academic and industrial collaborators.
Research collaboration
We work alongside forward-thinking external partners looking to research and develop exciting new projects. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to access our specialist expertise.
More on Research collaborationAccess our facilities
Benefit from our wide range of specialist facilities, from an advanced ice nucleation laboratory to state-of-the-art facilities for investigating the multi-phase flow properties of fault rocks.
More on Access our facilities