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Earth and Environmental Sciences

Research

"Our research is aimed at solving global challenges and requires innovative inter-disciplinary approaches that combine social, environmental, and technical areas of expertise.

Our research delivers world-leading innovation to addresses major sustainability challenges in areas including climate and environmental change, transformative technologies for transitioning to low-carbon futures, and social innovation for building resilient communities.

Cornwall is our natural laboratory, and we embrace our unique geographical position to deliver world leading interdisciplinary work that is geographically grounded but globally relevant. We work closely with strategic partners and collaborators from the South-West region, nationally and globally, to deliver our research themes.

We have a large and vibrant postgraduate and postdoctoral community, and we work hard to ensure that our research environment is supportive, diverse, and inclusive.”

Read more from Prof Karen Anderson

Prof Karen Anderson

Director of Research

Research themes

Our research pioneers cutting-edge innovations aimed at tackling significant sustainability issues, such as climate and environmental change. We focus on transformative technologies that facilitate the transition to low-carbon futures and engage in social innovation to foster the development of resilient communities.

Research institutes and networks

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92% of our research is classified as world-leading or internationally excellent*

* based on research rated 4* and 3* research in REF 2021

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100% of our research has internationally excellent impact*

* based on research impact rated 4* and 3* in REF 2021

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Our globally-renowned academics work with large organisations such as the WHO, UN, Ministry of Defence, NHS, IBM, DEFRA and Microsoft

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Each year we attract around £3 million in external research funding from UK Research Councils, the EU and charities