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Environment, Geography and Geoscience Research

Explore the broad range of environment, geography and geoscience research we’re undertaking across our three areas of expertise

School of the Environment and Life Sciences explores a wide range of research focused on our planet's past, present, and future – from the evolution of the Earth and life, to solving present environmental challenges, and creating a sustainable world for the future. 

Our work is at the interfaces of science, policy, industry, and society, and involves global partnerships. We're passionate about providing an inclusive, supportive and inspiring environment for our staff, students, and visitors to pursue this research.

In our submission to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021), the majority of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour: 82% for Unit of Assessment (UoA) 7 and 53 % for UoA14. The impact of our research was rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance. Our impact case studies showed societal benefits in areas such as water quality monitoring, management of the Chernobyl exclusion zone and improving the wellbeing of international women migrants and their families in Indonesia.

Our research regularly receives funding from many leading organizations, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC),  Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Royal Society, Innovate UK, the British Council and charitable trusts.

Interested in a PhD in Environmental, Geography and Geosciences?

Explore our Earth and Environmental Sciences postgraduate research degrees - including PhDs and MPhils. 

Explore our areas of expertise

Find out more about our three interconnected areas of research expertise, including our projects, publications and partnerships.

Learning from the Earth's past

Explore our research in crustal evolution, tectonics, palaeontology, environmental change, and applied geoscience

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Solving present societal and environmental challenges

Explore our research in environmental science, physical geography, engineering geology and natural and anthropogenic hazards.

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Creating a sustainable and resilient world for the future

Explore our research in sustainable development, disaster management, human geography and institutional governance.

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Is it safe to swim outdoors during pregnancy? New study opening doors to find out
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Joining forces for ºÚÁϳԹÏand South Coast Business Week

21 February 2025

Joining forces for ºÚÁϳԹÏand South Coast Business Week
Suffrage exhibition

ºÚÁϳԹÏacademic unveils Suffrage exhibition at local museum

20 February 2025

ºÚÁϳԹÏacademic unveils Suffrage exhibition at local museum
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Study suggests drunk witnesses are less likely to remember a suspect’s face
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Treasure trove of black holes in dwarf galaxies discovered