About us

Our Department is a leading centre of teaching and research on sustainable solutions to local and global environmental issues. Established in 1992, we integrate a diverse portfolio of expertise and programmes spanning the natural, physical sciences and social sciences. We pride ourselves in the way we value and draw on this diverse portfolio and work with our students to develop new knowledge and meet our commitment to being a Department for the public good.

We conduct world-leading research on topics of global environmental importance. Our research is highly interdisciplinary across the natural and social sciences, and is founded on a mix of environmental science, ecology, human and physical geography and environmental economics and policy. ‘Impact’ is at the heart of our agenda.

One of our guiding principles is that tackling grand environmental challenges will only be possible by co-creating, integrating and sharing the best fundamental and applied knowledge through solution-oriented teaching and research. We have an international reputation for innovation and excellence in environmental research and teaching. In the 2021 REF, for example, 56% of our research was world-leading and 94% of our research was internationally recognised. We were ranked second in the UK for impact of our research. We have big ambitions to build on our success, to become influential at a global level, and to accelerate our ability to have a positive impact in the world. We believe good community is the heart of any successful department, and we continue to strive to enhance our celebratory, positive culture.

Our core values

Our values guide our teaching, research and community:

We are inclusive and embrace diversity
We make a positive difference
We strive for environmental sustainability
We are a friendly and helpful community
We are curious and always learning