Deepening understanding of our planet
Our research focuses on integrated study of the Earth system, helping to solve environmental challenges
The Institute of the Earth and Environment brings together leading expertise, spanning the six interconnected spheres of the Earth system: geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and the anthroposphere.
Our work generates and shares knowledge that deepens understanding of our planet, solving complex environmental and societal challenges. Institute members undertake innovative and interdisciplinary research, inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders through education, training and outreach. We collaborate with a wide range of academic, industrial, governmental, NGO and charity partners, on projects that range from local to global in scale
Related research areas and areas of expertise
Our institute is broad in scope and has a strong culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary work. Our work is supported by a wide-range of funders, and principally covers the following areas of expertise.
Learning from the Earth's past
Explore our research in crustal evolution, tectonics, palaeontology, environmental change, and applied geoscience
Solving present societal and environmental challenges
Explore our research in environmental science, physical geography, engineering geology and natural and anthropogenic hazards.
Creating a sustainable and resilient world for the future
Explore our research in sustainable development, disaster management, human geography and institutional governance.
Related research groups
Our members have leading roles in research centres across the University. Explore the work of our centres, and learn more about recent projects, and our collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
Centre for Environmental and Renewable Energy Solutions (CERES)
CERES stands at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Established as a beacon of innovation, our centre is dedicated to pioneering research and finding solutions that significantly impact both local and global environmental challenges.
Centre for Enzyme Innovation
At the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, we are working to solve one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet.
Centre for Blue Governance
We're committed to the protection, restoration and sustainable governance of our aquatic environments
Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR)
The Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR) explores the drivers behind conflict and disaster whilst preparing professionals and organisations to better respond, promote resilience, and seek solutions.
Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology
In the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, we're exploring evolutionary processes and comparing humans with other animals, to study the origins of behaviour.
Agile Centre For Equitable Sustainability
We're exploring scalable actions and sustainable solutions to build an equitable and sustainable society.
Giant ice bulldozers: how ancient glaciers helped life evolve
Training the future protectors of environmental and human health
91ÉçÇø expert helps unlock secrets of ancient deep-sea life
Male hairy 'Hoff crab' has oversized claws to compete for females
Water industry using deception tactics to deflect blame for sewage pollution in England
Blogs
See all 91ÉçÇø blogs
Atlantic sturgeon were fished almost to extinction − ancient DNA reveals how Chesapeake Bay population changed over centuries
Chewing gum is plastic pollution, not a litter problem
A toxic chemical was blamed for killing thousands of Teeside crabs – but our latest study explains why pyridine wasn’t to blame
Life onboard a ship in the Southern Ocean for science
The realities of radiation and addressing Fukushima fake news
Facilities
Facilities within IEE linked activities
Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory | 91ÉçÇø
Mass Spectrometry & Laser Ablation Laboratory | 91ÉçÇø
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit | 91ÉçÇø
Institute of Marine Sciences | 91ÉçÇø
Rock Mechanics Laboratory | 91ÉçÇø
Remote Sensing & Spectroscopy Lab | 91ÉçÇø | 91ÉçÇø
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories | 91ÉçÇø
Teaching
Our world-leading researchers teach on a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geography and Environmental Sciences, and Engineering.
We also offer Master of Research (MRes) and PhDs at the IEE - please visit our Research with Us page to find out more, including details of our current pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects.
Our Culture
We have a thriving and collaborative research environment, with clear focus on prioritising our people and fostering a supportive culture of research and innovation. We strongly believe everyone has the right to work and study with dignity and respect, and are committed to widening participation in higher education and research.
As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the 91ÉçÇø holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award for gender equality and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award. Initiatives such as these guide us in providing an honest assessment of our progress in building a positive and inclusive culture, and identify areas for continued improvement at IEE.
IEE Leadership
Professor James Darling
Contact us
Institute of the Earth and Environment
Burnaby Building
Burnaby Road
91ÉçÇø, UK
PO1 3QL
Email: IEE@port.ac.uk