Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences aims to provide a deep and integrated understanding of our planet, including the physical environment, the organisms living there and how human activities impact on both.

By examining the origins, evolution and complexities of Earth and life on Earth, we can address the key challenges humanity will face in the future. 

We focus our activities around three major themes, each taking a different approach to solving today's environmental and societal challenges:

Earth and planetary science
Environment and society
Life on Earth

Our study spans from the lab to the field and even into space, as well as molecular-level investigations of environmental processes. 

We have some of the most advanced facilities available, based in the Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Science, ensuring our researchers, students and collaborators can work together to make major contributions to our understanding of the world.

91% of our research was described as "world leading" or "internationally excellent" in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.