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.
Scientists warn mountain climate change is accelerating faster than predicted, putting billions of people at risk
Millions at risk as Myanmar wells surpass World Health Organization arsenic guidelines
Historic maps reveal 99 per cent loss of meadows in the South Downs countryside
Blogs
See all ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú blogs
Why mistletoe is thriving, even as its traditional orchards are lost
Chemical pollutants affect wildlife and human behaviour. But industry toxicologists are reluctant to carry out tests, new survey reveals
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
Facilities
Facilities within IEE linked activities
Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Mass Spectrometry & Laser Ablation Laboratory | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Institute of Marine Sciences | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Rock Mechanics Laboratory | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Remote Sensing & Spectroscopy Lab | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
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 ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 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
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, UK
PO1 3QL
Email: IEE@port.ac.uk