Research, Action & Impact

Knowledge for urgent climate action

The University of Edinburgh is ranked globally for its excellence in research, teaching and innovation. Our academics are at the forefront of applying cutting edge research to help communities adapt and mitigate the effects of the climate emergency.

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Explore
our research

The Edinburgh Research Explorer provides a public view of the University of Edinburgh’s research activity including projects, outputs, academic profiles, publications, and data sets. Search keywords to learn more about our work.

Our work
In action

The University of Edinburgh hosts over 35 distinct research centres, institutes, networks and groups that are actively making an impact through climate, environment, biodiversity, sustainability related research across all disciplines.

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Adaptation Community of Practice

The Adaptation Community of Practice is a group open to postgraduate students, researchers and practitioners…

Interaction between the atmosphere and the land surface
Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate of the Anthropocene

The Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate of the Anthropocene Research Group investigates key processes and drivers…

Watercolour painting of earth globe
Centre for Adapting to Changing Environments

The Centre for Adapting to Changing Environments (ACE) is a leading centre in multidisciplinary research…

Wind Turbines on a snowy landscape
Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Co-ordinated by the Centre for Business and Climate Change and the Sustainable Business Initiative, B-CCaS…

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Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health

The Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health contributes to a healthier population and…

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Centre for Science, Knowledge and Policy (SKAPE)

The Centre for Science, Knowledge and Policy (SKAPE) brings together academic researchers across a range…

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Centre for Statistics

The Centre for Statistics (CfS) trains the next generation of statisticians and data scientists. Focused…

Person petting a goat amongst livestock
Centre for Supporting Evidence Based Interventions in Livestock

The Centre for Supporting Evidence Based Interventions in Livestock puts data and evidence at the…

Lush green forest
Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes

The Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes’ mission is to work with a wide range…

Group of people herd livestock
Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH)

The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) supports partnership programmes that aim to…

Artistic Edinburgh cityscape
ClimateXChange

ClimateXChange (CXC) is Scotland’s centre of expertise on climate change. They commission research and analysis…

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Earth Fellows Edit

Edinburgh Earth Initiative’s Earth Fellows programme gives current students the unique opportunity to work on…

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute
Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI)

ECCI is a leading centre for research, teaching, policy and practice for climate action, and…

Painting of people below tall trees
Edinburgh Environment and Development Network

The Edinburgh Environment and Development Network aims to combine expertise from the public and private…

Microscopic image of molecules
Edinburgh Environmental Humanities Network

The Edinburgh Environmental Humanities Network (EEHN) emphasises reflection upon and innovation across the disciplinary boundaries…

Microscopic image of infectious organisms
Edinburgh Infectious Diseases

A network connecting over 860 scientists in 210 research groups, actively working in infectious disease…

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Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering

The Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering (ERPE) is a strategic alliance between Heriot-Watt University and…

Brightly lit globe
Energy@Edinburgh

Energy@Edinburgh is an interconnected community of 200 researchers across different schools in the University, aligned…

Group of students get creative
ESALA Climate Action

ESALA Climate Action is a student and staff group aiming to tackle the Climate Emergency…

Selection of fruit and vegetables
Food Researchers in Edinburgh (FRIED)

Food Researchers in Edinburgh (FRIED) and its members approach food from a variety of angles,…

Abstract floral artwork
GENDER.ED

GENDER.ED provides a dynamic directory and up-to-date resources on gender and sexualities courses, researchers, research…

Microscopic image of organisms
Institute for Ecology and Evolution

The Institute for Ecology and Evolution has carried forward groundbreaking research from the Ashworth Laboratories…

Building front of the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment
Institute for Infrastructure and Environment

The Institute for Infrastructure and Environment is aimed at promoting the well-being of humanity in…

Abstract image of magnified plants
Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences

The Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences staff’s research addresses the global challenges of food security,…

Researcher looks through microscope in lab
One Health Network

The One Health network focuses on improving livelihoods around the world – exploring complex relationships…

Beautiful blossoming trees in park
OpenSpace Research Centre

The OpenSpace Research Centre is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, bringing together experts in landscape architecture,…

Outdoor and Nature Based Learning

As part of a University leading the way in creating a greener future, the Edinburgh…

Abstract image of colourful connecting dots in a DNA like fashion
RACE.ED

RACE.ED is a cross-university network concerned with race, racialisation and decolonial studies from a multidisciplinary…

Multiple pairs on hands hold up world globe
Science for Sustainability Hub

The Science for Sustainability Hub was established to strengthen research collaborations across Synthetic Biology and…

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SDG Research Network

The SDG Research Network is run by postgraduate and postdoc researchers. We run events to…

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Sus+ The Edinburgh Network of Social Scientists for Sustainability

Sus+ is the Edinburgh network of social scientists for sustainability. Our aim is to enhance…

Rendering of a futuristic research facility infrastructure
The Centre for Future Infrastructure

Centre for Future Infrastructure is a emerging space for partners from all sectors of the…

Pile of Law books with students in background
The Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law

The Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law (ECIGL) brings together and expands the exciting…

Examples of rice grains grown at IRRI (International Rice Research Institute).
The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems is developing new science, curating evidence and…

Group of hikers cross peatlands
UN-University Centre for Education for Sustainable Development

‘Learning for Sustainability Scotland’ is a growing network of educators, practitioners and key partners, all…

Abstract image of connecting dots
UNCOVER

UNCOVER, established by the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute in 2020 as a response to…

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Water Technology and Research at Edinburgh

The WaTeREd (Water Technology and Research at Edinburgh) Network is a multidisciplinary collaborative network which…