Research
The University's research is world-leading. It goes on to count in policy debates, inform business, be part of the public discourse, and therefore have a real impact on society. We're finding ways to make it more sustainable.
Why is research important?
At the University of Edinburgh, we’ve had an extraordinary influence on the world, and on individual lives, for more than 400 years. Each year we take on tomorrow’s greatest challenges; applying new research, in new ways, to solve new problems. This innovation and entrepreneurism sets the agenda for our future society.
Examples of research include:
- modelling that helps us to understand the causes and the pace of the climate crisis
- renewable energy technologies and carbon capture
- the human and behavioural dimensions of the nature and climate crisis, and societal challenges
- regulatory processes at the national and international levels
We are committed to expanding our community of environmental researchers and ensuring sustainability is built into our research practices and projects.
Research and Innovation Strategy 2030
We will expand our community of environmental researchers and ensure sustainability is built into our research practices and projects.
Making research more sustainable
As well as its positive handprint, research also leaves behind a negative footprint, often requiring energy-intensive equipment and travelling, which contributes significantly to the University’s environmental impact.
The University is working to embed sustainability both in practice and in research outputs. In practice, this includes prioritising sustainable academic travel and making sure labs are kitted out with the most resource-efficient equipment.
UKRI Concordat on Enviornmental Sustainability
In April 2024, the University signed UK Research and Innovation’s “Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice”.
The aim of the concordat is to ensure research and innovation continues to play a critical part in understanding how our planet is changing, while helping the sector to act responsibly to protect and promote our environment.
By signing this concordat, signatories:
- recognise the need to change how we conduct research and innovation as well as promote wider solutions
- agree to take shared action now and in the future to reduce and eliminate our own negative environmental impacts and emissions and achieve the transition to sustainable practices.
University at forefront of sustainable research initiative
Sustainable research requires collective action – and the concordat is an important next step [external]
Including sustainability in research grant applications
Advice for embedding sustainability in your research grant applications, including UK Research and Innovation and Wellcome Trust.
Explore our research
Find examples of research focused on sustainability, climate action and the SDGs.
Research and institutes
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative is accelerating the University of Edinburgh’s response to the climate crisis. Working with our academics, students, staff, and partners, the initiative helps ensure the University of Edinburgh is at the leading edge of climate research, teaching, innovation and 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.
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.
Research impact case studies
How the University community is making its mark upon the world through its research, innovation, ideas and actions.
Futureproofing societies and the planet