Earth and planetary sciences

Our research in understanding the changing physical forces that shape our planet has been instrumental in helping solve major challenges for governments, industry, and communities worldwide.

Earth science is fast becoming one of the most crucial scientific disciplines of the 21st Century as humanity struggles to balance environmental protection and economic progress on a finite and fragile planet.

We deal with topics from the formation of the Earth billions of years ago to the development of hydrogen storage technologies which will provide clean energy sources for the future.

Operational Earthquake Forecasting

A brick building in a half state of rubble from the Italian earthquake

Earthquakes can be destructive and deadly. How can we better predict earthquakes to reduce risks and save lives? Our work on earthquake forecasting has led to multi-national developments in government, industry and community responses that continues to this day.

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Much of our research is cross-cutting and collaborative across our research institutes, enabling us to tackle complex global challenges.

Transforming the energy industry

You can also discover how other areas of our research that support global initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

We are leading the future development of technologies to deliver emissions reductions and enable the delivery of net-zero emissions targets to meet the UN Paris Agreement.

Find out how we are transforming the energy industry

Earth and Planetary Sciences Institute

Our Earth and Planetary Sciences Institute is united by a desire to understand the physical processes, properties and history of the planet on a fundamental level, which continue to shape the world in which we live.

Earth and Planetary Sciences Institute

This article was published on 27 May, 2021