Deepening understanding of our planet
Our research focuses on integrated study of the Earth system, helping to solve environmental challenges
The Institute of the Earth and Environment (IEE) brings together the University of Portsmouth’s research on the Earth system. It connects researchers, research groupings, and facilities across the University to support collaboration, shared infrastructure, and engagement with partners beyond academia. By linking expertise across disciplines, the Institute creates powerful opportunities for research that spans the natural sciences, engineering, and environmental policy.
Our work reflects the interconnected nature of the Earth system, integrating research across its major spheres: the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and the human systems that shape and depend on them. This perspective supports research ranging from fundamental investigation of natural processes to the direct addressing of environmental and societal challenges.
View all staff Research with us Facilities
Our activities broadly align with three areas:
Earth System Discovery
Advancing fundamental understanding of the processes, history, and dynamics of the whole Earth system, providing scientific foundations for future environmental innovation.
Solving Environmental Challenges
Addressing environmental challenges, risks and hazards by bringing together diverse expertise to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that support resilience and adaptation.
Resourcing a Sustainable Future
Supporting the transition to sustainable energy, materials, and resource systems through research, innovation, and informed governance.
A collaborative research environment
The IEE provides a framework for collaboration across the University, and partnerships with academic, governmental, charitable, and industrial organisations. We help to deliver leading environmental research and translate it into knowledge, innovation, and practical solutions, while also training the next generation of researchers and practitioners.
Related research centres and groups
IEE members have leading roles in research centres and groups across the university. Explore their work, 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 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.
Environmental Pollution and Microbiology Research Group
We’re investigating how pollution shapes environmental systems, from microbes to whole ecosystems, and developing practical solutions to protect biodiversity and tackle challenges like climate change.
School of the Environment and Life Sciences
In the School of the Environment and Life Sciences, we're addressing the most pressing issues impacting people's quality of life around the world.
University launches new institute to tackle environmental challenges following summer of heatwaves and droughts
Scientists resolve the Hawaiian honeycreeper family tree
Life Solved Live: Where We Came From, Where We’re Going
The inconvenient truth about Chernobyl: “Humans are the real threat to nature”
New floating wetlands project targets dramatic loss of coastal ecosystems
Blogs
See all Portsmouth blogs
The class divide in British politics didn’t erode slowly – it collapsed under New Labour
Fish can pass Pfas safety limits one chemical at a time, but cocktail effects reveal a bigger unseen risk – new study
King’s speech: much‑needed water industry reforms do not go far enough
State opening of parliament 2026: experts on plans for cost of living, EU ties, tourist tax and more
Why mistletoe is thriving, even as its traditional orchards are lost
Facilities
Facilities within the School of the Environment and Life Sciences
Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory
Mass Spectrometry & Laser Ablation Laboratory
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit
Remote Sensing & Spectroscopy Lab
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories
CERES research facilities
Environmental Technology Laboratory
Environmental Technology Field Station
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 University of Portsmouth 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.
Contact us
Institute of the Earth and Environment
Burnaby Building
Burnaby Road
Portsmouth, UK
PO1 3QL
Email: [email protected]