Our school is currently home to 15 research groups that give space for researchers of similar interests to collaborate and work together. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our research, academic staff may belong to one or more groups across the institutes. Research groups A - Z Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate of the Anthropocene The Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate of the Anthropocene research group investigates key processes and drivers in the atmosphere and climate system, and predicts present-day and future changes in climate, atmospheric composition and air quality. Biosphere The Biosphere research group represents all life on Earth and the interface between the physical earth and the atmosphere. We push the frontiers of research on soils, freshwater, microbes and plants, their interactions and their role in the entire Earth system. Crust to Core The Crust to Core research group studies how processes operating on all time and length scales interact to generate the key large-scale features of the Earth through deep time to the present. Cryosphere The Cryosphere research group combines field, satellite remote sensing, geophysical, geochronological and numerical modelling techniques to investigate how the cryosphere will be affected by predicted climate change, and to inform possible consequences on our society with respect to sea-level rise and water resources. Cultural and Historical Geography The Cultural and Historical Geography research group brings together geographers, social scientists and humanities scholars from across the University. We are united by broadly interpretative and analytical approaches to environment, landscape, science, space and place. Edinburgh Earth Observatory We develop the science around geospatial and earth observation technologies to understand our planet, to improve the lives, health, and opportunities of the people on it, and to protect its environment. Edinburgh Earth Resources The Edinburgh Earth Resources research group studies a wide variety of natural resources from our planet. Our researchers are dedicated to understanding how to utilise these resources responsibly for the benefit of all. Edinburgh Geohazards The Edinburgh Geohazards research group brings together expertise in natural hazards from across the University of Edinburgh in conjunction with partners such as the British Geological Survey. Environmental Change and Societal Transitions The Environmental Change and Societal Transitions research group is an interdisciplinary group that explores the relationship between people, the environment and technology. Geobiology and Geochemistry The Geobiology and Geochemistry research group investigates the fundamental connections between biological evolution, environmental change, and the chemistry of Earth’s air, water, minerals and rocks. Geographies of Social Justice The Geographies of Social Justice research group aims to provide a supportive, exciting, and intellectually challenging space for critical scholarship. Land Surface Dynamics The Land Surface Dynamics research group is focused on determining the Earth surface response to climatic and tectonic forcing in terms of erosional and sedimentary fluxes and the consequent geomorphology of the continents. Oceans and Past Climate The Oceans and Past Climate research group consists of researchers from a diverse range of backgrounds, who share an interest in developing an understanding of the oceans and their role in modulating and driving global environmental variability and change. Population, Health, and Place The Population, Health, and Place group supports researchers with broad interests in the relationships between place, health and well-being. Space and Planetary Science The Space and Planetary Science Group investigates the formation, evolution, and dynamics of planetary systems, from their deep interiors and surfaces to their atmospheres and potential for hosting life. This article was published on 2025-07-25
