Research within our School is carried out across our three research institutes. We are also involved with many interdisciplinary research collaborations, partnerships, and bodies both within the University and beyond. Our world-leading research environment allows us to tackle challenging research questions as we seek to understand the complex and interconnected processes that shape our planet and society.We consistently attract world-class researchers and an exceptional level of funding from government, business, and industry. To support our research themes and provide an underlying organisational structure, research within our School is carried out across our three research institutes. Each institute is host to several research groups. Our research is also strengthened through collaboration with a wide range of centres and networks locally and around the world. We enable people from different institutes within our School, other departments within the University as well as external partners and organisations to work together on problems that often require a multi-disciplinary approach and play a key role in developing new collaborative and interdisciplinary projects. Many of our researchers hold positions on advisory boards and professional bodies Our Research Institutes The school of GeoSciences has three Research Institutes. Each manages a portfolio of funding and specialist facilities while creating and nurturing a community of research staff and students. They provide a forum for the development of ideas and collaboration, as well as an environment for training, development and mentoring of research students and early career researchers. Our Research groups Our research groups 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Edinburgh Earth Observatory We develop the science around geospatial and earth observation technologies to understand our planet, to improve the lives, health, and oppurtunities of the people on it, and to protect its environment. 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. Geographies of Social Justice The Geographies of Social Justice research group aims to provide a supportive, exciting, and intellectually challenging space for critical scholarship. 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. Population, Health, and Place The Population, Health, and Place group supports researchers with broad interests in the relationships between place, health and well-being. School centresOur centres enables people from different institutes within the School, other departments within the University as well as external partners and organisations to work together to address local and global challenges. Each Centre works with local, national and global partners in a range of sectors, including:Education and researchBusiness and commercial activityCommunities, charities, and other organisationsGovernment and policy Edinburgh Climate Change Institute Our School hosts and manages the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). Previously named the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, ECCI is Scotland's leading knowledge exchange hub on climate change. ECCI provides decision-makers with evidence for future policy and funding priorities on climate change and is the leading 'research into policy channel' for the Scottish Government.We are involved in the Edinburgh Climate Commission, which is coordinated by ECCI alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver de-carbonisation in support of their objective to make our city carbon neutral by 2030. Visit the ECCI website Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes Launched by our School, the Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes is a hub that brings together various sectors working on global issues of environment and development. The Centre provides critical interdisciplinary knowledge to deliver sustainable landscape management and policy development. We address challenge-led issues such as deforestation, responsible logging, conservation, carbon storage and the landscape's role in ensuring secure and sustainable food supplies. Visit the CSFL website Partnerships and bodiesOur research is strengthened through our wide range of external partnerships, both local and global. We also have researchers that hold postitions in national and international advisory boards and professional bodies. External partnerships and networks Our work involves projects and networks ranging from collaborations within the University, to across the world. Advisory boards and professional bodies Our academics serve on a range of research, government and industry advisory boards and hold senior leadership roles with professional bodies. This article was published on 2025-07-15
