Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)
investigating geological processes from plate tectonics to modern surface processes to the evolution of life on Earth
Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat. Photo courtesy: Paul Cole
Welcome
The Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES) at the University of Plymouth embraces the broad spectrum of research across Earth Sciences, from plate tectonics to climate change, to modern surface processes, to the evolution of life on Earth. Across this breadth, our expert researchers shared ethos is to understand the drivers of change in the Earth system and the impact of these changes on the Earth and to society. CRES provides an inclusive environment that promotes high quality, novel and interdisciplinary research, alongside a platform for training the next generation of Earth Scientists.
Our staff are at the cutting edge of research, demonstrated by our performance in the most recent national assessment of UK research (REF2014) where we ranked 10th on research power, and our world-class analytical facilities that underpin both our research and teaching. Internationally, our staff are recognised for their research, and also for their contribution to major Earth Science initiatives including the International Ocean Discovery Program and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program.
Dr Michelle Harris
Lead of the Centre for Research in Earth Sciences
Dr Michelle Harris
Lead of the Centre for Research in Earth Sciences
Centre for Research in Earth Sciences themes
Earth science events
- [SAVE THE DATE] Girls into Geoscience 7 July 2025 - 8 July 2025
Our research, staff and facilities
Earth science in the news
- Giant volcanic eruptions affected Earth’s climate but were not responsible for dinosaur extinction, study suggests 19 December 2024
- Scientists embark on first study of Antarctica’s underwater avalanches 3 December 2024
- University benefits from major investment in next generation of scientists 15 November 2024
- University takes the helm of global scientific drilling research programme 1 October 2024
- £1m project aims to forecast long-term effects of debris transported by natural disasters 26 September 2024
- Rocks that originated in Earth’s mantle could reveal secrets of planet’s history 8 August 2024
- Project aims to enhance the potential to forecast landslides 8 February 2024
- 5G interactive microscope labs enable students to get up close with science 21 December 2023
Highlights
There is no vaccine for natural hazards
G7: Examining the evidence
Generating a new approach to calculating earthquake hazard
Academic spotlight: Dr Zoë Mildon, Lecturer in Earth Sciences
ARIES Doctoral Training
Advanced Research and Innovation in the Environmental Sciences (ARIES) was launched in 2018 with funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and has been renewed in 2025 with funding from the BBSRC-NERC Doctoral Landscape Award.
ARIES draws together expertise from five universities: the Universities of Plymouth, East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Royal Holloway University of London. It has a mission to train postgraduate research students with excellent potential from across society, equipping them with the necessary skills to become 21st-century scientists: leaders in the science and sustainable business of the natural environment.
Postgraduate research students
An essential component of our school research environment
Our research students work on a range of funded projects across all disciplines associated with the school.
Girls into Geoscience
Established in 2014, this fantastic outreach initiative that was awarded the Geological Society of London’s R H Worth Award, aims to show girls exactly where geoscience can take them. Lilli Day, who attended in 2015 has since graduated with a degree in geology, explains how she became interested in geoscience.
