Sustainable Earth Institute
Advancing research, knowledge and innovation for a more sustainable earth
Public mailing list
As a member of the public you can sign up to our mailing list to receive our monthly e-bulletin and updates about University of Plymouth and public sustainability events, workshops and news.
University of Plymouth staff and student mailing list
As a member of staff or a student at the University of Plymouth (or a partner college) you can mailing list to receive our monthly e-bulletin and updates about sustainability events, workshops, research funding calls and news.
Sign up to the University of Plymouth staff and student mailing list
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Contact us
If you’re an academic looking for a connection to industry, an organisation looking for academic research support or an individual who is inspired to work towards a sustainable future then contact us to find out how we can help
- Email: sei@plymouth.ac.uk
- Tweet: @PlymEarth
- Visit: 1 Kirkby Place, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
Sustaining life on Earth
The sustainability of life rests on the precarious balance between the interconnected health of our Earth, oceans and atmosphere. In turn, the stewardship of this complex system depends on the interconnected efforts of all those who rely on it.
The Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) connects the university’s world leading research and expertise with the wider world. We bring together researchers from natural and social sciences, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business, to take an interdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach to help tackle sustainability challenges.
Our research responds to the call of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to both global efforts, and the needs identified locally where our capabilities can make a difference.
We engage with all sectors – private, public and third – to work together on innovative solutions for a more sustainable Earth.
We need to protect our dynamic and unique world – after all, good planets are hard to find.
Join the new Sustainable Earth Institute Research Forum
- Are you interested in inter/trans-disciplinary research?
- Are you interested in research funding and collaboration opportunities?
- Are you interested in joining a group of likeminded researchers wanting to make a difference and join up to tackle local and global challenges?
The Sustainable Earth Institute Research Forum is a transdisciplinary forum that brings together academics from across the University. As a member of the SEI Research Forum, you will receive regular updates about funding opportunities, invites to transdisciplinary workshops, information about collaboration opportunities and your profile added to the SEI research community webpage.
Find out more and sign up here
SEI Small Collaborative Funding Workshop
Tuesday 22 November 2022, 14:00-16:30, Rolle Plaza Marquee
Are you interested in seed funding to carry out a small piece of interdisciplinary research that will support a larger funding bid?
Are you interested in seed funding to carry out a small piece of interdisciplinary research that will support a larger funding bid?
Funding is available for research collaborations that align to one or more of the SEI’s 2023 challenge themes.
- Find out about the key interdisciplinary challenge themes for 2023.
- Hear from last year’s winners and how to apply for this year’s funding.
- Network with researchers who are interested in collaborating.
Research | Collaboration | Impact
Connecting research with the wider world to collaborate on projects that deliver positive impact.
Featured projects
Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society
The Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society champions a whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research to improve planetary health. The Centre brings together an unrivalled critical mass of catchment-coast-ocean expertise from across the University’s Strategic Research Institutes to address 21st century challenges alongside national and international policy.
Sustainability news
- University shortlisted for research and community impact at Green Gown Awards 14 July 2022
- Company makes significant progress with raspberry harvesting robots 1 June 2022
- Plymouth named among world’s top universities for marine excellence and climate action 27 April 2022
- First UK charging network for electric maritime vessels launched in Plymouth 27 April 2022
- International call for greater appreciation and understanding of the world’s sand resources 26 April 2022
Future events
- Regenesis: feeding the world without devouring the planet 26 September 2022 19:00 - 20:30
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 30 September 2022 15:30 - 15:45
- Tree identification and seed gathering event 5 October 2022 10:00 - 12:00
- Bringing our urban landscapes back to life 5 October 2022 18:00 - 19:00
- A Mini Flax Farm in the City 6 October 2022 16:00 - 19:00
Discover more
Sustainability is embedded not just in research across the University but also in our course provision, education methods and campus operations.
Sustainability courses and programmes
Plymouth offers a range of sustainability themed courses and programmes across many disciplines.
Sustainability education
Discover how the Centre for Sustainable Futures works to embed sustainability across our faculties.
Sustainability operations
Explore how the University is committed to sustainability across campus and all aspects of its operation.