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.
Research | Collaboration | Impact
Connecting research with the wider world to collaborate on projects that deliver positive impact.
Explore projects responding to Sustainable Development Goals
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
- Helping smallholder cotton farmers to sow the seeds of sustainable cotton production 18 October 2022
- University helps to show how residents and businesses can achieve net-zero 27 September 2022
- 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
Future events
- Spark Sessions – Orchard Care Day 29 November 2022 09:30 - 15:00
- [AMENDED DATE] Bringing our urban landscapes back to life 30 November 2022 18:00 - 19:00
- Exploring Green Hydrogen 1 December 2022 10:00 - 12:00
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 2 December 2022 15:30 - 15:45
- Green Hands at Central Park! 3 December 2022 10:00 - 15:00
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.