Research
Our distinct research areas offer many exciting opportunities to explore and discover

The Biogeochemistry Research Centre (BGC) was formed in 2009 by the merger of the Biogeochemistry and Environmental Analytical Chemistry group (BEACh), and the Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group (PEGG). This has brought together two of the strongest research groups in the University, with excellent reputations for the delivery of world-class research, teaching and enterprise activities.
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The Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES) at the University of Plymouth brings together an outstanding research team that spans the spectrum of Earth science disciplines.
The complementary skills and knowledge of CRES researchers ensures an interdisciplinary approach to the scientific study and analysis of key Earth science issues that are of broad concern to society.
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One of the most active research centres within the University, CeRES has a geographical focus on three linked fundamental elements, namely environment-society interactions, environmental processes and change, and their governance through regulation, management policies and stakeholder involvement. The centre blends the traditions of the natural sciences (physical geography) and social sciences and humanities (human geography, politics). Much of the work that the centre does is interdisciplinary, and individual staff engage with a wide range of other departments in universities and research institutes from around the world.
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Current research areas and activities: The study of behaviour of pollutants and nutrients in soil; including the change of soil structuring under clover and its consequences for leaching, and the extent of migration of cable oil through soil. Modelling of high-performance filters for environmental, industrial and medical applications. Modelling of processes involved in the production of high-performance carbonate- based paper coatings. Development of environmentally benign catalysts. Production, sale and use of void structure and pore-fluid modelling software called Pore-Cor Research Suite.
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The Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) grew out of the Institute of Sustainability Solutions Research which was launched in April 2012 and brings together over 300 researchers investigating sustainability from a variety of different disciplines and perspectives including Science, Business, Arts, Humanities, and Health. The SEI is the single point of contact for organisations wanting to collaborate with the University on sustainability. We provide an incubator for developing multidisciplinary research projects, helping to find solutions to world’s most pressing environmental, economic and social challenges.
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The Marine Institute has been formed to consolidate the marine research, innovation and teaching in the Faculties of Science and Environment and the Plymouth Business School into a coherent programme. Fourteen research centres located in these faculties belong to the University's Marine Institute. Plymouth has a unique maritime history of discovery. True to this tradition, the University of Plymouth offers world-class teaching and research in a wide spectrum of marine subjects and works closely with its partner institutions.
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The Plymouth International Studies Centre (PISC) is an interdisciplinary research group focusing on topical aspects of contemporary global politics. Formed in 1997, its function is to enhance the research base for staff in several disciplines (geography, history, international politics, social policy and sociology) who are working on different aspects of international studies. PISC also has a strong tradition of outside links with institutions and international organisations, particularly with the UN, and aims to provide a forum and a focus for collaborative research and research funding.
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