Sphere 2023

This holistic approach to research offers rich collaborations which seek to drive solutions to global challenges. The diverse approach to research across the SEI brings together world-leading academics and pioneering early career researchers, as well as drawing on community groups, local businesses and individuals all seeking to innovate and build a resilient future for our planet.

This systems-thinking approach is vital to the Knowledge Exchange work that is built into all SEI projects, work which equips researchers, industry partners and the public with information that allows them to make or advocate for actionable changes. Those conducting research across the SEI know that the stewardship of our world’s complex ecological and social systems depends on the interconnected efforts of all those who rely on it.

Therefore, the institute is dedicated to carrying out research projects which have a direct impact, offering implementable solutions to local businesses, whether that is in agriculture, energy or creative industries, so that we can better protect our dynamic and unique world.

These pieces are just a snapshot of the work being undertaken across the SEI and I hope that they interest you as much as they have interested me. Please do take a look at our webpages for further information on past, present and future research across the institute.

Aiming to promote sustainable farming practices that support the recovery of local nature and improve food production, the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is a policy framework created by DEFRA and is integral to the UK Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

Led by Professor Will Blake , ELMS-Exchange takes an interdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach and is utilising the expertise from across natural and social sciences. In partnership with the Sustainable Soils Alliance, ELMS-Exchange has hosted workshops centred around the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), exploring how the incentive can deliver for soil health, farm productivity and food security.

Find out more about ELMS-Exchange

Our world is changing, and agricultural impacts have a large part to play in its decline. In the UK, intensive food production has caused arable soils to lose 40 – 60% of their organic carbon, has removed the food sources and home for our birds, reducing their numbers to less than half of those in 1970 and is responsible for 11% of greenhouse gas emissions. Something needs to be done to slow down, if not stop, the decline of our wildlife, soil health, waterways and climate.

The Environmental Space Living Lab (ESLL) is a project with a regional focus that could lead to a national, potentially global, impact. Working in partnership with SatAppsCatapult, and a host of wider industry partners, researchers at the University of Plymouth aim to unlock the potential of satellite technology for sustainable land and resource management.

Find out more about the ESLL scheme

Our world faces many pressing challenges, from climate change and environmental degradation to resource scarcity. To address these global challenges and enact global change, we need to encourage innovative solutions and new ways of thinking. Science diplomacy offers one such solution, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to collaborate on finding real world solutions to worldwide problems.

Find out more about Dr Munira Raji's work in Geoscience Diplomacy

Onshore and offshore, natural resources have always intertwined with the South West and its coastal communities, with traditional industries like fishing and mining flourishing. But now this region is on the cusp of a fresh frontier, a new decarbonised future that will harness the power of nature through floating offshore windfarms. The sheer scale of the prospect is breath taking, with plans for phase one of the project in place to generate enough energy to power all the homes in the South West and beyond.

Find out more and watch our film on the Celtic Sea project