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.
Open to University of Plymouth researchers, the Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) Research Forum brings together academics from across the University interested in working towards a sustainable future. As a member of the Forum, you will receive information about funding and collaboration opportunities, and invites to transdisciplinary workshops and informal meet-ups.
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 our research
Explore leading research in areas including natural resources, biodiversity, built environment, transport, agriculture, behaviour change and more.
Collaborate with us
By connecting academic expertise with the wider world, we support enterprise, business, industry and community to take collaborative action towards a more sustainable future.
View our impact
Discover how research, knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement are creating positive impacts to policy, society, and a sustainable economy.
Explore projects responding to Sustainable Development Goals
Earth Smart
By bringing research directly into the field, working with farmers, landowners and communities, we are co-creating sustainable land management strategies. We are developing practical approaches to using advanced agri-tech and sensor technology to provide rapid, real-world data that can be applied at the right time and in the right place for productive, sustainable, healthy landscapes.
At Plymouth, we are bridging the gap between research and action – we are Earth Smart.
Sustainability news
- A Sustainable Development Goal for space? 9 January 2025
- Partnership aims to advance climate-smart agriculture research 13 December 2024
- Project explores low carbon motivations and barriers among South West’s construction industry 5 December 2024
- Project aims to benefit net zero targets, soil health, biodiversity and agriculture 3 December 2024
- University triumphs at the 2024 Times Higher Awards 29 November 2024
Future events
- Growing with Nature Networking Event 30 January 2025 16:30 - 20:00
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 31 January 2025 15:30 - 15:45
- Taking Action on Carbon and Beyond* 4 February 2025
- Rootstock 6 February 2025 09:00 - 17:30
- Food Plymouth Partnership and Network Gathering 7 February 2025 10:00 - 13:00
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.