World-first satellite to measure Earth’s water levels blasts into space
A UK-backed mission involving the University of Bristol, which will observe huge swathes of ocean and surface water in unprecedented detail, has launched into space.
News in 2022
Innovative hydrogen energy storage project secures over £7 million in funding
A consortium, involving the University of Bristol, has been awarded £7.7m from the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) of UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to develop pioneering hydrogen storage.
Bristol environmental scientists lead new research to improve quality of UK rivers
Five new and much-needed research projects have been launched to investigate how pollution affects UK rivers.
Fertilisers limit pollination by changing how bumblebees sense flowers
Pollinators are less likely to land on flowers sprayed with fertilisers or pesticides as they can detect electric field changes around the flower, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.
Half as many e-scooters as bikes used daily in Bristol, researchers find
With the next round of Bristol e-scooter rental trials set to finish in November, research from the University has revealed that there are now nearly half as many e-scooters-users per day as cyclists in the Bristol University area.
Bristol boldly illustrates its support for COP27 and a greener future through power of art
Local artists are showcasing Bristol’s passion and wide-ranging expertise to combat climate change with an array of thought-provoking artwork, as the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference progresses.
Africa droughts became more frequent, more intense, and widespread over the last four decades
Vast swathes of Africa have been experiencing more frequent and intense episodes of drought since 1983, according to new research carried out by University of Bristol scientists and released today by WaterAid.
Top Bristol climate experts set to share expertise on global stage at COP27
A team of leading University of Bristol researchers on hot topics, ranging from climate change policy to adapting to a warming world and ensuring the transition to a net zero economy is just as well as sustainable, are poised to join the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Films explain how we can find solutions for a healthier future
Climate change is one of the biggest health threats facing humanity. It is already affecting our health, and these impacts are likely to increase. A series of short films developed by the University of Bristol’s Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research and Cabot Institute for the Environment explain how the health of our planet is linked to human health, and how research at Bristol will help us to understand these complex and interwoven issues.
Insects affect electric fields in the atmosphere, researchers find
The electric charge of insects can cause changes in the electricity of the atmosphere which are comparable with weather processes, researchers at the University of Bristol and University of Reading have found.
Cabot Institute Innovation Fund 2022: winning projects announced
Winners of the Cabot Institute Innovation Fund for 2022 have been announced. The funds are aimed at supporting bold, ambitious and impactful ideas that transcend disciplinary boundaries. The fund enables the Cabot Institute to support new interdisciplinary connections and establish new research areas, providing a strong foundation for further funding opportunities.
Timely study on rising groundwater offers hope for drought-stricken East Africa
New research indicates better groundwater supply management could hold the key to help combat the impact of climate change in East Africa, where countries are currently facing the worst drought and food insecurity in a generation.
Eco-labels on menu options prompt diners to make more sustainable choices, new research finds
A first-of-its-kind study has shown adding eco-friendly ratings on menu items results in diners making choices which are kinder to the environment.
South West requires more investment to reach Net Zero, according to latest report unveiled by Pro Vice-Chancellor
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phil Taylor joined a panel of experts at the Conservative Party Conference to discuss driving economic growth and a Net Zero future in the South West.
Investing in our future: welcoming our new Fellow in Climate Change and Health
We are delighted to announce Dr Eunice Lo as Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health. This new fellowship is funded by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, and Cabot Institute for the Environment as part of a new collaboration at the University of Bristol looking into the impacts of climate change on human health.
Seaweed-based battery powers confidence in sustainable energy storage
Bristol-led team uses nanomaterials made from seaweed to create a strong battery separator, paving the way for greener and more efficient energy storage.
A pioneering project transforming zero carbon emission technology has received £250,000 funding
An industry-changing technique currently being developed at the University is one of 77 projects allocated funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) New Horizons initiative.
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New report shows Bristol is making headway in tackling carbon emissions but social inequalities persist
Carbon emissions and unemployment have both fallen significantly in Bristol over the past decade, according to a new report holding the city to account for its progress in achieving global goals which are key to the future wellbeing of people and the planet.
Scientists harness Artificial Intelligence to advance ability to measure Arctic sea ice and improve climate forecasting
Pioneering research deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite modelling means the thickness of Arctic sea ice can be measured all year round for the first time, bringing significant benefits for future weather forecasts and shipping in the region.
Insects struggle to adjust to extreme temperatures making them vulnerable to climate change, study finds
Insects have weak ability to adjust their thermal limits to high temperatures and are thus more susceptible to global warming than previously thought.
Pioneering mathematical formula paves way for exciting advances in health, energy, and food industry
A groundbreaking mathematical equation has been discovered, which could transform medical procedures, natural gas extraction, and plastic packaging production in the future.
Launch of new national network to boost innovation
The University of Bristol is part of a new £6.75 million national network to accelerate UK innovation. The Innovation Launchpad Network+ brings together leading universities, the Catapult Network and regional innovation ecosystems to enrich the exchange of ideas and knowledge across these organisations.
Bristol academic awarded coveted British Ecological Society prize
Dr Chris Clements of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences has received the prestigious Founders’ Prize which commemorates the enthusiasm and vision of the Society’s founders.
Volcanic super eruptions are millions of years in the making – followed by swift surge
Researchers at the University of Bristol and Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre have discovered that super-eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth’s crust, formed over millions of years, move rapidly to the surface disrupting pre-existing rock.
SW England and South Wales to become the UK’s first Hydrogen Ecosystem
The Western Gateway partnership and the GW4 Alliance, of which the University of Bristol is a member, have unveiled a vision for South West England and South Wales to become the UK’s first Hydrogen Ecosystem, to lead development of low carbon energy and meet goals to slow climate change.
Cabot Institute for the Environment welcomes new Chair
On the 1 August 2022, the Cabot Institute welcomed Professor Louise Heathwaite to Chair our Strategic Advisory Board and we also bid a fond farewell to outgoing Chair Dame Professor Julia Slingo.
Bristol academics elected as Fellows to The British Academy
Two University of Bristol academics have been elected to The British Academy as Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to social sciences and humanities.
Subjects taught at Bristol ranked among best in the world
Research and teaching at the University of Bristol is among the best in the world, new figures have revealed.
Global plant health network CONNECTED receives £500K grant from UKRI-International for impact realisation
The Community Network for Vector-Borne Plant Viruses (CONNECTED), based at the University of Bristol, has been awarded half a million pounds from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) International from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
Environmental stability on Earth allowed marine biodiversity to flourish
Modern ocean biodiversity, which is at its highest level ever, was achieved through long-term stability of the location of so-called biodiversity hotspots, regions of especially high numbers of species, scientists have found.
Plankton will store more carbon as Earth’s climate warms – but storage beyond end of century uncertain
The amount of carbon stored by microscopic plankton will increase in the coming century, predict researchers at the University of Bristol and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC).
Contribute to the design of a full-scale Martian House in Bristol
Space scientists from the University of Bristol have consulted on a pioneering public art project to build a ‘Martian House’ at Harbourside - and now the people of Bristol are invited to create the interior.
‘Groundbreakers’ Awards presented to young Bristol climate and social justice heroes
Awards have been given to local young people for their ideas to help the city reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Research reveals northernmost glaciers on the globe are melting at record speed
Greenland's many small glaciers are melting at great speed, and the melting is increasing, especially in the Arctic regions, where the temperature rise is worst.
Call for world to unite to predict rainfall futures and tackle climate change more effectively
Leading global climate scientists claim our ability to deal with climate change lies in jeopardy without drastic action to improve rainfall predictions.
Bristol academics amongst next generation of research leaders awarded £98 million to tackle global causes
Four Bristol academics and 80 other promising science and research leaders will receive £97.8 million to conquer major global issues and commercialise their innovations in the UK.
Pioneering study shows climate played crucial role in changing location of ancient coral reefs
Pre-historic coral reefs dating back up to 250 million years extended much further away from the Earth’s equator than today, new research has revealed.
Celebrating academic success at the Cabot Institute this week
This week has been a busy week for our Cabot Institute for the Environment academics who have won a plethora of awards and grants for their outstanding academic achievements. Congratulations to them all!
Pioneering Bristol climate scientist scoops prestigious prize
A University of Bristol climate scientist has won a major global award from The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS).
Bristol scientist wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize
Dr Basile Curchod has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Marlow Award in recognition of brilliance in research and innovation.