Research

We will...

Reduce carbon impacts of research practice 

Reducing the carbon impact of research means embedding sustainability across the full research lifecycle, from design and procurement to delivery and disseminations.

We will achieve and maintain high-level sustainability standards across all research spaces and groups, and invest in shared research infrastructure to avoid duplication, cut emissions, reduce costs, and improve access to future grants. Researchers will have clearer guidance, access to shared facilities, and practical support to make low-carbon choices in project design, equipment use, and data management. 

These changes need strong academic and technical leadership, good data, and engagement across disciplines. Over time, this will build a culture of sustainable research, improve compliance with funder requirements, and give students and staff the skills to lead on climate-conscious science. 

Embed sustainability in research leadership and culture 

Embedding sustainability in research leadership and culture means making it a core part of how we plan, approve, do, and reward research.

We will integrate sustainability into internal research governance, funding processes, and ethics and approval systems, and ensure sustainability is considered from the start of every research proposal. Clear responsibilities for promoting sustainable research will be embedded at Faculty, School and Research Group level, with dedicated sustainability leads, and recognition given to sustainable practices in academic progression.  

Further opportunities will be developed to use the University as a Living Lab for climate-positive solutions, linking research, teaching, and operations to deliver real-world impact. 

Day-to-day this means a noticeably stronger emphasis on climate and sustainability in the way all research is conceived, planned and delivered.  

Supported by the Sustainability Team, academic leadership will be responsible for embedding sustainable research practice within their areas championing delivery, and ensuring sustainability is reflected in local strategies, investment decisions, and performance frameworks. Over time, this will create a stronger culture of sustainable research, attract funding, and deliver projects that cut emissions and benefit our city and region. 

Strengthen research that tackles climate and sustainability challenges 

We will strengthen research that addresses climate change, biodiversity, sustainable production and consumption, resilience, and a just transition. 

We will encourage interdisciplinary work through the Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation and University research institutes, supported by internal funding, research centres, and strategic hiring.

Over time, this will grow sustainability-aligned collaborations, attract major funding, and increase the real-world impact of our research.