Research themes
Our research themes are interdisciplinary areas of research that align to our academic strengths and address major environmental challenges.
Behind our research are a range of experts, many of whom are world-leading specialists and contribute to the latest developments in their fields. MERI brings their expertise together into integrated teams to develop practical solutions to the environmental challenges that we face.
Our themes
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Our changing Earth system
Human activity is causing significant changes to the Earth and we need to ensure that it does not interfere with the Earth's delicately balanced systems. Our research brings together the natural and social sciences to provide a unique breadth of expertise to understand the physical, biological and chemical changes in the Earth system and make a major contribution to the challenge of living in the modern age.
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Environmental energy
Much of the damage caused to the Earth’s climate can be attributed to humankind’s uncontrolled use of high carbon, unsustainable fossil fuels. The theme is highly cross-disciplinary working towards attaining decarbonised, sustainable systems and Net Zero energy options; identifying green opportunities; and highlighting the potential adverse challenges / consequences of energy choices.
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Environmental impact on health and health inequalities
This theme covers the positive and negative impact of environments on physical, mental health and wellbeing, and health inequalities. Research focuses on climate and net zero, environmental stressors and environmental benefits, with challenges that aid our understanding of the causal links with health and health inequalities.
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Healthy and Biodiverse Ecosystems
Biodiversity is critical for regulating numerous ecosystem functions and services, and can play key roles in nature-based and biotechnological solutions to tackle environmental challenges. Our focus is understanding multiple ecosystem services and functions, which includes net-zero, carbon capture, clean water, remediation, and trade-offs with disservices.
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Managing the world's water resources
Water is critical to all life on Earth, underpinning everything from food production to energy generation and transportation. This theme brings together interdisciplinary expertise to develop knowledge and solutions for sufficient availability of water for humans and the environment under climate and socio-economic change.
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