Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change

We integrate physical, social, and systems science and engineering, and develop leaders in tackling critical sustainability issues.

Who we are

We are a community of researchers delivering world-class research in sustainability that pushes boundaries among disciplines. We solve challenges using a wide-angle, whole-systems approach, complemented by a depth of scientific understanding, and build partnerships that help us keep our focus on real-world problems.

A bird's eye view of people looking at scientific posters in a large room

Research themes

Explore our multidisciplinary research across three core themes: Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Sustainable Systems and Social Transformations. These pillars drive our mission to tackle global challenges and create a greener, equitable future for all.

Professor Mirella Di Lorenzo is in a lab wearing a lab coat and protective glasses. She is sitting down at a lab bench and working with chemicals

Sustainable Chemical Technologies

A modern city is overlaid by a graphic depicting the planet and technologies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Systems

Social Transformations

In the spotlight

The Institute's most recent highlights

The vital role of water research in securing a sustainable future

In the lab, Prof. Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern talks to a PhD researcher as she points to a laptop. Behind her, another researcher is standing with protective gloves and glasses and is holding a pipette. They are all wearing white lab coats.

Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, a professor in the Department of Chemistry, explains why water health deserves the same urgent global attention as climate change.

FSA visits Bath to help launch pioneering regulatory programme for cell-cultivated products

Marianne Ellis, Robin May and Joshua Ravenhill at the recent CARMA event at the University of Bath.

A recent visit to CARMA from FSA Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Robin May was part of the launch initiative for a new sandbox for cell-cultivated products.

Inspiring future generations at the Festival of Tomorrow

Four members of the iCAST team in dark green branded T-shirts stand behind a stall with interactive games and display boards.

The science festival in Swindon proved a valuable opportunity to engage with the public on sustainability challenges and solutions.

Advancing green chemistry in drug development

LED photoreactors carrying out photoredox catalysis

Newly appointed as ISCC Associate Director of Chemical Sustainable Technologies, Dr Alex Cresswell leads innovative research into greener drug synthesis.

Melksham and Devizes MP Brian Mathew visits University of Bath

Brian Mathew meeting teams from across the University.

Local MP for Melksham and Devizes Brian Mathew visited campus to meet the Vice-Chancellor and our sustainability and development research teams.

Achieving 95% clean power by 2030

An image of the sign outside the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Professor Marcelle McManus stresses importance of strategic investment and public engagement at Department for Energy Security & Net Zero’s first public hearing

Upcoming events

The role of energy demand in securing a sustainable, flexible, and comfortable future

31 Mar 2025 4.00pm Department of Mechanical Engineering, 4E, 3.38, 4 East , University of Bath

Hear from high-profile speaker Professor Mari Martiskainen, Director of the Energy Demand Centre, University of Sussex Business School.

About Us

Our aim is to deliver novel chemical technologies and robust behavioural solutions, brought together through whole system evaluation, to reframe problems and create transformative innovation in sustainability and climate change.

Stay connected

Enquire about our research and explore opportunities to work together.

Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change