Excellent environmental science with impact

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is an independent, not-for-profit research institute, carrying out excellent environmental science across water, land and air. Our science makes a difference underpinning environmental policies, commercial innovation and conservation action all around the world.  

About the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Humans depend on nature and are changing nature. At the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, we seek to understand the environment, how it sustains life, and the human impact on it – so that together, people and nature can prosper.

We have a long history of investigating, monitoring and modelling environmental change. Our 500 scientists provide the data and insights that researchers, governments and businesses need to create a productive, resilient and healthy environment.  Scientific curiosity, integrity and transparency are at the heart of how we work.

Our research extends from molecular biology to global climate modelling, and we carry out fieldwork across the world, from the semi-arid West African Sahel to the rainforests of South East Asia. Our focus is on mitigating and building resilience to climate change, preventing and reducing pollution, and creating sustainable ecosystems.

We believe that the best solutions are co-designed and co-delivered, and our partnerships cross borders, sectors and disciplines. We are a strategic delivery partner for the Natural Environment Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.

Our research excellence 2000-2018

94%

of all our research papers are cited

1st

in the UK for biodiversity and conservation

1st

in the UK for water resources

88%

of papers were written with co-authors from other organisations

Our impact

Our science makes a difference, underpinning environmental policies, commercial innovation and conservation action all around the world. For example:

  • Our species monitoring and modelling informs UK, European and global policies on biodiversity, helping to predict and prevent the spread of invasive species;
  • Through our air pollution work, we assist policy makers and environmental agencies around the world to develop clean air strategies;
  • Our water resources monitoring and modelling enables governments, businesses and communities around the world to plan for the future;
  • Our research into hydro-climate risks improves forecasting of and resilience to extreme weather events, floods and droughts;
  • Our soils and land use science prevents and reverses land degradation and informs international standards for greenhouse gas inventories;
  • Our agricultural field studies help farmers optimise food production while protecting pollinators.