Our research matters. We are a world-leader in climate change research, and uniquely placed to deliver the scientific, technological and policy solutions we need to make the zero pollution vision a reality.

We pioneer a multi-disciplinary approach to global problem-solving. Our research is transforming manufacturing, attitudes to consumption and economic practices. It is revealing the impact of pollution on human health, and how to mitigate it. We are driving advances in sustainable energy sources, electric vehicles and fuel cells; tackling water scarcity and ocean plastics; improving air quality; and helping to ensure food security and climate resilience across the world.

We do things differently. We transcend traditional fields, bringing together researchers across Imperial and forging new approaches that converge disciplines, from fundamental science and engineering, systems thinking, human health, new business models, and policymaking. We support the rapid translation of ideas into new sustainable products, services and companies, through our rich entrepreneurial ecosystem at White City and our support of innovation, translation and entrepreneurship across the College. And we are reshaping our research portfolio to support our sustainability goals. 

Our research covers a range of sector-based areas, with impact on society and policy at the heart of everything we do.

Pollution

Ocean Plastics Solutions

An Imperial Network of Excellence connecting researchers across the College in finding solutions to ocean plastic.

Find out more about the network

Air quality network (NExAir)

NExAir brings together researchers from across Imperial to improve air quality for all.

Find out about NExAir

Environmental Research Group

The Environmental Research Group analyses the impacts of the environment on health in the modern world.

Find out more about the group

Future energy

Energy Futures Lab

Promoting energy innovation and advancing systemic solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Find out about the Energy Futures Lab

Carbon Capture and Storage Research Network

Imperial has the country’s largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) research program, with over 30 staff involved in CCS related activity.

Find out more about Imperial's CCS activities

Behaviour Change in Energy and Environment Policy (BEEP)

Connecting energy and environment behaviour change researchers across the faculties of Natural Sciences, Engineering and the Business School.

Find out about BEEP

Sustainable Gas Institute

Providing thought leadership and authoritative interdisciplinary analysis on the role of gas in future low carbon energy systems.

Find out about the Sustainable Gas Institute

Electrochemistry network

Connecting the large and burgeoning group of electrochemistry researchers across the university, enhance our interactions, and provide a focal point for both internal and external engagement.

Find out more about the network

Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering

Bringing together Imperial's world-leading researchers in science, engineering, medicine and business to find molecular-based solutions to important challenges facing society.

Find out about the institute

Centre for Processable Electronics

World-leading research and training in materials for processable electronics.

Find out about the centre

Biodiversity

Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet

Bringing together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to tackle some of the greatest environmental challenges.

Find out about the Georgina Mace Centre

The Marine and coastal environments network (MACE)

Helping Imperial scientists build on each other’s resources and capability in a synergistic and more efficient way.

Find out more about MACE

The Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont

The Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont aims to create a green revolution in agriculture, rescue threatened species and restore habitats.

Find out more about the centre

Climate science

Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment

To contribute to, and lead on, world-class research, training and innovation towards effective UK and international action on climate change and the environment.

Find out more about the Grantham Institute

Earth Observation Network

Fostering collaboration and idea-sharing across Imperial and exploring opportunities for engagement with external organisations with an interest in satellites and Earth observation.

Find out about the network

Transport

Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation

A world-leading institute for safe and sustainable aviation.

Find out more about the institute

Centre for Transport Studies

Based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Centre carries out teaching and research in a broad range of aspects of transport studies.

Find out more about the centre

Society and policy

Global Development Hub

A convening platform to promote and support the College's sustainable development research, education and innovation.

Find out more about the Global Development Hub

Leonardo Centre on Business for Society

The Leonardo Centre envisions a society where companies pursue profit for societal impact.

Read more about the Leonardo Centre

Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP)

The CEP provides a unique and interdisciplinary research interface between science and technology, and the economic and policy context in which it is developed and applied.

Find out about the CEP

Transition to Zero Pollution

With the Transition to Zero Pollution initiative, we want to go beyond thinking about zero carbon and consider pollution in all its forms.

Find out more about the initiative

Centre for Climate Finance and Investment

Unlocking solutions within capital markets to address the challenges posed by global climate change.

Find out more about the centre

Sustainability through Life Cycle Approaches

Bringing together life cycle-related research and researchers across Imperial as well as the wider life cycle community.

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MRC Centre for Environmental Health

Undertakes the highest quality research in the fields of environment and health, to inform health policy and the understanding of key issues affecting our society.

Find out more about the centre

Agri Futures Lab

Developing next generation solutions for the agricultural sciences.

Find out about the Agri Futures Lab

Global problem-solving