Institute for Sustainability

The creation of a pan-university Institute for Sustainability demonstrates the University of Surrey’s commitment to be at the forefront of transdisciplinary sustainability research.

This Institute will increase the scale and enhance the excellence of the University’s research and innovation in priority areas of sustainability research. Through transdisciplinary collaborations across faculties, and business and external partner engagement, we will break new ground to produce world-class research and effecting significant change for the long-term wellbeing for all.

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Expert comment

Professor Ravi Silva, Interim Director of the Institute for Sustainability on why investing in renewable energy is an economic necessity for the UK.

What sustainability means to us

Our mission

Our purpose

We harness the power of collaboration across all disciplines (in the University of Surrey and beyond) to drive the transition to a sustainable world of long-term wellbeing for all.

Our approach

We are a synthesis platform, holistically bringing together education and research for action.
We use systems thinking and disruptive innovation to develop environmental, technological, social, economic and governance solutions.
We partner with real-world champions in the public, private and third sector to showcase how change can happen.

Our commitment

We commit to achieving our purpose in a way that protects and enhances the health of social and environmental systems.

Our philosophy of work

Sustainability as wellbeing

Achieve long-term wellbeing for all by promoting a comprehensive transformation through social, economic, policy and technological innovation.

Research and action

Advance research and action in key areas such as food, energy, circular economies, behavioural change, public health, ecosystems, finance, air pollution, governance, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and more.

Whole systems

Adopt a ‘systems’ approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of all research themes and action areas (transdisciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration).

We must use our best expertise and passion to build a more sustainable and just society. It is the imperative of our generation. The Institute for Sustainability is at the forefront of this endeavour bringing together all scientific disciplines, from the natural to the social sciences, developing technologies for sustainable prosperity and wellbeing, and working closely with innovators, policy makers and business leaders, both in the Global North and the Global South.

The challenges we face are complex. They require the input from scientists and organisations across sectors, businesses, social enterprises, NGOs and Governments. The Institute for Sustainability works in partnerships with organisations from around the world to leverage knowledge exchange, lead sustainability transition and drive change. Nathalie Hinds, Director, Institute Operations, Innovation and Partnerships

Pioneering interdisciplinary research

Research areas

Here at the Institute, we will draw on some of the University's key sustainability strengths in both technological solutions and social contexts.

Cross-disciplinary groups

There are many groups across the University working on critical areas of sustainability research.

Sustainable Development Goals

We are strongly committed to creating a sustainable future, and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals are woven into our research, teaching and day-to-day life at Surrey.

Sustainability Innovation Hub

Our Hub brings together researchers from a range of disciplines to foster an ecosystem that encourages collaboration, with a commitment to turn research into actionable solutions.

Get involved

More about sustainability at Surrey

Key areas

People

Networks

Study sustainability

The University of Surrey offers a wide range of postgraduate courses in sustainability which encompass taught modules and project work. The University has also launched its first undergraduate degree in sustainability, focusing on addressing the challenges facing sustainable development from an interdisciplinary perspective.