Driving Excellence in Environmental Intelligence

Published 10th January 2023

We have joined forces with the Met Office to create a Joint Centre of Excellence in Environmental Intelligence. Based in Exeter, and home to world-leading researchers, our partnership is pioneering the development of solutions to some of the world’s most complex and pressing environmental challenges, from climate change to global pandemics.

And at a time when the world is talking about recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and making that recovery as green and sustainable as possible, we’re putting Environmental Intelligence to work as part of that recovery toolkit.

Environmental Intelligence is a fast-developing new field that brings together Environmental data and knowledge with Artificial Intelligence to provide the meaningful insight to inform decision-making, improved risk management, and the technological innovation that will lead us towards a sustainable interaction with the natural environment. It is inherently inter-disciplinary and brings together our innovative work in environment, climate, society, economics, human health, complex eco-systems, data science and AI.

The Joint Centre is a hub that’s blazing the way with innovative research and training that is creating and sustaining a new global community in Environmental Intelligence while also positioning the UK as a world leader in this exciting new area.

To begin with, we’re focusing on climate change, clean air, health and extreme weather events, using data science and Artificial Intelligence to

transform our understanding of the natural environment and the complex interactions with our society, economy and health.

By enabling essential collaboration between academia, business, governments and many other stakeholders, we’re developing solutions that are fit for purpose and evidence based.

We are using AI to assess the risks of climate change at local levels and how it will affect local infrastructure, modelling the effects of climate change on agriculture and food security and we’re applying AI techniques to identify the health impacts of air pollution on individuals.

We’re working with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national centre for data science and AI, to lead ambitious innovative research at the intersection of AI and Environmental Science and to further strengthen the UK’s capability in this crucial area.

Ultimately, the Joint Centre will be a magnet for the best researchers, partners and sponsors and facilitate the collaboration that pioneers Environmental Intelligence to enhance our resilience to environmental and climactic change, building a more sustainable future along the way. We’re excited about engaging with the broadest possible range of organisations and the opportunities to grow many more partnerships.

“Building on our existing strong partnership with the Met Office and unique expertise at both institutions, the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence will provide a step-change in our understanding of the complex interactions between the environment, climate, natural ecosystems, societies, economies and human health.”

Professor Janice Kay, - Provost of the University of Exeter

Courses

As a world-leading university in the field of environmental sustainability and climate change, we provide the ideal learning environment for students who want to play their part in building a green future for all. Our students learn from academics who are at the forefront of discovering solutions to these global challenges – translating their cutting-edge research into innovative teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. We have handpicked a selection of courses you can study with us, whilst being inspired and taught by top climate scientists in their fields.

Partnerships

Our research does not stay within the walls of the University. Collaboration is at the heart of our ethos and, through Green Futures Solutions, we share our climate expertise, skills, and solutions with organisations of all shapes and sizes. We work with a wide range of partners across sectors to develop solutions to the environment and climate emergency and stand ready to work with all organisations to achieve net zero together based on science, evidence and experience. Contact us to discover how we can support your organisation to grow sustainably and obtain the expertise, skills and resources to build a green future.