Turning data into action: UKCEH’s new 2030 strategy to deliver environmental science for a better world
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
Environmental science for a better world, where people and nature prosper
By Dr Stuart Wainwright OBE , CEO, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
The world is navigating a critical juncture. From the accelerating pace of climate change and biodiversity loss to growing food insecurity and pollution levels, the challenges we face are unprecedented in both scale and complexity. These crises are not only threatening ecosystems but are undermining human health and economic stability.
At the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) , we believe science holds the key to addressing these interconnected challenges. Our role has never been more vital: to provide the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard planet and people.
On behalf of the nation, we develop and run large scale research and data infrastructure, catalysing collaboration, and innovation. Our extensive environmental data collections are open and accessible for all and used by academia, the public, private and third sectors. All to advance scientific knowledge and realise a brighter future.
With escalating demand for our science, we are proud to unveil our five-year strategy to 2030. Designed to enhance the impact of our science, it sets out how we will facilitate and lead scientific advancement to address complex global environmental challenges.
At our recent launch event at The Royal Society, we were honoured to engage with our partners across academia, government, industry, and NGOs. This included key funders, stakeholders, and colleagues such as the NERC: Natural Environment Research Council , Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs , Green Finance Institute , and Greensphere Capital LLP .
In her keynote address NERC Executive Chair Louise Heathwaite CBE FRS highlighted the vital importance of environmental science to the economy and the pivotal role research institutes play as a cornerstone of UK science. She emphasised how national capabilities empower the academic community to conduct groundbreaking research with practical value for policymakers, businesses, and NGOs.
This is especially true for UKCEH, given our work spans critical areas such as climate change, biodiversity, land use, and food and water security.
By enabling and inspiring, our science not only fosters economic growth but also delivers social and policy benefits while enhancing resilience and security.
Environmental Science for a Better World
Our strategy presents our ambition for the future. Over the next five years, we are committed to:
Science at the Core of a Better Future
For over 60 years, UKCEH has been at the forefront of environmental science, but our new strategy signals an evolution. The work we do across land, water and air is broad, but we have managed to distil it into three science priorities:
1.????? Building Resilience in a Changing Climate
The challenge - Climate change is a major threat to our planet, affecting the environment, people, and economies. Our role - we monitor and model climate change, forecasting its future impacts. Our work equips our partners to take meaningful action to tackle the climate crisis, accelerating the journey to net zero, promoting sustainable land use, and protecting communities from floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
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2.????? Enhancing Ecosystem and Human Health
The challenge – human activities cause pollution, habitat destruction, and overuse of natural resources, harming ecosystems, human health, and the economy.
Our role - we investigate how pollutants, nutrients, and pathogens move through the environment and affect ecosystems. Our research underpins sustainable solutions for the future, strengthening food and water security, combatting invasive species and disease, and safeguarding nature and people.
3.????? Restoring Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future
The challenge - biodiversity loss is happening faster than ever and presents major challenges for the environment, people, and economies worldwide.
Our role - we explore the role biodiversity plays in providing vital services such as pollination, climate regulation, flood protection, soil fertility, and food production. Using a whole-system approach, we shape solutions that balance sustainable development with nature restoration.
Driving Action Through Collaboration and Innovation
If we want to make a real difference for these goals, we must foster collaboration across geographies, disciplines, and sectors. We will do this by:
We partner with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector to co-create actionable solutions that drive tangible impact.
We are investing in state-of-the-art monitoring systems, experimental platforms, and advanced models to enhance the precision and scope of our research.
We are at the forefront of harnessing environmental data, using advanced analytics, machine learning and digital tools and using a data driven approach to amplify the impact of our work.
Following the opening of our first international office in Ghana this year, we will continue to strengthen our global networks and contribute to international frameworks, aligning local actions with global priorities.
Our passionate scientists are spearheading this approach, transforming environmental research and combining traditional scientific excellence with emerging innovation. We are proud to have more than 600 scientists at UKCEH, true Agents for Change, without whom our 2030 vision would not be possible.
Support Our Mission
The challenges we face require collective action. UKCEH is ready to lead, but we cannot do it alone. We invite you to connect with us, collaborate on projects, and support our mission. Together, we can turn data into action and create a sustainable future for all.
For more information about UKCEH’s strategy, partnerships and research, visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn or email [email protected].
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