REF 2021 - Research Excellence Framework

Environmental, physical and economic sciences

Our research is leading meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.

The work in the area of environmental, physical and economic sciences includes our submissions to Units of Assessment in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, Economics and Econometrics and Business and Management.

Read a selection of our case studies in this area to find out more.

Developing the Resilience to Icelandic Volcanic Eruptions (DRIVE)

Research at the University of Exeter helped avoid closure of UK airspace on two separate occasions in 2017 and 2019.

The creation of Africa’s largest network of marine protected areas

Researchers at the University of Exeter, along with international collaborators, explored the status, distribution and behaviour of marine vertebrate species which were of commercial or conservational importance.

Label-free imaging of the ingestion and accumulation of microplastics in marine organisms

A University of Exeter research group has helped to eliminate tonnes of plastic waste entering the sea, improving the health of organisms and the environment.

Increasing gender diversity on UK public and private sector boards

The University of Exeter has led reviews into the diversity of leadership groups of large public and private organisations across the UK.

Optimised planning for infrastructure asset management

Water engineering experts at the University of Exeter have helped achieve significant savings for water companies and increased affordability and high levels of service to UK water customers.

Statistical model enables improved disease management in Brazil

A research team at the University of Exeter have developed a statistical data modelling framework for prediction of disease burden, and thus warn different regions of Brazil against the threat of major diseases.