Research

A composite image of different environments and landscapes showcasing the breadth of LEC research

Lancaster Environment Centre: ranked 5th in the UK for Research Power (REF2021)

As one of the world’s largest and highest rated multi-disciplinary centres of environmental research, we bring together world-class researchers from a wide range of disciplines to develop the understanding needed to address the global environmental challenges that confront us all.

Working with businesses, governments and non-governmental organisations internationally, we provide the underlying knowledge to help find effective solutions. We are helped in this by colleagues from other disciplines within Lancaster University, and a network of partners from the UK, and around the world, including our partners in China and Brazil.

Research Groups

Our research groups include a wide range of researchers from the natural and social sciences. They work in multi-disciplinary teams within, across and beyond these groups to help find solutions to the big global environmental challenges.

Latest News

Atlantic Puffins and Red-footed booby

Global study reveals seabirds as critical connectors between islands, the ocean and people

A new global synthesis published today in Nature Reviews Biodiversity reveals how seabirds act as powerful connectors between marine and terrestrial ecosystems and why protecting seabirds is a powerful opportunity when tackling the triple crises of climate change, failing ocean health, and biodiversity loss. 
A man walking along the intersection between Parliament Street and Whitehall in London

Lancaster research shows UK politicians shifting from ‘stealth’ to ‘pragmatism’ on climate action

Between 2018 and 2023, UK politicians shifted from cautious, indirect support for climate action to a ‘pragmatic’ stance. Interviews with serving MPs shows they are now more likely to back Net Zero goals but avoid difficult discussions around what they perceive as downsides for their constituents. This pragmatism may delay transformative change.
A packet of shrink wrapped, supermarket salmon fillets

Lancaster research reveals the hidden role of marketing in the rise of farmed salmon

New Lancaster University research reveals that farmed salmon’s UK popularity is driven by industry and retailer strategies that dominate supermarkets and drives consumer preference. Through marketing work such as labelling, and ready-to-eat products, salmon displaces cheaper, nutritious species, without raising seafood consumption. 
A view of the Sii Aks volcano

Weaving volcanology with Indigenous wisdom

A new education model in northern British Columbia brought together Indigenous Knowledge and Western science through a co-designed curriculum. A case study on a course co-created around Sii Aks volcano demonstrated the values of respectful collaboration and place-based learning. Students reported a deeper cultural connection and improved scientific understanding through this inclusive approach.
Emissions from a car exhaust

Researchers discover air pollution particles hitching a ride around the body on red blood cells

Researchers have found the first direct evidence that tiny particles of air pollution stick to our red blood cells, meaning they can travel freely around the body.
A bumblebee on a flower in a solarfarm

Can solar farms become future refuges for bumblebees?

Solar farms could become important refuges for bumblebees in Britain, a new study reveals - though their benefits only go so far.

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