On 30 January 2025, the University of Bath celebrated the official launch of the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC), marking a bold new chapter in multidisciplinary research and innovation. Bringing together expertise from every Faculty and School across the University, the ISCC is committed to tackling the most urgent sustainability challenges of our time.
A vision for sustainability at Bath
The event was opened by Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath. He emphasised that the ISCC is central to the University’s long-term sustainability strategy, ensuring that sustainability is embedded not only in research but across teaching, innovation, and campus operations.
Professor Taylor also announced that the University of Bath has officially become a signatory to the Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research and Innovation Practice, aligning itself with institutions across the UK to deliver cutting-edge research in an environmentally responsible way.
"Sustainability is fundamental to everything we do at Bath. From our world-leading research to the way we run our campus, we are embedding sustainability at every level. Signing the Concordat reflects our commitment to ensuring our research is not only excellent but also conducted with environmental responsibility at its core."
Uniting expertise to tackle the climate crisis
Professors Matthew Davidson and Lorraine Whitmarsh, Executive Director and Co-Director of the ISCC, introduced the Institute, outlining how it will integrate science, engineering, and social sciences to develop real-world solutions.
Professor Davidson underscored the Institute’s strong links with industry, highlighting the many Bath-based spinouts already delivering impact: "The ISCC marks a significant milestone in our mission to tackle global sustainability challenges. By uniting world-class researchers across disciplines, we are creating a truly collaborative environment that turns pioneering research into tangible impact."
Professor Whitmarsh reinforced that technological innovation alone is not enough to solve the climate crisis – societal transformation is equally critical: "Addressing climate change requires systemic change across industries, governments, and society. Through the ISCC, we are fostering the critical partnerships that will turn research into meaningful, lasting change."
Insights from climate and industry leaders
The event featured keynotes from leading voices in climate policy and industry. Joss Garman, Executive Director at the European Climate Foundation, spoke about the intersection of politics, policy, campaigns and research in relation to climate change and sustainability challenges. He said: “Academic research is vital to inform the ongoing international and national policy debate about the most effective solutions to climate change and the destruction of the natural world. Developing answers to these challenges that also support our economic prosperity and energy security is imperative. The ISCC, as a multidisciplinary research community, is in an excellent position to respond to these challenges.”
Sarah Davidson, Technology Development Lead at Croda, spoke about the vital role of sustainable chemistry and industry collaboration in accelerating the transition to low-carbon solutions. "At Croda, we recognise that collaboration is key to developing sustainable innovations. By working closely with research institutes like the ISCC, we can bridge the gap between groundbreaking academic research and real-world impact."
ISCC’s role in policy and global engagement
Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, officially declared the ISCC open, celebrating its role in training the next generation of sustainability leaders. She welcomed its ambitions to engage with policymakers at both national and international levels. "The ISCC’s role in providing evidence and research expertise to lawmakers must not be underestimated. I look forward to exploring how this Institute can actively contribute to climate policy discussions in Westminster."
A hub for innovation and collaboration
With a research community of over 50 core members, 80+ PhD researchers, and deep industry and policy engagement, the ISCC is set to become a driving force in sustainability. The Institute will work closely with local, national, and global partners, including the West of England Combined Authority, B&NES Council, and international research consortia, to ensure research translates into policy and real-world solutions.
Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Bath, said: "I am delighted to see the launch of the ISCC. Our research institutes have a key role to play in bringing together our world-leading researchers at critical scale to deliver real world impact."
Indeed, the launch of the ISCC is just the beginning. With a commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary research and strong partnerships, the Institute is positioned to lead the way in shaping a sustainable future.