Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change

We integrate physical, social, and systems science and engineering, and develop leaders in tackling critical sustainability issues.

Who we are

We are a community of researchers delivering world-class research in sustainability that pushes boundaries among disciplines. We solve challenges using a wide-angle, whole-systems approach, complemented by a depth of scientific understanding, and build partnerships that help us keep our focus on real-world problems.

A bird's eye view of people looking at scientific posters in a large room

Research themes

Explore our multidisciplinary research across three core themes: Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Sustainable Systems and Social Transformations. These pillars drive our mission to tackle global challenges and create a greener, equitable future for all.

Professor Mirella Di Lorenzo is in a lab wearing a lab coat and protective glasses. She is sitting down at a lab bench and working with chemicals

Sustainable Chemical Technologies

A modern city is overlaid by a graphic depicting the planet and technologies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Systems

Social Transformations

In the spotlight

The Institute's most recent highlights.

New Bath–Fudan partnership to advance research and education on global climate governance

A new agreement between the University of Bath and Fudan University will strengthen collaboration in research and education.

Global Collaboration for Sustainable Materials: Reflections from an ISCC King’s Commonwealth Fellow

Laksham Sanassee meeting with King Charles III at an event.

Laksham Sanassee, Institute for Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) King’s Commonwealth Fellow, reflects on his research visit to the University of Bath.

From targets to thermostats: Professor Benjamin Cashore on the future of climate governance

Head and torso photograph of Global Chair Professor Benjamin Cashore delivering lecture

Professor Benjamin Cashore’s Global Chair Public Lecture outlines “climate policy thermostats” as a bold approach to fixing failing climate governance.

Breakthrough shows how electricity could replace heat to turn CO₂ into useful chemicals

A head and shoulders image of Dr Matthew Potter

New study shows electricity can replace heat to convert CO₂ into methanol, lowering energy use and revealing reactions in real time for cleaner fuels.

Washing Machine Project founder amongst Honorary Graduates recognised at summer graduations

Navjot Sawhney and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Emma Carmel

Navjot Sawhney was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering for his social enterprise providing manual washing machines across the world.

Plant-based wound dressing fights infection before it takes hold

Dr Xiang Ding demonstrates the material holding it between two gloved hands

Engineers develop a pioneering dressing from renewable plant material that delivers antibiotics directly to wounds during critical early stages of infection.

Upcoming events

Join our upcoming events to explore sustainability and climate change research, connect with experts and partners, and discover ideas and innovations shaping a more sustainable future.

ISCC Workshop: Designing effective policy pathways for sustainability with Prof Benjamin Cashore

15 Sep 2026 10.30am 10 West, 2.45/46 , 10 West , University of Bath

Join the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) for an interactive workshop with Professor Benjamin Cashore on effective sustainability policy.

About Us

Our aim is to deliver novel chemical technologies and robust behavioural solutions, brought together through whole system evaluation, to reframe problems and create transformative innovation in sustainability and climate change.