Research at the Environment Agency

We are committed to strengthening the impact of our knowledge and better integrating science into the heart of everything we do.

Our work depends on science and research - whether it’s:

Research is carried out across the Environment Agency, by our national and regional teams, in the field, our laboratories and at desks. We work closely with partners in industry, academia and across government and the public sector. At the centre of our research effort, is a dedicated research team based in the Chief Scientist’s Group.

Our portfolio of research directly supports the delivery of:

The Chief Scientist’s research portfolio spans 4 themes:

Environment and human health is researching the role that the environment plays in public and individual health.

Protecting and enhancing ecosystems is generating new understanding and approaches to strengthen the Environment Agency’s response to threats to ecosystem health and support nature recovery.

Net zero and circular economy is generating new knowledge of the potential impacts, trade-offs and co-benefits of low-carbon technologies and activities on the environment and communities.

Climate adaptation and resilience is developing knowledge and understanding of climate impacts and about how to prepare for these, reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience to change.

We also carry out research specifically to help measure and assess chemical hazards and risks in support of the operational delivery of UK chemical legislation (UK REACH).

Underpinning and enabling our core research portfolio is our Research Hub. It leads the Environment Agency’s relationship with UK research councils and facilitates our research design, delivery and dissemination, including our publications and science communications.