Research

A student in front of a library bookshelf

Over 80% of our research is internationally recognised.

The University of Bedfordshire's environmental research directly addresses global challenges and changes. It informs and develops management, policy and practice for improved environmental monitoring and sustainability.


Specialist knowledge

Through our innovative research, we combine the specialist areas of environmental bioscience and biotechnologies with social sciences to deliver solutions for end users, policymakers, businesses and technology companies.

This allows us to make an important contribution to addressing the challenges of food security, reducing pollution, global warming, climate change and improving sustainability.

Our researchers engage with external stakeholders, industry, community-based organisations, public bodies and key users and beneficiaries to deliver vital information and provide useful data that is used for improving the environment.

Award-winning research

Economists estimate that coral reefs are worth billions of dollars to national economies in the Caribbean. Coral ecosystems are under threat from climate change and are highly at risk.

Our award-winning work (Aviva/Earthwatch International Award) has helped to maximize the resilience of the coral reefs to increased global warming and climate change.

Collaborative research

Collaboration is vital to this important work. Head of School of Life Sciences and Chair, of Environmental Sciences, Professor Sreenivasaprasad is leading our research in various externally-funded, joint projects focused on understanding environmental change adaptation in biological systems.

These projects are funded by national and international bodies including the Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK, and the Department of Environment, Joint Genome Institute, USA.

Dr Worsfold’s work has led to a new collaboration between the University and researchers at other universities and agencies in the UK.

The team members have previously secured significant funding from the UK Government's Department for International Development to help improve food security in developing countries.

This area of research is continuing at the University through a Nigerian Government-sponsored Ph.D. studentship and further development of international collaborations.

University researchers have worked on a variety of environmental projects, in combination with the Environmental Agency our researchers contributed to research on biosensors to improve water quality monitoring of the River Lea.

The idea of using immobilized biological whole cells and sensor systems for environmental protection and health and wellbeing was developed with sponsorship from a range of stakeholders and substantial support from the Environmental Agency.

Working with our students

We have students at all levels - from undergraduate to doctorate – working with us to make sure that our leading-edge work to improve the environment continues to deliver solutions that benefit local and global communities.

Green Impact Students' Unions 2022-23 Fair Trade logo We are A Fair Trade University 2019 Eco Campus Platinum Award for Environmental Management SystemPeople and Planet 1st award class 2021 - 2022 University League