[Front row: Francesca Guiso Gallisai (Operations Director, ISCC), Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh (Director, ISCC), Wera Hobhouse MP, Dr Christina Demski (ISCC Associate Director), Sarah Davidson, Technology Development Lead, Croda
Back row – Dr Steve Allen (ISCC Associate Director), Professor Matthew Davidson (Director, ISCC), Joss Garman (Executive Director, European Climate Foundation)]
The University of Bath called upon the city’s MP Wera Hobhouse to help launch its new “Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change” (ISCC”).
The Institute is an evolution of the former Institute for Sustainability, bringing together research expertise from every Faculty and School at the University of Bath (UoB).
Focused on three core themes – Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Sustainable Systems, and Social Transformations – the ISCC integrates physical, social, and systems science and engineering. Against the background of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, the Institute’s launch could not be more timely.
The ISCC will not only be collaborating with local partners including the West of England Combined Authority, and B&NES council, in the areas of planning and embodied carbon, but also with national and international partners, across many industrial and policy sectors.
Its endeavours have huge potential to deliver groundbreaking research and inform policy-making locally, nationally and internationally, on all aspects of sustainability and climate change, which will help tackle critical sustainability issues globally, and support the transition to low-carbon living across many nations.
The Institute also emphasises the many benefits it can bring to the local economy, through its partnerships with industry and through the development of innovative technologies.
Professor Matthew Davidson, Executive Director of ISCC, said:
“The launch of the ISCC marks a significant milestone in our mission to tackle the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. By uniting expertise from across disciplines – chemistry, engineering, social sciences, and beyond – we are forging a collaborative approach that will drive innovation and create real-world impact.
“It is fantastic to see our Institute’s research translating into so many Bath spin-out companies including: Bactery, who generate sustainable energy from soil; Naturbeads, manufacturing alternatives to microplastics; LabCycle, revolutionising the recycling of laboratory waste; and Kelpi, with its innovative seaweed packaging.
“Their work, and that of others involved with this new Institute, can only build upon and enhance the University of Bath’s already prestigious reputation as a world-leading establishment.”
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Co-Director of ISCC, said:
“Addressing climate change requires more than just technological solutions – it demands systemic transformations in society and the global economy. Through the ISCC, we are fostering the critical partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and industries that will turn world-class research into meaningful, lasting change.”
In front of an audience of around 120 invited guests, partners and University staff, Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, declared the ISCC officially open, saying:
“It is a source of great pride to me as the MP for this city to know that the members of this Institute are leading major research projects – and will be training the sustainability leaders of the future right here via their doctoral training programmes.
“The challenges around climate change have never been more pressing, and the Institute’s three main research themes are exactly the focus we need to tackle these challenges.
“As former LD spokesperson on Energy and Climate Change, and current member of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, I particularly welcome the ISCC’s ambitions to engage with policymakers against the background of the national and international challenges on climate. Their role in providing evidence and research expertise to lawmakers must not be underestimated, and I look forward to considering how this institute could play an active role in providing input in Westminster.
“Congratulations on the launch of this impressive and important Institute.”
