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Research Programme in Earth Sciences Utrecht (DES / IVAU)

Organisation profile

About

The Earth Sciences are a multidisciplinary natural science in which the principles and methods of other disciplines are integrated: e.g., physics, chemistry, geology, biology, mathematics, and computational sciences.

The Earth Sciences contribute to answers on a wide range of societal and economic questions in areas such as:

  • the natural means of existence (water, raw materials, the energy transition),
  • the terrestrial environment (influenced by the changing climate, but , e.g., also searching for new methods to remediate pollutions),
  • natural hazards and disasters (such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods),
  • and the safe, responsible and sustainable use of terrestrial space (specifically near surface and underground space).

It is our mission to advance our understanding and prediction capability of processes that govern the evolution of System Earth. This system is Earth’s structure, together with the internal workings and surface processes, that determine its evolution and current dynamic state. Our scientists study the Earth, and other planets, on scales from the molecular to the planetary scale; from the microsecond to the geological time scale; and from its birth about 4500 million years ago to the present-day, including the origin and evolution of life. We strive to understand the processes that give rise to its immense riches of life and natural resources.

We honour James Hutton’s early insight that "from what has actually been, we have data for concluding with regard to that which is to happen thereafter".

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  3. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality
  4. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  5. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
  6. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  7. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  8. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  9. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  10. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  11. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  12. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water
  13. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  14. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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View all 306 people
View all 9406 research outputs
View all 1,046 activities
View all 788 in the media
View all 176 prizes & grants