Increasing and evolving use of the subsurface is crucial for ensuring a stable supply of energy, raw materials, and drinking water in short- and long-term future. 

Our current and future society depends on the subsurface for e.g. storage of energy, exploitation of geothermal energy, and extraction of raw critical materials and groundwater. Additionally, the subsurface is increasingly being used for development of urban infrastructure, and subsurface solutions will be also needed for the permanent disposal of radioactive waste, CO2 sequestration, and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. 

Through this research centre, the Department of Earth Sciences contributes to a fundamental and multi-scale understanding of the processes involved in these subsurface activities, ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact, while balancing societal demand.