SEI’s new home in York is built for innovation and collaboration

Researchers, industry representatives and external partners attended the opening which included a talk by Professor Boyd on The Importance of Environmental Science in the 21st Century.

The new building houses SEI with the University’s Environment Department along with the York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) and BioArCh, a research group covering biology, archaeology and chemistry.

Providing new opportunities for collaborative research between SEI staff with environmental, ecological and social scientists, the building includes a suite of 12 inter-disciplinary laboratories and innovative teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience. The building also features a living wall, a solar panel system and an outdoor eco garden.

“Co-locating to the new building is an exciting opportunity for SEI,” said Lisa Emberson, York Centre Director. “It will allow us to work more closely with like-minded colleagues in the University to conduct research supporting development towards a more sustainable and equitable world.”

Professor Mark Hodson, Head of the Environment Department, said: “I’m delighted that so many industrial, conservation and regulatory colleagues could join us to celebrate the opening of our spectacular Environment building by Professor Ian Boyd, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

“Our guests represent key players in managing our environment for today and tomorrow and reflect the range of skills and interests hosted in the building. Our philosophy is very much that you have to study the environment as a whole to be able to understand it and our staffing reflects this.

Learn more about the University of York Environment Department »