Transformational research

An interdisciplinary research group of some 200 water research experts, water@leeds is the UK's largest water-based research centre. It aims to answer the major questions about water and its future security, such as:

• supplying clean water to the world's growing population
• urban development
• the effects of extreme weather
• treating wastewater and changes to the water cycle
  

"Water research was traditionally done by different departments, but water@leeds brings together experts from across faculties and outside organisations, to create an environment where people work together to solve major global and regional water problems," says director of water@leeds Professor Joseph Holden.

water@leeds is fast becoming an internationally recognised centre of water science and a world leader in applied water research. "We want to have a major impact on water policy and set research agendas. In doing so, we'll be a major income generator for the University and also train a new generation of scientists with interdisciplinary skills, says Professor Holden.

The group has already received awards of £5.6m for projects which include:

• reducing methane from peatland restoration (the University's largest ever collaboration with Defra)

• removing pathogens from sludge

• environmental influences on breast cancer incidence

• rainfall radar and modelling
  

As the group grows they hope to build stronger links with collaborators - regional, national and international - to strengthen their ability to solve some of the world's big water problems.

Further information

Professor Joseph Holden - J.Holden@leeds.ac.uk