In addition to to a wide range of study options in various departments, environmental related research is currently being undertaken in Research Themes and Research Centres.
Ag@Otago
Centre for Sustainability (CSAFE): Agriculture, Food, Energy, Environment
Find out more about Centre for Sustainability
Integrated Catchment Management
Find out more about Integrated Catchment Management
New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities
The New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities (CSC) has been set up to further develop collaborative research that contributes to the sustainable development of our cities. Over 87 per cent of our population live in urban environments, so we face a challenge to keep our cities sustainable and competitively attractive in international terms, and the people within them healthy and socially connected.
The centre aims to work in partnerships to develop the tools to promote well-being and health through smarter economic development, safer and more sustainable housing, transport and energy systems, and enhanced urban design. The centre is also seeking ways to support workforce development and increase the skills of those working on urban sustainability.
Find out more about NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities
New Zealand Ocean Acidification Research Cluster
Find out more about NZ Ocean Acidification
Otago Energy Research Centre
The OERC creates opportunities for high-impact and internationally recognised energy-related research via an interdisciplinary network of University of Otago researchers and their external collaborators.
This includes:
- The Incubation of new energy-related interdisciplinary research projects
- Driving research on energy transitions toward a more resilient and low carbon future, both within New Zealand and globally
- The Creation of the 'UoO Energy Living Lab' to promote novel sustainable energy practices within the University and provide a testing ground for research
- Providing a channel for energy-related external engagement at international, national and regional levels.
The OERC has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse, energy-research groupings in New Zealand, encompassing over 30 staff and over 40 postgraduate students from 20 departments drawn from all four Divisions of Otago University
Polar Environments
The Polar Environment Research Theme is a multidisciplinary network of University of Otago scientists with an interest in polar regions.
Due to its ideal location, the university has developed a particularly strong connection with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and the theme members are actively involved in Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute.
Find out more about the Polar Environments Research Theme
Research Centre for Oceanography
The Research Centre explores a range of research areas around the central broad theme of physical and chemical oceanography. Interdisciplinary research groups explore paleoclimate, the impacts of ocean acidification, how iron affects the biogeochemistry of the oceans and how trace elements released from deep ocean hydrothermal vents impact on productivity.
