Research in the Department
Research in the Department of Geography covers a broad range of topics, approaches, and sites of study. Our expertise is both conceptual and applied and our goals both 'blue sky' and policy oriented. Excellence comes from sustained specialisation, emergent exploration, and interdisciplinary collaboration both within and beyond the Department.
These activities are structured through six thematic research groups:
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Natures, Cultures, KnowledgesAs our understanding of the concepts of nature has grown more plural, complex, and divergent, so too have our obligations and challenges to articulate the relevance, potential, and application of geographical analysis as a means to reveal more equitable and sustainable pathways for our globe's diverse societies and ecosystems. |
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Cambridge Cultural and Historical GeographyThe Cambridge Cultural and Historical Geography thematic group has research interests that span a range of topics in contemporary and historical demography, social policy, and cultural and historical geography. |
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Societies, Markets, StatesMembers of the societies, markets, states theme are broadly interested in how the traditional foci of political economy - the relationships between economies and markets, institutions of the state and practices of government - are challenged by the scale and complexity of contemporary processes that are highly uneven and profoundly geographical. |
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Biogeography and BiogeomorphologyThe research of members of the Biogeography and Biogeomorphology Group is concerned with the interactions and feedbacks between organisms (including humans) and their environments in the past, present and uncertain future. |
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Climate and Environmental DynamicsThe CED group conducts research on past, present and future climate and environmental variability. Understanding the mechanisms, evolution and impacts of global climate and environmental systems is central to the research of members of the group. |
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Glaciology and Glacial GeologyThe research carried out by this thematic group concerns Earth's cryosphere (glaciers and ice sheets, sea ice and permafrost) and the landscapes affected by the cryosphere. |
Activities are also undertaken through two Research Institutes:
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University of Cambridge Conservation Research Institute (UCCRI) |
Our staff are also actively involved in other University wide ventures, including, CRASSH, Cambridge Conservation Initiative, Global Food Security Strategic Initiative.