Southampton praised for environmental work
It's 50 years since environmental science started at the University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is being praised for its efforts in highlighting the dangers facing our planet.
More than 300 research papers have been published since environmental science started at the university five decades ago.
Megan McCubbin, President of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and BBC Springwatch presenter, said: “The role universities play within Earth Day is critical. We wouldn’t understand anywhere near as much about our planet without the important work that universities do and all the research that is constantly published.”
She added: “The role of environmental scientists is increasingly important. They guide governments and guide policies. Sadly in the past this hasn’t happened – there has been so much research but inflexibility at policy level in really acting on it.
"But times are changing and it’s a really exciting time to be an environmental scientist because there is so much work to do and people are really starting to listen.”
Environmental science began as a degree course at the university in October 1973 – at a time when concern about the environment was becoming a growing issue and activism was mounting.
The first Earth Day was held in 1970, and in 1972 the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was the first world conference featuring the environment as a major topic.
Since 1973, the department has taught more than 2,000 undergraduate and masters students, supervised more than 70 PhD students, and published more than 300 research papers.
Malcolm Hudson, Associate Professor in Environmental Sciences, studied his degree and PhD at Southampton in the ‘90s, and then stayed as a member of academic staff. He said: “It’s so heartening how we have not only survived but grown and succeeded over the years.
"We’ve gone from being a fringe activity when we started out, to a respected unit working all round the world on environmental science challenges, and our students are really sought-after by a whole range of employers.”
Dawn Trenchard, from Eastleigh, worked at the university from 1957 when she left school, and supported environmental science’s administration from 1972 until 2004 when she retired. She said: “Back in the ‘70s, environmental science was up-and-coming, and Southampton was one of the first universities in the country to teach it.
"Environmental science was a very friendly department, with academics and administrative staff being invited to the social functions that students organised, like dinner dances and barbecues.”
Professors Peter Edwards and Angela Gurnell were among the department’s first lecturers, and returned to Southampton for the anniversary celebrations.
Professor Gurnell, Emeritus Professor of Physical Geography at Queen Mary University of London, was Senior Lecturer and then Reader at Southampton from 1973 to 1994. She said: “In the ‘70s, the focus was on fundamental understanding of the environmental sciences and how these areas of science fit together and interact.
"Today, the specialism is of increasing importance to the broader community, particularly in terms of future environmental change. Environmental scientists are now heard and their expertise affects policy decisions.”
Professor Edwards, Emeritus Professor of Plant Ecology at ETH Zurich, was Senior Lecturer in Ecology at Southampton from 1973 to 1993. He said: “The subject has transformed from a purely academic discipline to the basis for practical action to protect the environment. Students today don’t just want to understand the theory of ecology, but how it can be practically useful.”
Former student Josh Davies, who graduated from Southampton with a masters in Environmental Science in 2013, is now Sustainability and Responsible Banking Senior Manager at Santander UK. He said: “I don’t think I would be where I am today without the fantastic foundation that my Master’s gave me. Through the course, I developed technical and soft skills relevant to my current role.
"The course gave me opportunities to test these skills in real life through collaborative projects with local organisations, which meant I was well placed to start a career in sustainability once I graduated.
"At Southampton I made lifelong friendships, took part in sports and joined societies, and loved learning about sustainability through my degree programme.”