ACCESS - Advancing Capacity for Climate  and Environment Social Science

Welcome

Increasing the Visibility & Impact of Environmental Social Science

ACCESS is a 5-year project which champions the role of social science in tackling environmental problems.

We increase the reach of environmental social science (ESS) – encouraging the use of ESS evidence and approaches within policymaking.

And we build capacity and confidence in environmental social scientists – supporting more meaningful collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

ACCESS directors Patrick Devine-Wright & Birgitta Gatersleben, Photo by Leigh Farmer

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ACCESS Database

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Search or join our growing network of social scientists working in climate and the environment.

Rebecca Collins
Rebecca Collins

Sustainability and Environment Research Institute Director

University of Chester

Lorraine Whitmarsh
Lorraine Whitmarsh

Professor of Environmental Psychology

University of Bath

Nicholas Kirsop-Taylor
Nicholas Kirsop-Taylor

Senior Lecturer in Public Policy & Governance

University of Exeter

Michael Lomotey
Michael Lomotey

Doctoral Researcher

University of Southampton

Elysia Davies
Elysia Davies

Social Research Fellow (Senior Scientific Officer)

Defra

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Guiding Principles

How we work

Three interconnected Guiding Principles guide how we work, and how we create and share knowledge:

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Knowledge Co-production
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Learn more about the ACCESS Guiding Principles and how you can apply them within your own research, practice and operations.

ACCESS Guiding Principles infographic - an illustration of children drawing chalk lines, all interconnecting, on the floor

Research areas

Themes

Explore ACCESS projects, task forces and resources by theme:

CLIMATE

Social science research and recommendations on net zero, adaptation and resilience, and governance.

NATURE

Environmental social science insights about nature recovery, biodiversity, and conservation policy and practice.

SUSTAINABILITY

Research looking at sustainable AI, energy, water, and more, through a social science lens.

INTERDISCIPLINARITY

Resources to support cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration with and for environmental social scientists.

Our impact

Explore ACCESS

Quick links to key ACCESS resources, tools, training, and initiatives.

Stay connected

Sign up to our newsletter

Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter for the latest events, jobs, funding and news from across the ACCESS Network.

Latest

News & Blogs

News, interviews and blogposts about ACCESS and environmental social science.

News UK Media coverage of outdoor swimming: a new ACCESS, C3DS, Environment Agency Report
14 JUL 2026

UK Media coverage of outdoor swimming: a new ACCESS, C3DS, Environment Agency Report

News NEW ACCESS Film: Environmental Leadership Together
8 JUL 2026

NEW ACCESS Film: Environmental Leadership Together

News Dr Carrie Heitmeyer awarded MBE for Services to Social Science
24 JUN 2026

Dr Carrie Heitmeyer awarded MBE for Services to Social Science

News ACCESS’s final and biggest Annual Assembly
19 JUN 2026

ACCESS’s final and biggest Annual Assembly