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Atmospheric and Planetary Chemistry

PGR-RA-98

Expertise of research area
aerosols and heterogeneous chemistry; Air quality and human health; astrochemistry; atmospheric chemistry; climate change; computer modelling; exoplanets; Field measurements; high resolution spectroscopy; laboratory studies of chemical kinetics


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

We seek to understand the vital resource that is our atmosphere, which is essential for a sustainable future. Amongst other things, atmospheric chemistry influences air quality, human health, and climate change, and hence the future of our planet.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>Missions to other planets and moons in our solar system are revealing how extraordinarily diverse atmospheres have developed, which in turn helps to understand the evolution of our own atmosphere. Evermore detailed astronomical observations point to the complexity of chemistry in stellar environments.</p> <p>More than a thousand exoplanets (around other stars in our galaxy) have now been discovered, and we&rsquo;re starting to be able to detect their atmospheric properties. Unravelling the complexity of the chemistry of an atmosphere requires a range of complementary approaches from lab studies and field observations, through simulations to models.</p> <p>Our work on Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere is closely aligned with the Natural Environment Research Council&rsquo;s (NERC) strategic research areas which aim to tackle and provide solutions to major Challenges of the 21st Century &ndash; The Earth Climate System, Sustainable Use of Finite Natural Resources, Air Pollution and Human Health and Managing Environmental Change.</p> <p>We&rsquo;re also developing a strong research programme into chemistry relevant to other planets in the solar system, to newly discovered exoplanets and the regions between stars. Our links to instrument manufacturers, government departments and a wide range of international collaborators are very strong.</p> <p>Our work is divided into two main areas: <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-groups/doc/atmospheric-planetary-chemistry">Atmospheric Chemistry and Planetary Chemistry</a>.</p> <h5>PhD opportunities:</h5> <p>We have opportunities for prospective PhD students, for example as part of the <a href="https://panorama-dtp.ac.uk/">Panorama NERC Doctoral Training Partnership</a> and the <a href="https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/">EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre in Aerosol Science</a>.</p> <p>Potential projects can be found on the <a href="http://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">phd.leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;website.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-degrees">Research degrees within the School of Chemistry</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-groups/doc/atmospheric-planetary-chemistry">Atmospheric and Planetary Chemistry&nbsp;group</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-innovation">School of Chemistry, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 34 35057</p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>