Celebrating 10 Years of the Priestley Centre
A decade of impact, a future of driving climate action
Since 2016, the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures has brought together researchers, students, partners and communities to create real-world climate solutions. As we mark our 10th anniversary in 2026, we are reflecting on what has changed, what we have achieved together, and what must happen next to deliver a positive climate future.
Culminating in a celebration event on 30 June with keynote speakers and a panel discussion, we will also be sharing the stories, people and ideas that have shaped the Centre’s first decade, and spotlight the bold, collaborative work now underway to confront the climate challenges over the next ten years and beyond.
The Climate Landscape in 2016
The world looked very different when the Priestley Centre was founded. Global climate ambition was rising in the wake of the Paris Agreement, but deep uncertainties and major barriers remained. Against this backdrop, the University of Leeds brought together climate scientists, engineers, social scientists and policy experts to accelerate real climate action.
Over the last decade, the Centre has:
- Grown a vibrant interdisciplinary community
- Supported major University-wide initiatives such as the Climate Plan
- Launched flagship programmes, including the Priestley Climate Scholars
- Delivered impactful work on emissions, adaptation, climate justice and net zero
- Shaped national and international policy debates - through the founding and work of the University of Leeds UNFCCC Taskforce and the Climate Evidence Unit
- Increased team capacity and growth across our innovation portfolio
This anniversary is a moment to reflect on the progress made across climate science, society and policy, and the role the Centre has played in this.
Building Positive Climate Futures
The next decade demands transformational change.
Through our anniversary campaign and the June celebration event, we will share:
- What we think needs to happen in the next ten years
- Emerging pathways for a positive climate future
- New ambitions for the Priestley Centre
- Ways for partners, policymakers and researchers to get involved
For enquiries about working with the Priestley Centre please contact us via email at [email protected]
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