Research in the Environmental Education (EE) theme of CFES incorporates research that investigates how individuals and communities engage with and respond to environmental issues and stresses. Research within the EE theme fosters collaboration with stakeholders, engaging with local schools, community groups, NGOs and government agencies.

Research is very much underpinned by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering individuals and communities to understand, engage and take action on sustainability challenges. Research areas include evaluating the effectiveness of EE programmes, climate change education, behaviour change and sustainability, eco-literacy and curriculum development, outdoor and experiential education, media and technology in EE, intergenerational learning for sustainability, citizen science and community-based EE.

Research in the CFES Environmental Education theme is both cross- and multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative with researchers contributing to national and internationally funded education initiatives and research projects. The theme lead Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens has recently been appointed as a Scientix® Ambassador to promote STEM both nationally and across the EU for 2025-2026.