Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health (CMPH)
Composite image of bacteria taken by Dr. Tim Cockerill in collaboration with Dr Elze Hesse. See the online exhibition
The Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health (CMPH) brings together world-leading researchers to address some of the most urgent challenges facing humanity and the planet. Our work focuses on the microbial processes that underpin human health, climate stability, food security, sustainable energy, and access to critical minerals.
Microorganisms shape every aspect of life on Earth, yet their roles are often hidden. CMPH places microbes at the centre of Planetary Health research, combining evolutionary biology, ecology, microbiology, and cutting-edge technology to deliver solutions with real-world impact. From antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens to low-carbon energy production and sustainable mining, we work across disciplines and sectors to translate fundamental science into societal benefit.
This site introduces our research themes, people, partnerships, and facilities, and provides a gateway for collaboration, training, and engagement.
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Find out more
The Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health (CMPH) is an interdisciplinary research centre based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. It brings together microbiologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, environmental scientists, and engineers working across five interconnected societal challenges.
CMPH is embedded within the Environment and Sustainability Institute and supported by major investment in state-of-the-art laboratories and shared infrastructure, including advanced microbiology, microscopy, ‘omics, bioinformatics, and advanced culturing and bioreactor facilities. Our approach emphasises experimental realism, enabling the study of microbial communities under conditions that closely reflect natural, clinical, and industrial environments.
Through close collaboration with industry, policymakers, and communities, CMPH translates microbiology research into solutions that support human health, environmental resilience, and sustainable development.
Undergraduate programmes
- BA/BSc Global Sustainability
- BSc Evolutionary Biology
- MSci Evolutionary Biology
- BSc Environmental Science
- MSci Environmental Science
Postgraduate taught programmes
Our funders
