WPE - Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering

Researchers loading samples into the HACH analytical robot in the water laboratory

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of airflow

Water, Public Health
and Environmental Engineering

Based in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds. Pioneering sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges since 2003

Our interdisciplinary approach brings together 33 academics and more than 50 doctoral researchers across four research themes.

Discover Our Research Meet Our Team

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Featured Research

Powering Uganda’s Clean Energy Future

Our BioCool project introduces an innovative “Energy as a Service” model, providing off-grid dairy farmers with reliable biomethane-fueled cooling solutions to reduce food waste and improve livelihoods.

Modelling Infection Transmission in Hospitals

HECOIRA linked ward sensors, microbiological sampling and real-time simulation to work out how infection actually moves through a hospital, and what design can do about it.

Sustainable BioResources

Converting waste streams into valuable resources through innovative biological processes.

Our Research Groups

Indoor Air

Researching pollutants, ventilation systems, and health impacts of indoor environments.

BioResources

Developing sustainable technologies for resource recovery and circular economy.

Public Health

Addressing environmental health challenges with evidence-based solutions.

Sanitation

Creating sustainable sanitation systems for improved global health outcomes.

Water

Water pathways and solutions.

Upcoming Cake Meetings

April 15, 2025 • 14:00-15:30

Rainbow Session

Microplastics in Urban Water Systems

Join the group for findings on a recent study on microplastic contamination in urban water infrastructure and potential remediation strategies.

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May 3, 2025 • 14:00-15:30

Career Tips & Tricks

Publishing in High-Impact Journals

We share insights and strategies for early career researchers to increase their chances of publication in prestigious academic journals.

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March 10, 2026 • 12:00-14:30

Public Engagement

Starting out with Public Engagement

We are joined by Celine Robson from the PE team to find out about how to get involved in public engagement activities.

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Latest News

March 20, 2023

New Lab Equipment Grant

WPE department secures 1.2M grant for a new biological chamber.

March 15, 2025

International Collaboration

Partnership with University of Arizona focuses on exposure to environmental contaminants. Dr. Marco-Felipe King is an expert in fomite transmissions and Prof. Chuck Gerba have teamed up with Reckitt to evaluate the effectiveness of their new sanitization methods in home bathrooms.

March 10, 2026