Founded in 1978, the Institute of Environmental Sciences (Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen – CML) is one of the oldest Dutch environmental research institutes. Our mission is to contribute to sustainable societies by advancing scientific understanding and by generating and analysing solutions for complex environmental challenges that arise from the ways societies live, produce, and consume.

Challenges such as pollution, resource depletion, climate change, urbanisation, industrialisation, and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected and require integrated, system-based approaches. Through our integrated approach to research, education, and partnerships, CML aims to drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. The institute is embedded in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University.

Our research

Collaboration is essential to our research approach. Therefore, CML works closely with the Faculty of Science and others at Leiden University, as well as with national and international partners.

CML advances scientific knowledge in the fields of industrial ecology and environmental biology. To realise its mission, the institute applies a coherent set of research strategies:

• System-based research
• Interdisciplinary integration
• Development of quantitative tools
• Scaling
• Connecting fundamental and applied research
• Bridging science and policy

>> Read more about our research

Educating changemakers

We are committed to educating future changemakers by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address current and future sustainability challenges effectively. The educational programmes of CML include:

• MSc in Governance of Sustainability (in collaboration with other LU faculties)
• MSc in Industrial Ecology (joint programme with TU Delft)
• BSc Science for Sustainable Societies 
• Minor Sustainable Development
• BSc, MSc, and PhD tracks in Environmental Sciences and Biology

>> Read more about our education

Academic collaboration and partnerships

CML collaborates with other academic institutions, policy makers, civil society, industry actors, and others. Many staff members contribute to the academic community through, for example, peer review, editorial board memberships, and national education committees.

We are part of the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) Centre for Sustainability. In this Strategic Partnership, Leiden University, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam collaborate based on a shared vision and shared objectives in specific areas. The partnership aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and sustainable society, offering expertise to organisations pursuing sustainability goals.

>> Read more about the LDE Centre for Sustainability 

Impact and innovation

CML is a leading institute in the development of quantitative tools and conceptual innovations in environmental science. Our research generates societal impact across multiple domains. It contributes to policy, practice, and public debate in the areas of biodiversity, food, resources, urban, and water.

A diverse scientific community

We are proud of our vibrant scientific community, with a broad range of nationalities and academic backgrounds. CML consists of over 300 people, including 70 PhD candidates, with over 25 nationalities. 

Facilitating a safe, healthy, and inclusive working environment in which diverse forms of talent are recognised, supported, and developed, among both academic and supporting staff, is important to CML.