Dr Laurie Wright
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, FHEA

Professor of Applied Sustainability Science

Warsash Maritime School

laurie.wright@solent.ac.uk

Room no. RM402

Biography

Dr Laurie Wright is Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Marine Sustainability at Southampton Solent University, where he leads a team conducting ground-breaking research in maritime innovation and marine sustainability.

Over the past few years, Laurie has secured multiple prestigious research grants, including the University’s first-ever Research Council award, a milestone that has significantly strengthened Solent’s reputation in maritime research.

Beyond his research efforts, Laurie has acted as University Research Lead since 2021, serving as a member of the University’s REF2021 leadership, which resulted in a marked transformation of the university’s research profile. He continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Solent’s research strategy and culture, overseeing the REF2029 submission, leading by example and mentoring early-career academics in securing funding and delivering high-impact research.

Additionally, Laurie supports the graduate school in his capacity as doctoral coordinator and Deputy Chair of the Research Degrees Committee. He serves the wider university as Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Committee, ensuring best practice across the institution. This commitment underscores his dedication to fostering a culture of integrity and an inclusivity in research.

Through his expertise and visionary leadership, Laurie remains instrumental in driving innovative solutions, forging high-impact collaborations, and sustaining growth in maritime research at Solent University, while nurturing an inclusive environment that empowers colleagues at all career stages to explore their creativity and expand their research, knowledge, and engagement profiles.

Pure profile

View Laurie's profile on Pure

Further information

Laurie contributes to a number of courses with a particular focus on sustainable management and leadership, resource management, and life cycle thinking.

Laurie's research focuses on the sustainability of industry environment interactions, particularly in marine and maritime.

Current and recent projects address practical issues, such as:

Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions management in the maritime sector.
The impacts of future fuels on the sustainability of the maritime sector.
Improving sustainable management of resources, business performance, and the environmental impact of craft brewing, coffee production, and other small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Modelling and the management of greenhouse gas emission from cities.

Laurie is a regular reviewer for a range of peer-reviewed journals.

Laurie has contributed to a number of publications in the field of sustainability.

Non-technical writing

Plastic warms the planet twice as much as aviation - here's how to make it climate friendly

If robots take our jobs, what will it mean for climate change?

Automation and robotics could have a surprising impact on climate crisis

For a full list of Laurie's publications, see Google Scholar Citations

Laurie is current working on the Port Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS) and Implementation of Ship Hybridisation (ISHY) research projects.

Ports Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS)

The PECS project is an international cooperative project, funded by the Interreg 2 Seas Program, involving knowledge institutions, port authorities, industry and public authorities. The project is developing and testing tools and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of SME ports and marinas through energy savings.

Implementation of Ship Hybridisation (ISHY)

The ISHY project is an international collaboration funded by the Interreg 2 Seas Program that has been awarded almost €16 million to look at the options for green technology in the maritime industry. The project aims to test and validate a number of technical tools and business models for the implementation of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in ships and ports.

Taught courses

FdEng Renewable Energy Engineering

Advance your engineering career in a fast-changing field and make a positive impact on the environment.

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BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering

Be at the forefront of energy technology and shape the future of the next generation. Apply your engineering skills to develop efficient uses of valuable global resources.

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MEng Renewable Energy Engineering

Develop advanced expertise in sustainable energy technologies, automation, and smart grids, preparing you for a cutting-edge career solving global energy challenges.

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MEng Mechanical Engineering

Develop advanced mechanical engineering skills and knowledge for a cutting-edge career. Gain valuable hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and innovative technologies.

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MEng Electronic Engineering

Gain advanced knowledge in electronic engineering, from circuits to autonomous systems. Develop industry-ready skills for jobs in technology and innovation.

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