The Division of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) at the NUS Faculty of Engineering provides an interdisciplinary program that brings together the environmental sciences and fundamentals of engineering to produce graduates at all levels we aspire to be leaders of the profession.  

ESE emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems. The overall objective of the program is to impart to students a sound scientific knowledge, combined with advanced engineering capabilities, so that they understand the local, regional and international environmental issues. ESE provides opportunities for development of innovative and appropriate technologies and systems to address these issues. In recognition of the intimate link between science and engineering, both the undergraduate and graduate curricula are designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes underlying environmental science and engineering.

ESE promotes unique research and educational opportunities in all aspects of air, land and water systems and the pursuit of inorganic and organic components that present threats to environmental and human systems. We have opportunities in many areas and pursue research and education in:

• Aerosol science and technology

• Air pollution assessment and control

• Environmental chemistry & biochemistry

• Environmental microbiology & biotechnology

• Climate change

• Energy resources, conservation and alternatives

• Hazardous and solid waste

• Human & environmental health

• Industrial ecology

• Marine & coastal systems

• Membrane separations & technologies

• Nano-biotechnology & nano-materials

• Renewable energy

• Sensor systems in air, land & water

• Separation science and technologies

• System modeling and simulation

• Water quality and treatment

• Wastewater reclamation and reuse

• Water resources

Faculty members and research staff of ESE are engaged in basic and applied research. These activities include all of the relevant environmental media - air, water, and soil and embedded in each would be the capability investigate the science behind the problems in the three media. In its focus areas, ESE adopts a comprehensive, holistic view when attempting to solve complex environmental problems.

The faculty members' research activities are a reflection of the expertise of its faculty members, who are multi-national, highly trained, and well regarded in both academia and the industrial sector. ESE has a commitment to facilitate interaction and collaborations among researchers, students, and industry. In research, this interaction allows faculty members to undertake translational engineering so as to facilitate the effective transfer of research findings to the industry. ESE faculty members have a good record of successful technology transfers to the industry.

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities permit computer modeling, and laboratory experiments and the integration of both. This is augmented with opportunities for students to work on pilot- and full-scale test facilities. Undergraduate students are encouraged to actively engage in research projects, together with postgraduate students and faculty members to gain “hands-on experience” in the research and development of new technologies.

Environmental problems are some of the most complex, challenging, and pressing issues that are of concern to policy makers. Achieving environmental sustainability is a key priority for Singapore and the world. ESE is committed to providing excellence in education and research and preparing young environmental scientists and engineers for leadership positions in academia and industrial research and development.