Celebrating 10 Years of LEEP
We are delighted to invite you to save the date for two connected events hosted by the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP) at the University of Exeter Business School, taking place on 10 and 11 September 2026.
LEEP@10: A Decade of Impact, A Future of Change
Date: Thursday 10 Sept 2026
Location: Xfi Building, University of Exeter Business School, Streatham Campus
Timing: Main event 09:30-16:30; followed by an optional Garden Party Reception 17:00-19:00
The central challenges of the 21st century, including food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, are united by one common factor: how we use land. Land is the vital resource underpinning both economies and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires a new frontier in evidence-based decision-making. LEEP brings together cutting-edge data science with natural, physical, economic and social science to address these interconnected challenges.
LEEP@10 is a celebration, showcase and thought leadership event marking LEEP’s tenth anniversary, while looking ahead to the next decade of frontier research. Bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, business partners and funders, the event will explore a decade of impact and the future of interdisciplinary, evidence-led decision-making for land resources through keynote talks, demonstrations and interactive discussion.
LEEP@10: A Decade of Impact, A Future of Change Programme
A celebration, showcase and thought leadership event
Day 1: 10 September 2026
LEEP, XFi Building, University of Exeter Business School
Co-sponsors
| Co-sponsors | The Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People (LUNZ) Hub |
|---|---|
| The Dragon Capital Chair in Biodiversity Economics |
09:30–10:00 Arrival / Refreshments / Pastries
XFi Atrium
- “10 years of LEEP” and other videos showing in the Atrium
- Stands, demonstrations and posters in the Atrium
10:00–10:50 Innovation and Emerging Talent: The Ideas and People Shaping the Future
Henderson Theatre
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Ian Bateman: Welcome, Introduction and Overview |
| 10:05 | Alex Gerbasi (Deputy Vice Chancellor): LEEP and Sustainability at Exeter |
| 10:10 | Alex Inman: Menti wordcloud set-up
|
| 10:15 | Keynote Speaker: Emma Campbell, Director of Analysis and Chief Economist, Defra |
| 10:30 | Q&A |
| 10:40 | Ian Bateman: LEEP – Ten Years Gone |
| 10:48 | Alex Inman: Menti wordcloud feedback |
10:50–12:30 Innovation and Emerging Talent: The Ideas and People Shaping the Future
Henderson Theatre (MC: Ian Bateman)
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:50 | Brett Day: Valuation, Tools and Nature Markets |
| 11:00 | Q&A |
| 11:06 | Amy Binner: Biodiversity and Development |
| 11:16 | Neha Deopa: Disease at the Root, Deforestation at the Edge: Cassava Epidemics and Forest Loss in Uganda |
| 11:20 | Ben Balmford: Biodiversity Additionality Mapping in Latin America |
| 11:24 | Daniele Rinaldo: The Economic Cost of War: Gaza |
| 11:28 | Q&A |
| 11:35 | Danny Williamson: Environmental Data Science & Systems Modelling |
| 11:45 | Cassie Bird: Bringing Water Quality into Land Use Policy |
| 11:49 | Q&A |
| 11:55 | Ben Groom: HM Treasury Discount Rate Review |
| 12:15 | Q&A |
12:30–13:30 Lunch
XFi Atrium
- “10 years of LEEP” and other videos showing in the Atrium
- Stands, demonstrations and posters in the Atrium
13:30–17:00 The Future of Interdisciplinary Research for the Environmental-Economic System
Henderson Theatre (MC: Ian Bateman)
Launch of the ExPLORE Decision Support Suite
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 13:30 | Overview of the Afternoon: Ian Bateman |
| 13:35 | Brett Day, Danny Williamson, Amy Binner: Launch of the ExPLORE Decision Support Suite and Demo |
| 14:00 | Q&A |
| 14:15 | End of Session |
LEEP & LUNZ Hub Panel 1: Land Use Policy in the UK
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 14:15 | Introduction – Chris Lee |
| 14:25 | Tom Lafford – Head of Land Use Team & Land Use Framework (LUF), Defra |
| 14:35 | Charlotte Kiely / Tracie Evans – Head of Natural Science for the Environmental Land Management (ELMs) Evidence and Analysis Team, Defra |
| 14:45 | Panel Q&A – Chaired by Chris Lee |
| 15:00 | End of Session |
15:00–15:30 Refreshment Break
XFi Atrium
LEEP & LUNZ Hub Panel 2: Research and Impact Across Business and the Environment
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 15:30 | Introduction – Matthew Agarwala |
| 15:40 | Dominic Scriven (CEO, Dragon Capital) – TBC |
| 15:50 | Amy Coulthard (Wessex Water) |
| 16:00 | Emily McKenzie (TNFD) |
| 16:10 | Panel Q&A – Chaired by Matthew Agarwala; including Ben Groom |
| 16:25 | End of Session |
Closing
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 16:25 | LEEP and the Next Ten Years – Vision and Future Opportunities? – Ian Bateman |
| 16:40 | End |
17:00–19:00 Dragon Capital Garden Party Reception / BBQ
XFi Atrium & Garden / Magnolia Walk
- “10 years of LEEP” and other videos showing in the Atrium
- Stands, demonstrations and posters in the Atrium
NZ+ Live: From Evidence to Action in UK Woodlands
Date: Friday 11 Sept 2026
Location: Xfi Building, University of Exeter Business School, Streatham Campus
Timing: 10:00-15:00
Illustrating the interdisciplinary approach highlighted at LEEP@10, NZ+ Live will share key findings and insights from the five-year NetZeroPlus research programme, funded by the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund.
The programme examines the planned expansion of UK woodlands as part of the Government’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It brings together academic, business, government and third-sector partners to assess how policy choices affect carbon emissions, food security, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and international trade.
Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday
The elegant, Victorian, 4-star Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday is in the heart of Exeter, opposite Exeter Central Rail Station, 5 miles from the M5 motorway.
The classic bedrooms each have a private modern bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. All rooms have a work desk and Wi-Fi access, and a TV with satellite channels.
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel is a contemporary 4-star hotel and supremely located in the heart of Exeter. Within walking distance to all the main attractions and the city centre. Rooms are furnished with a modern and contemporary feel and are equipped with TV, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities plus free WIFI access.
Leonardo Hotel Exeter
The Leonardo Hotel Exeter, epitomises comfort, style, and convenience. Situated just a 10-minute walk from Exeter Central and St James Park train stations, and a 15-minute walk from Western Way, our hotel is easily accessible. With NCP parking directly opposite, arriving is hassle-free.
The hotel boasts 170 spacious. Rooms are well-lit and designed with your comfort in mind, featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and modern conveniences.
Hotel du Vin Exeter
Housed in a former Eye Infirmary, our building's distinctive architecture and historic walled gardens contribute to an exceptional and unique experience. Each of our exquisite rooms in Exeter is individually fashioned, featuring comfortable beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and either power showers or roll-top baths.
Hotel Voco Zeal
Situated at the entrance of Exeter Science Park, home to the South West’s leading science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine businesses. This premium 4-star hotel offers an exceptional stay for the environmentally conscious traveller. The voco Zeal features 142 stylish bedrooms, a restaurant and bar showcasing local produce, a mini gym, gardens and meeting space. The hotel is 100% electric and has a car park with 12 EV charging points.
Hotel Indigo by IHG
Discover Hotel Indigo Exeter: a boutique, design-led hotel in the heart of Exeter's historic city centre with uniquely styled rooms, spa and rooftop bar.
The 104 hotel rooms all come with fabulously comfy Hypnos beds with luxury Egyptian cotton, linen, spa-inspired bathrooms, Nespresso coffee machines, air conditioning, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels on your 40” flat screen TV.
Further details
Further details and full programme will follow. In the meantime, we hope you will be able to join us for one or both events.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to extend this invitation to a colleague, please do get in touch.