Introduction
NERC has recently reviewed and improved the funding, allocation and budgeting mechanisms we use, to ensure that the way in which we plan, prioritise and deliver our strategy is effective.
NERC funds investments through three funding streams:
Training and Knowledge Exchange activities cut across all the funding streams. The new mechanisms aim to link NERC investments more clearly to our strategic objectives.
National capability
National capability enables the UK to deliver world-leading environmental science to support national strategic needs, and to respond to emergencies. It is mainly about long-term investment and will rarely be subject to open competition. NERC research centres, collaborative centres and other providers of services and facilities, play a leading role for the UK in managing and delivering this capability.More details of National capability
Activities within this funding stream include:
Environmental survey and monitoring
We support long-term surveying, mapping, observation and data management as well as closely interdependent research and development. Research programmes can draw on these resources.
Shared services and facilities
We fund a large number of environmental services and facilities accessible to the whole NERC user community.
Scientific advice
We fund a small core of leadership in NERC research & collaborative centres to enable, but not fully fund, the provision of scientific advice and national good services to the UK government, overseas territories, business and public, including response to emergencies.
Training
We support the management and delivery of training and development for the next generation of environmental scientists (PhD students and fellowships) tied to the delivery of national capability.
Knowledge exchange
Supports the capability to disseminate and debate NERC-generated knowledge and ideas including the dissemination and debate of knowledge and ideas arising from other elements of national capability.
Indirect costs
We fund the indirect costs of research infrastructure and support for national capability.
Research programmes
Research programmes (including former Directed Programmes) deliver strategically directed environmental research, training and related knowledge exchange. They are aimed at the science challenges and priorities identified for the 21st century. Research programmes will have key features such as being time-limited, competitive and encouraging partnerships and collaboration.More details of Research Programmes
Activities within this funding stream include:
Themed research
We fund original investigation undertaken to expand knowledge which is directed to meet specified strategic aims and user needs.
Training
We support the management and delivery of training and development for the next generation of environmental scientists (PhD students and fellowships) tied to the delivery of themed research.
Knowledge exchange
Supports the capability to disseminate and debate NERC-generated knowledge and ideas. Dissemination and debate of knowledge and ideas arising from other elements of research programmes.
Indirect costs
Indirect costs of research infrastructure and support for research programmes.
Responsive mode research
We fund science research grants, training awards (Masters, PhD and fellowships) and knowledge exchange that takes us to places we've never been before, increasing our knowledge of planet Earth and sometimes leading to major breakthroughs in science and technology. It supports original investigations and training in any area of science relevant to NERC's remit, strengthens the health of disciplines, and helps set future strategic priorities. This funding will help to build a healthy science base and to identify future strategic science opportunities and directions. It is delivered by higher education institutes, NERC's own research centres and collaborative centres and other eligible research institutes.More details of Responsive Research
Science and society
We communicate our work to a wide audience. External co-funding is encouraged against each of the funding categories above.