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All news (2013)

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NERC funding contributes to prize-winning project

20 Jun 2013
A NERC-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project was part of the group that won PraxisUnico's Collaborative Impact Award.  NERC funding contributes to prize-winning project

Older males make better fathers says new research on beetles

19 Jun 2013
Mature males work harder and care less about female infidelity. Older males make better fathers says new research on beetles

Origins of 'The Hoff' crab revealed

19 Jun 2013
The history of a new type of crab, nicknamed 'The Hoff' because of its hairy chest, which lives around hydrothermal vents deep beneath the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean, has been revealed for the first time. Origins of 'The Hoff' crab revealed

Treating infection may have sting in the tail, parasite study shows

18 Jun 2013
Using drugs to treat an infection could allow other co-existing conditions to flourish, a study in wild animals has shown. Treating infection may have sting in the tail, parasite study shows

NERC, BBSRC and Defra Policy Placement Secondment: Support to Defra's Chief Scientific Advisor

17 Jun 2013
Defra has a rare opportunity for two policy placement secondments, in environment and agriculture/food disciplines. Applications from early career researchers are invited. NERC, BBSRC and Defra Policy Placement Secondment: Support to Defra's Chief Scientific Advisor

The closing date is 23 Jul 2013

Current affairs make life hard for stickleback dads

14 Jun 2013
Male stickleback fish deserve extra praise this Father's Day, in light of findings by University of Leicester researchers. Current affairs make life hard for stickleback dads

New appointments to NERC Council

13 Jun 2013
David Willetts, Minister for Universities & Science, has announced three new appointments and the reappointment of two members to the Natural Environment Research Council. New appointments to NERC Council

Funding to help understand soil's key role in Global Food Security

12 Jun 2013
Funders have joined forces to offer £4·5m for research into soil ecosystems and their impact on agriculture and food production. Funding to help understand soil's key role in Global Food Security

NERC air quality research shown in parliament

10 Jun 2013
NERC showcased some of its urban air quality research at a Health & Wellbeing event held with sister research councils and the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology this week. NERC air quality research shown in parliament

Announcement of Opportunity: Big Data Capital Call

7 Jun 2013
NERC invites outline proposals which enable the UK research community to exploit environmental data for science and impact. Announcement of Opportunity: Big Data Capital Call

The closing date is 28 Jun 2013

Link to external site Knowledge for wildfire event

3 Jun 2013
The concepts of fire severity and fireline intensity are widely used, but how well do we really understand them? This event aims to foster a lively debate about these concepts and their practical implications. Knowledge for wildfire event

The closing date is 7 Jun 2013

Announcement of Opportunity: Oil and gas catalyst funding call

3 Jun 2013
NERC Business, Policy & Innovation is inviting proposals to the oil and gas catalyst funding call, to facilitates the take up of NERC science and expertise by the oil and gas industry. Up to £1m of funding is available. Announcement of Opportunity: Oil and gas catalyst funding call

The closing date is 16 Jul 2013

Link to external site Satellite Applications Hackathon

3 Jun 2013
A Satellite Applications Hackathon will take place on 8-9 June at Harwell. Participants at this free, NERC-sponsored event will work together to solve challenges using space technologies, and exploit the benefits. Satellite Applications Hackathon

Nomination and selection for SISB

3 Jun 2013
NERC is inviting applications to its key advisory board, the Science & Innovation Strategy Board (SISB). Nomination and selection for SISB

The closing date is 2 Jul 2013

Link to external site New Chair sought for NERC

29 May 2013
The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills is seeking a new Chair for NERC, to take on the role when the current Chair of Council, Mr Edmund Wallis, leaves the role at the end of 2013. New Chair sought for NERC

The closing date is 24 Jun 2013

Announcement of Opportunity: NERC Independent Research Fellowships in Bioinformatics

21 May 2013
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invites applications for NERC Independent Research Fellowships in the priority area of Bioinformatics to deliver part of the Omics research programme.  Announcement of Opportunity: NERC Independent Research Fellowships in Bioinformatics

The closing date is 1 Oct 2013

Link to external site Future Earth UK Town Hall Meeting

21 May 2013
Members of the research, public sector, private sector and civil society communities are invited to a town meeting on 21 June, co-hosted by the Royal Society and the British Academy, to find out about the Future Earth initiative. Future Earth UK Town Hall Meeting

The closing date is 29 May 2013

Case studies of NERC-funded PhD students

21 May 2013
A new set of case studies shows that NERC-funded PhD studentships have a big impact on society, providing highly skilled people to work in industry, business, academia and the public sector. Case studies of NERC-funded PhD students

Announcement of Opportunity: Variability in the South Asian Monsoon

20 May 2013
Outline bid proposals are invited for research on drivers of variability in the South Asian Monsoon, as part of a major new collaborative research programme between NERC and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India. Announcement of Opportunity: Variability in the South Asian Monsoon

The closing date is 22 Jul 2013

Link to external site New direction for algal bioenergy collaborations

17 May 2013
NERC and TSB launch the algal bioenergy roadmap in June with speakers from industry, academia and the public sector, plus the first SPARK awards, £5k grants to encourage researcher/SME collaborations. New direction for algal bioenergy collaborations

Link to external site Applying marine renewables expertise

17 May 2013
NERC's marine renewables knowledge exchange experts will be at the All-Energy event in Aberdeen on 22-23 May, meeting potential business and policy partners across the sustainable technology sectors. Free to register. Applying marine renewables expertise

Changes to responsive mode peer review

16 May 2013
NERC is making changes to its peer review processes to strengthen and streamline the assessment of responsive mode grants and increase community confidence in the process. Changes to responsive mode peer review

Billion-year-old water could hold clues to life on Earth and Mars

16 May 2013
A UK-Canadian team of scientists has discovered ancient pockets of water, which have been isolated deep underground for billions of years and contain abundant chemicals known to support life. Billion-year-old water could hold clues to life on Earth and Mars

New Director of Science for NERC

15 May 2013
Professor Iain Gillespie has been appointed as the new Director of Science for NERC. New Director of Science for NERC

Link to external site Joseph Charles Farman CBE

13 May 2013
NERC is saddened by the death of the scientist Joseph Farman CBE who, with colleagues, discovered the hole in the ozone layer. Joseph Charles Farman CBE

Plants use underground networks to warn of enemy attack

10 May 2013
Plants use underground fungal networks to warn their neighbours of aphid attack, UK scientists have discovered. Plants use underground networks to warn of enemy attack

Link to external site Announcement of Opportunity: Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative - Phase 2

8 May 2013
Proposals are invited for the joint strategic research Living With Environmental Change initiative to focus on the area of tree health and associated plant biosecurity issues. Announcement of Opportunity: Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative - Phase 2

The closing date is 2 Jul 2013

BIOMASS mission given go ahead to launch in 2020

7 May 2013
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Earth Observation Programme Board has today given the go-ahead for a new €400m Earth Observation mission. BIOMASS mission given go ahead to launch in 2020

Link to external site NERC Executive Board - Non-executive Director vacancy

7 May 2013
NERC is currently seeking at least one independent, part-time, Non-executive Director with experience of managing at a board level in a large, complex organisation in the public or private sector. NERC Executive Board - Non-executive Director vacancy

The closing date is 14 Jun 2013

Announcement of Opportunity: Industrial CASE Studentships

7 May 2013
The 2013 NERC Industrial CASE Studentship Competition is now open. NERC, BBSRC, MRC and STFC are now working together on Industrial CASE Studentships, with a common closing date for all competitions. Announcement of Opportunity: Industrial CASE Studentships

The closing date is 31 Jul 2013

Link to external site Business opportunities at RCUK Water Showcase

2 May 2013
Huge opportunities for UK economic growth were highlighted at the UK Water Research & Innovation Partnership showcase, attended by more than 120 academic and business delegates. Business opportunities at RCUK Water Showcase

Link to external site NOC hosts Europe's biggest marine technology showcase

22 Apr 2013
Earlier this month NERC's National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, hosted Ocean Business - Europe's biggest showcase for marine technology, knowledge exchange, training and careers. NOC hosts Europe's biggest marine technology showcase

NERC Environmental Data

19 Apr 2013
NERC is inviting applications for projects of up to four months which consider the use of NERC environmental data in the development of applications, products and services. NERC Environmental Data

Additional Doctoral Training Partnership FAQs

17 Apr 2013
We have updated the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) frequently asked questions document. The new FAQs relate to the DTP Partner forms and DTP financial profiling. Additional Doctoral Training Partnership FAQs

Research Grants and Fellowships Handbook update

12 Apr 2013
A new version of the NERC Research Grants and Fellowships Handbook has been published. Research Grants and Fellowships Handbook update

Changes to the eligibility criteria for New Investigator grants

12 Apr 2013
Changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for principal investigators for New Investigator grants. Changes to the eligibility criteria for New Investigator grants

Call for NERC Independent Research Fellowships

12 Apr 2013
The next call for NERC Independent Research Fellowships will be 1 October 2013. Call for NERC Independent Research Fellowships

Ocean Acidification annual science meeting and international workshop of the GOA-ON

10 Apr 2013
Registration is now open for the third annual science meeting of the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme and the second international workshop of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network. Ocean Acidification annual science meeting and international workshop of the GOA-ON

The closing date is 30 Jun 2013

Dr Katharine Giles

10 Apr 2013
NERC is saddened by the death of a highly respected scientist and colleague. Dr Katharine Giles

Meeting report from scoping workshop on monsoon research

10 Apr 2013
A three-day interactive workshop for UK and Indian researchers was held on 4-6 February 2013 with the aim of bringing both communities together ahead of a future call for joint UK/Indian research projects. Meeting report from scoping workshop on monsoon research

2013 Environment YES competition

26 Mar 2013
The Environment YES competition is now open for 2013. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 2013 Environment YES competition

Water and nutrient challenges for sustainable agriculture

26 Mar 2013
Research and knowledge transfer priorities for a new NERC/BBSRC collaborative programme in sustainable agriculture were identified at a recent industry-focused workshop. Water and nutrient challenges for sustainable agriculture

Open call for NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows and NERC Policy Placement Fellows

25 Mar 2013
NERC wishes to award a number of part-time Knowledge Exchange Fellows and Policy Placement Fellows to increase the impact of NERC-funded science through a programme of work of their own choosing. Open call for NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows and NERC Policy Placement Fellows

The closing date is 10 Jun 2013

Alternative to the DTP Partner Support Form

25 Mar 2013
Following feedback from the community, in particular from potential DTP CASE partners, NERC have introduced an auxiliary DTP Partner Support Form. Alternative to the DTP Partner Support Form

Revised Science into policy booklet published

21 Mar 2013
NERC has updated its Science into policy: taking part in the process publication. It helps scientists recognise the relevance of research to policy, identify opportunities to influence policy, and communicate science accessibly. Revised Science into policy booklet published

New Director for the British Antarctic Survey

21 Mar 2013
Professor Jane Francis has been appointed as the new Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). New Director for the British Antarctic Survey

Changing Water Cycle and Storm Risk Mitigation - Joint Annual Meeting

11 Mar 2013
Online registration is now open for the 2013 CWC/SRM Joint Annual Meeting, to be held in Oxford on 14-15 May 2013. Changing Water Cycle and Storm Risk Mitigation - Joint Annual Meeting

The closing date is 19 Apr 2013

Skills review 2012 - updated Most Wanted report

8 Mar 2013
NERC has published a refreshed and updated report that identifies essential environmental science skills that are in short supply. Skills review 2012 - updated Most Wanted report

Changes to NERC CASE studentships

7 Mar 2013
NERC is changing the closing date and name of its CASE studentship scheme, to be consistent with BBSRC, MRC and STFC.  Changes to NERC CASE studentships

Announcement of Opportunity: UK Droughts and Water Scarcity

6 Mar 2013
Research consortia are invited to submit outline bids for the UK Droughts and Water Scarcity programme. Announcement of Opportunity: UK Droughts and Water Scarcity

The closing date is 3 May 2013

Plans to strengthen UK-Indian collaboration in Earth sciences and environmental research

1 Mar 2013
NERC and the Earth System Science Organization, Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Republic of India have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate international cooperation and coordination. Plans to strengthen UK-Indian collaboration in Earth sciences and environmental research

Announcement of Opportunity: BESS workshops

21 Feb 2013
This funding call is for workshops which contribute to the goals of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme. Announcement of Opportunity: BESS workshops

Announcement of Opportunity: UPGro - 2012 Catalyst Grants - Full proposal submission

21 Feb 2013
Submissions are invited to deliver a major new research programme on Unlocking the Potential for Groundwater for the Poor (UPGro) in sub-Saharan Africa. Announcement of Opportunity: UPGro - 2012 Catalyst Grants - Full proposal submission

The closing date is 9 Apr 2013

Announcement of Opportunity: Security of Supply of Mineral Resources - Catalyst Grants

19 Feb 2013
NERC invites bids for Catalyst Grants to the Security of Supply of Mineral Resources programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Security of Supply of Mineral Resources - Catalyst Grants

The closing date is 11 Apr 2013

Knowledge Exchange Call

14 Feb 2013
NERC invites applications to the next round of the Knowledge Exchange Call. Knowledge Exchange Call

The closing date is 26 Mar 2013

Announcement of Opportunity: Follow-on Fund

14 Feb 2013
NERC invites applications to the next round of the Follow-on Fund. Announcement of Opportunity: Follow-on Fund

The closing date is 26 Mar 2013

CryoSat-2 mission reveals major Arctic sea-ice loss

13 Feb 2013
Arctic sea ice volume has declined by 36 per cent in the autumn and 9 per cent in the winter between 2003 and 2012, a UK-led team of scientists has discovered. CryoSat-2 mission reveals major Arctic sea-ice loss

Research experience placements 2013

11 Feb 2013
Following a successful three-year pilot, NERC is pleased to announce that the Research Experience Placement (REP) scheme is running for a fourth year. Research experience placements 2013

Link to external site Consultation on an energy e-infrastructure for the UK

11 Feb 2013
The UK energy e-infrastructure working group invite interested parties to contribute to a consultation on energy-infrastructure in the UK. Consultation on an energy e-infrastructure for the UK

NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs): Competition information

7 Feb 2013
NERC wish to communicate three pieces of information with regards to the DTP competition. These relate to the Joint Electronic Submission system (Je-S), studentship numbers and remit. NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs): Competition information

UK and USA collaborate in airborne climate science projects

25 Jan 2013
In the first scientific collaboration of its kind, NERC and NASA scientists are using a robotic aircraft to gather high altitude atmospheric data. UK and USA collaborate in airborne climate science projects

New capital investments for NERC

24 Jan 2013
Science Minister David Willetts today gave details of funding for capital investment in science and technology that will benefit the NERC community. New capital investments for NERC

NERC Impact Report 2012 published

24 Jan 2013
This report showcases the excellent research that NERC funds and the important role NERC plays in developing a healthy society and economic growth for the UK. NERC Impact Report 2012 published

Innovations in soil science will grow the solutions to global food security

22 Jan 2013
A new report highlights the importance of soil science in overcoming food and fuel crop shortages. Innovations in soil science will grow the solutions to global food security

Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative town meeting

22 Jan 2013
A town meeting will be held on 14 February 2013 in London to discuss this new initiative to fund research into tree pests and pathogens, and associated plant biosecurity. Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative town meeting

The closing date is 7 Feb 2013

Changes to the management of NERC services and facilities

22 Jan 2013
The NERC Executive Board (NEB) has decided to transfer the management of some of the Swindon Office managed NERC services and facilities to the NERC centres. Changes to the management of NERC services and facilities

New members appointed to the Science & Innovation Strategy Board

17 Jan 2013
NERC is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Elizabeth Baggs, Professor Paul Bates, Professor Simon Redfern and Professor William Sutherland to the Science & Innovation Strategy Board. New members appointed to the Science & Innovation Strategy Board

Mineral Resources Network launch event and brokerage session

17 Jan 2013
Registration for the Mineral Resources Network launch event and brokerage session for the Security of Supply of Mineral Resources programme is now open. Mineral Resources Network launch event and brokerage session

The closing date is 15 Feb 2013

NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs): Clarification on the DTP competition

17 Jan 2013
Following discussions with the community, we have clarified certain aspects of the DTP competition.  NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs): Clarification on the DTP competition

Link to external site NERC seeks a new Director of Science

15 Jan 2013
NERC is seeking to appoint a new Director of Science, based in Swindon. Full details are available on the Director of Science website. NERC seeks a new Director of Science

The closing date is 21 Feb 2013

New Year Honours

8 Jan 2013
NERC congratulates colleagues honoured for their outstanding services to science. New Year Honours

Change to NERC aircraft management

4 Jan 2013
In response to the findings of a review of NERC aircraft capability, the NERC executive has decided to create an integrated fleet of aircraft for NERC research, survey and polar logistics, combining the airborne capabilities of ARSF and BAS. Change to NERC aircraft management

Professor Seymour Laxon

4 Jan 2013
NERC is saddened by the death of a highly respected scientist and colleague. Professor Seymour Laxon

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