Research news (2012)
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Marine Ecosystems programme - Facilitation workshop presentations
19 Dec 2012
Presentations by the main speakers and delegates at this workshop, held at PML on 6 December 2012, are now available. If you wish to access them, please contact Rachel Leader. Marine Ecosystems programme - Facilitation workshop presentations
RCUK's Strategic Framework for Capital Investment
29 Nov 2012
This framework will help Research Council's plan long term investments in capital infrastructure. RCUK's Strategic Framework for Capital Investment
Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) - call for proposals
29 Oct 2012
The Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS): Reducing the risk to livestock and people programme call is now live on BBSRC's website. This programme is jointly funded by BBSRC, DFID, ESRC, MRC and NERC. Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) - call for proposals
The closing date is 10 Jan 2013
ARCHER: CSE and Service Provision user requirement survey
25 Oct 2012
EPSRC, on behalf of the other research councils, has launched a survey to capture the user requirements for the CSE Support and Service Provision for the next national supercomputer ARCHER. ARCHER: CSE and Service Provision user requirement survey
The closing date is 5 Dec 2012
Radioactivity and the Environment - Programme brokerage event
10 Oct 2012
A brokerage event was held to bring the community together to provide the background to this programme and its call. The agenda and presentations given at the workshop are available. Radioactivity and the Environment - Programme brokerage event
Insight into snake venom evolution could aid drug discovery
18 Sep 2012
UK-led scientists have made a discovery about snake venom that could lead to the development of new drugs to treat a range of life-threatening conditions. Insight into snake venom evolution could aid drug discovery
UKERC Research Director job available
18 Sep 2012
The UK Energy Research Centre, funded by NERC, EPSRC and ESRC, is seeking a new Research Director. UKERC Research Director job available
The closing date is 28 Sep 2012
NBAF 2012-13 Pilot Project Grants Competition
14 Sep 2012
NERC is again providing funding for small pilot / development sequencing and microarray projects to be undertaken at the NBAF Edinburgh and Liverpool nodes. NBAF 2012-13 Pilot Project Grants Competition
The closing date is 5 Oct 2012
Consultation on proposal to merge BAS and NOC
11 Sep 2012
NERC is undertaking a consultation exercise on a proposal to merge two of its centres: the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). Consultation on proposal to merge BAS and NOC
The closing date is 10 Oct 2012
Rural Economy Land Use final report published
7 Sep 2012
The Rural Economy Land Use (RELU) programme has now finished. The final report, including the programme's aims, findings and outputs is now available. Rural Economy Land Use final report published
UK Droughts and Water Scarcity - Town meeting
6 Sep 2012
Applications are invited to attend a 'town meeting' which will include short plenary sessions, presentation of the draft announcement of opportunity for discussion, and sessions to facilitate cross-disciplinary discussions and networking. UK Droughts and Water Scarcity - Town meeting
The closing date is 28 Sep 2012
Radioactivity and the Environment - Programme brokerage event
3 Sep 2012
NERC would like to invite attendance at the RATE programme brokerage event in Bristol on Monday 8 October 2012. Radioactivity and the Environment - Programme brokerage event
The closing date is 25 Sep 2012
UK scientists to revolutionise lake research in £2.5m global project
1 Sep 2012
GloboLakes consortium will create the world's first satellite-based global lake surveillance system, to monitor how lakes and reservoirs are being affected by environmental change. UK scientists to revolutionise lake research in £2.5m global project
Announcement of Opportunity: Flooding from Intense Rainfall
20 Aug 2012
NERC is inviting research proposals to its Flooding from Intense Rainfall research programme. This is a five-year £5·2m research programme in collaboration with the Met Office and the Environment Agency. Announcement of Opportunity: Flooding from Intense Rainfall
The closing date is 31 Oct 2012
Food prices and waste are hot topics of public survey
20 Aug 2012
Research conducted for the Global Food Security Programme has shown that many people believe that: 'food security is not an issue that affects me rather it's more a problem for people in developing countries' Food prices and waste are hot topics of public survey
Announcement of Opportunity: Analytical Science and Technology - Studentships
20 Aug 2012
NERC and ACTF invite applications for the fourth funding round of the co-funded Analytical Science and Technology Studentships programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Analytical Science and Technology - Studentships
The closing date is 11 Oct 2012
NCAS bursaries available
15 Aug 2012
NCAS is proud to announce that there are a small number of bursaries available to help fund PhD students to attend the 2013 European Research Course on Atmospheres (ERCA). NCAS bursaries available
The closing date is 30 Sep 2012
Drop-in sessions for NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) competition 2012.
10 Aug 2012
We are offering potential DTP applicants the opportunity to meet in private with NERC staff to discuss the new competition. Drop-in sessions for NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) competition 2012.
The closing date is 11 Sep 2012
Update on the DTP competition
10 Aug 2012
We have published an update on the DTP competition which includes a brief guide to the changes we have made and an outline of what we are looking for in DTPs. Update on the DTP competition
2012 Environment YES competition - reminder
9 Aug 2012
NERC invite applications for the 2012 Environment YES competition workshop.
2012 Environment YES competition - reminder
Wet weather could have delivered clean Olympic Games
9 Aug 2012
The UK's appalling summer weather could have had an unexpected benefit for Olympic athletes and spectators. Wet weather could have delivered clean Olympic Games
NERC Citations Study 2012
6 Aug 2012
More than a fifth of the total UK output in environmental sciences is supported by NERC according to a new study of research papers citations. NERC Citations Study 2012
Announcement of Opportunity - NERC CASE Studentships
3 Aug 2012
Applications are invited to the NERC CASE Studentship scheme, which promotes collaboration between the research community and the end-users of research. Announcement of Opportunity - NERC CASE Studentships
Changes to Project Studentships
1 Aug 2012
As part of the wider changes to our postgraduate training portfolio, NERC today announces changes to project studentships. Changes to Project Studentships
Announcement of Opportunity for use of the ARSF in the 2013 flying season
24 Jul 2012
Eligible persons wishing to use the Airborne Research and Survey Facility in the 2013 Flying Season are invited to submit detailed proposals, including a supporting scientific case. Announcement of Opportunity for use of the ARSF in the 2013 flying season
The closing date is 5 Oct 2012
GPS backpacks reveal sheep flocking strategy
24 Jul 2012
UK researchers have shown for the first time that instead of fleeing randomly when faced with danger, sheep head straight for the centre of the flock. GPS backpacks reveal sheep flocking strategy
Announcement of Opportunity: Omics - Advisory and Implementation Group
11 Jul 2012
NERC invites applications from individuals interested in joining the Advisory and Implementation Group (AIG) for the Omics research programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Omics - Advisory and Implementation Group
The closing date is 31 Jul 2012
Flying research laboratory to appear at Royal International Air Tattoo
6 Jul 2012
The NERC / Met Office Atmospheric Research Aircraft makes its first ever appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo this weekend. Flying research laboratory to appear at Royal International Air Tattoo
Antarctic Logistic Support - 4 December 2012 standard grant round
5 Jul 2012
The call is open for 'Preliminary Request for Antarctic Logistic Support' forms to be submitted by all applicants requesting BAS Antarctic Logistics Support. Antarctic Logistic Support - 4 December 2012 standard grant round
The closing date is 4 Sep 2012
Researchers and communities at risk join forces in volcano study
2 Jul 2012
People living in the shadow of six potentially active volcanoes will take part in a £3m project to explore better ways to forecast and cope with future eruptions. Researchers and communities at risk join forces in volcano study
Opportunities for UK business that protect and value nature's services
28 Jun 2012
Twelve promising opportunities for UK business to help protect and value nature's services were identified in a report published yesterday. Opportunities for UK business that protect and value nature's services
International space weather agreement
28 Jun 2012
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the UK Government Office for Science have agreed to strengthen collaborative efforts to protect critical infrastructure from the impacts of space weather. International space weather agreement
UK IODP Conference 2012
27 Jun 2012
Online registration is now open for the UK IODP 2012 Conference. UK IODP Conference 2012
The closing date is 12 Aug 2012
Radioactivity and the Environment Expert Group report for comment
27 Jun 2012
The RATE Expert Group met on the 2 and 3 May, a report was produced and we are keen to hear the views of the widest possible audience. Radioactivity and the Environment Expert Group report for comment
The closing date is 22 Jul 2012
£9.6m joint UK-Brazilian initiative to investigate effect of tropical forest degradation
19 Jun 2012
NERC and FAPESP today announce a major £9.6m investment to investigate how changes to tropical forests affect biodiversity, ecosystem services and the climate. £9.6m joint UK-Brazilian initiative to investigate effect of tropical forest degradation
Expansion of forests in the European Arctic could result in the release of carbon dioxide
18 Jun 2012
Carbon stored in Arctic tundra could be released into the atmosphere by new trees growing in the warmer region, exacerbating climate change, scientists have revealed. Expansion of forests in the European Arctic could result in the release of carbon dioxide
NERC considers combined management of polar and marine science
7 Jun 2012
NERC is considering a merger of the scientific and logistics management of marine and polar science delivered through its National Oceanography Centre and British Antarctic Survey. NERC considers combined management of polar and marine science
Bird's head colour determines its personality
6 Jun 2012
UK researchers have shown that highly sociable Australian birds, called Gouldian finches, have different personalities according to the colour of their heads. Bird's head colour determines its personality
Arctic study of ocean acidification impacts
31 May 2012
Scientists will set sail tomorrow aboard the RRS James Clark Ross for the largest ever study of changing carbon dioxide levels in polar seas. Arctic study of ocean acidification impacts
Mars missions may learn from meteor Down Under
31 May 2012
A discovery about the make-up of the atmosphere of Mars could help inform future missions searching for life there. Mars missions may learn from meteor Down Under
3D model reveals how ancient creature got around
24 May 2012
An ancient four-limbed creature that's thought to be the first ever to walk on land couldn't actually walk at all, researchers have discovered. 3D model reveals how ancient creature got around
NERC-sponsored garden wins Gold at Chelsea
22 May 2012
The University of Leeds has scooped Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show today with a garden based on ecosystem services research. NERC-sponsored garden wins Gold at Chelsea
Joint Weather and Climate Research Programme draft strategy - Request for feedback
21 May 2012
NERC and the Met Office would like to give the community the opportunity to provide feedback on draft strategies for the Joint Weather and Climate Research Programme. Joint Weather and Climate Research Programme draft strategy - Request for feedback
The closing date is 30 Jun 2012
Environment and Health Science Coordinator appointed
18 May 2012
Dr David Hutchinson, Environment Facilitator at the University of Portsmouth, has been appointed as the Environment and Health Science Coordinator for both the EEHI and ESEI programmes. Environment and Health Science Coordinator appointed
Scientists to study risks of ocean acidification to Scotland's corals
15 May 2012
Scientists set off on a month-long research voyage in the waters around Scotland using the latest robotic technology to study the Mingulay cold-water coral reefs. Scientists to study risks of ocean acidification to Scotland's corals
UK report could pave the way for producing sustainable biofuels
14 May 2012
With the increasing appetite for 'green' energy technologies there are massive opportunities ahead for the UK in producing algal biofuels and other algae products. UK report could pave the way for producing sustainable biofuels
Researchers fly into the heart of Britain's violent storms
10 May 2012
Scientists have been flying through the turbulent storms being experienced in the UK at present to try and understand what causes such extremely stormy weather. Researchers fly into the heart of Britain's violent storms
Announcement of Opportunity - Programme Advisory Group
3 May 2012
NERC is inviting applications from individuals interested in joining the Programme Advisory Group (PAG) for the Resource Recovery from Waste: Challenges for the health of the environment programme. Announcement of Opportunity - Programme Advisory Group
The closing date is 23 May 2012
Announcement of Opportunity: Belmont Forum and G8HORCs International Opportunities Fund
18 Apr 2012
Proposals are invited to this joint funding call of approximately 20m Euros between the Belmont Forum and G8 Heads of Research Councils (G8HORCs). Announcement of Opportunity: Belmont Forum and G8HORCs International Opportunities Fund
The closing date is 20 Jul 2012
UK IODP Student Conference 2012
17 Apr 2012
Online registration is now open for the UK IODP 2012 Student Conference. UK IODP Student Conference 2012
The closing date is 27 Jun 2012
Announcement of Opportunity: BESS - Interdisciplinary studentships
13 Apr 2012
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme is inviting applications for five fully funded interdisciplinary PhD studentships. Announcement of Opportunity: BESS - Interdisciplinary studentships
The closing date is 25 May 2012
Earthquake hits northern Sumatra
11 Apr 2012
An earthquake of 8·7 magnitude has once again rocked northern Sumatra, but without the devastation that the region suffered in 2004. Earthquake hits northern Sumatra
Belmont Forum and G8HORCs International Opportunities Fund
3 Apr 2012
The Belmont Forum and G8HORCs International Opportunities Fund will be officially opened and announced to the community on 15 April 2012. Belmont Forum and G8HORCs International Opportunities Fund
UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) research opportunity
20 Mar 2012
The UK NEA is inviting suitably experienced individuals from a variety of disciplines and organisations to register an expression of interest for involvement in the research component of the UK NEA follow-on phase. UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) research opportunity
The closing date is 4 Apr 2012
Postgraduate skills gaps in the environmental sciences sector
14 Mar 2012
NERC is seeking input to a review of postgraduate skills gaps in the environmental sciences sector. Postgraduate skills gaps in the environmental sciences sector
The closing date is 23 Apr 2012
Science Minister returns from fact-finding visit to Antarctica
5 Mar 2012
Hear directly from David Willetts about his experiences whilst visiting the British Antarctic Survey's Rothera base. Science Minister returns from fact-finding visit to Antarctica
Announcement of Opportunity : ESPA 2012 Grants
5 Mar 2012
The ESPA Programme Executive Board invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) to attend a Grant Development Workshop on 2-4 July 2012. Announcement of Opportunity : ESPA 2012 Grants
The closing date is 2 Apr 2012
UK IODP Conference 2012
1 Mar 2012
The national UK IODP Conference will be held in Oxford on 12 September 2012 to celebrate scientific achievements and look forward beyond 2013. UK IODP Conference 2012
UK IODP Student Conference 2012
1 Mar 2012
This interactive workshop for early-career scientists to explore ocean drilling related research ideas will be held on 9-12 September 2012. UK IODP Student Conference 2012
ESPA Directorate Questionnaire response
23 Feb 2012
Findings of the recent review of the applications process for ESPA funding are now published on the ESPA website. ESPA Directorate Questionnaire response
Radioactivity and the Environment Expert Group
16 Feb 2012
Membership of the Expert Group to advise on the scope of the Radioactivity and the Environment research programme has been confirmed. Radioactivity and the Environment Expert Group
Radioactivity and the Environment programme timetable
16 Feb 2012
An outline timetable for the Radioactivity and the Environment research programme is now available. Radioactivity and the Environment programme timetable
Collaborative Gearing Scheme
16 Feb 2012
The call is open for applications to the Collaborative Gearing Scheme, for projects that request Antarctic fieldwork during the 2012-13 season. Collaborative Gearing Scheme
The closing date is 30 Mar 2012
Announcement of Opportunity: ESPA 2012 Grants
15 Feb 2012
The ESPA Programme Executive Board will soon release details of the latest funding call to be launched under the ESPA Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: ESPA 2012 Grants
Antarctic Logistic Support - July 2012 grant round
15 Feb 2012
The call is open for 'Preliminary Request for Antarctic Logistic Support' forms to be submitted by all applicants requesting BAS Antarctic Logistics Support. Antarctic Logistic Support - July 2012 grant round
The closing date is 2 Apr 2012
NERC's Arctic research base
14 Feb 2012
Applications are being accepted to access the NERC Arctic research station during the 2012 summer season. NERC's Arctic research base
The closing date is 31 Mar 2012
UK Antarctic Science meeting 2012
13 Feb 2012
The British Antarctic Survey is organising a UK Antarctic Science meeting, to be held in Cambridge on 12-14 September 2012. UK Antarctic Science meeting 2012
Minister launches next generation of supercomputers for UK researchers
13 Feb 2012
The next stage of development of two giant computers, HECToR and BlueGene/Q, will allow complex computer simulations across a range of scientific disciplines. Minister launches next generation of supercomputers for UK researchers
Ocean Acidification annual science meeting 2012
3 Feb 2012
The second UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme annual science meeting will be taking place at the University of Exeter on 16-18 April 2012. Ocean Acidification annual science meeting 2012
The closing date is 16 Mar 2012
Huge pool of Arctic fresh water could cool Europe
23 Jan 2012
British scientists have discovered an enormous dome of fresh water in the western Arctic Ocean, which could cool Europe if the wind changes direction. Huge pool of Arctic fresh water could cool Europe
Demand management measures
20 Jan 2012
NERC introduces demand management measures for Responsive Mode funding schemes. Demand management measures
Molecular Spectroscopy Facility - Withdrawal of NERC national capability funding
12 Jan 2012
As part the NERC national capability (NC) prioritisation exercise, Council have agreed to withdraw NC funding for the MSF. Consequently, the MSF will no longer be accepting applications for access as a NERC block-funded facility. Molecular Spectroscopy Facility - Withdrawal of NERC national capability funding
Announcement of ESEI programme awards
5 Jan 2012
NERC, MRC and ESRC, along with BBSRC, have joint funded three projects under the Environmental and Social Ecology of Human Infectious Diseases (ESEI) programme. Announcement of ESEI programme awards