NERC consults on its next strategy
12 February 2007
The Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) five-year strategy comes at a particularly critical time for planet Earth. Rapid economic and population growth are putting increasing pressure on natural resources, and human activity is causing unprecedented changes in the global climate. This strategy will ensure that NERC funds the essential research needed to sustain the health of our planet.
To help decide and confirm these research and funding priorities, NERC is asking its stakeholders, researchers, academics and anyone else who is interested in environmental science, to give their views on the draft strategy, which includes plans for some major new initiatives.
Professor Alan Thorpe, NERC's Chief Executive, said, "It's very important that NERC gathers the opinions of its researchers, other academics and partners, including international partners. I hope that people will take the time to read the draft strategy and provide their thoughts on the priorities we have identified, the goals we need to achieve and the methods to deliver them."
The strategy, which will be finalised and published later in the year, will set the agenda for NERC funded research to address major scientific and societal challenges of the 21st century. This new knowledge will form the evidence needed to drive government policy development, to provide both politically and socially acceptable sustainable solutions.
The online consultation opens today and will remain open until 18:00 on 16 April 2007.
Further information
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Notes
1. The Natural Environment Research Council funds world-class science, in universities and its own research centres, that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. NERC is tackling the 21st century's major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. It leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.
Briefing note: 04/07
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