Public opinion counts

21 September 2001

Members of the public are getting the chance to have their say about environmental issues and concerns at an Open Forum in Birmingham next week.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) spends around £200m of public money each year studying environmental issues like global warming, the ozone layer and the impacts of GM crops. It is using a new approach to find out what issues people think their money should be spent on.

The Open Forum is being held at the Staff House, University of Birmingham on Wednesday 26 September. Anyone who is interested in taking part can drop in between 3.30 and 6.30pm.

Professor Judith Petts, Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham and a member of NERC's Council, said "This is a new concept for NERC. The open forum will give people the opportunity to tell us what's important to them. We are looking forward to hearing their views and I'm hoping it will be a lively session."

NERC is currently funding a number of research projects in the Midlands under an urban regeneration programme. Researchers at the University of Birmingham are studying the quality of water in the River Tame which flows near Spaghetti Junction and also runs through the Sandwell Valley where it houses Britain's largest RSPB nature reserve. The University is also undertaking a project that should lead to better ways of managing icy roads in the winter.

NERC is committed to a policy of openness and transparency in both what it does and the way in which decisions are reached about policies and funding. It is taking a major step forward by holding an open Council meeting in Birmingham on Thursday 27 September. The Council is NERC's governing body. Its members are very keen to respond to calls for scientists to communicate more effectively with the public.

NERC's Chairman, Rob Margetts, commented, " This is the first time a research council has opened its doors for members of the public to hear how issues are debated and decisions made. It's an important new development for NERC."

The meeting is taking place at the Chamberlain Park Hotel, Alcester Street, Birmingham and starts at 9.00am.

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. NERC leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

2. NERC's Council already places copies of its agendas, meeting papers and reports on the NERC website, following Council meetings.

3. Professor John Lawton, NERC's Chief Executive, and Council members Professor Judith Petts and Professor Simon Conway-Morris will be available for interview prior to the open forum and Council meeting.

4. Members of the press are welcome to attend both events.

Press release: 12/01

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