Health check for environmental science

25 September 2003

More research into the environment and human health; improvements in training; and more commercialisation of environmental science are just some of the recommendations in the 'Review of UK Environmental Science' published today by the Environment Research Funders' Forum (ERFF).

Britain is second only to the USA in its research output in most environmental subjects and the gap is narrowing - but there is still room for improvement. ERFF commissioned an analysis of environmental science in the UK to identify strengths and weaknesses in research and training.

The analysis has thrown up some interesting results. The UK is particularly strong in traditional environmental disciplines such as atmospheric science, oceanography, earth sciences and ecology. Newer, cross-disciplinary areas, such as human health and the environment, water management, and society and environment provide opportunities for improvement. Career prospects for young researchers are likely to be better the more quantitative their skills. Some have observed that there is a 'greying' research population and more effort is needed to attract researchers into the environmental sciences.

Other findings identify barriers to successful environmental research and areas that would benefit from improvements. The findings will be used to guide the development of a high level strategy for UK environmental science and the establishment of priorities for the Forum and its member organisations.

Professor John Lawton, the current Chair of ERFF, commented "This report highlights the many successes we have in UK environmental science, and also the problems and concerns of the research and user communities. Through ERFF we hope to address those challenges , break down the barriers and provide funding and training to strengthen the research. Many young people are now going for the 'big money' subjects in engineering and technology. We need to give environmental science a boost."

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Mary Barkham
Tel: 01793 411583

Notes

1. The report 'Review of UK Environmental Science' and the preliminary response to it's recommendations can be found on the Environment Research Funders' Forum web site.

2. The study, involving many members of the environmental sciences community, was conducted by consultants Momenta (Didcot, Oxon. OX11 0QJ).

3. ERFF brings together the UK's major public sector sponsors of environmental science. Its aims are to maximise communications between these organisations, encourage partnerships and enhance the effectiveness of science funding.

Health check for environmental science

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