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Into clear skies

9 December 2004

Launch of the Institute for Aviation and the Environment at the University of Cambridge

A new institute is being launched today in Cambridge that will offer a truly integrated approach to predicting and mitigating the future effects of aircraft emissions.

The 'Institute for Aviation and the Environment' (IAE) will look at the physics and chemistry of aviation emissions from their formation in the aircraft engine to their impact on near-airport pollution and global climate change. It will investigate technological and operational solutions to minimise that impact, along with possible regulatory policies, while taking into account socio-economic dimensions.

Funding from the Natural Environment Research Council's Knowledge Transfer Programme has provided the opportunity to co-ordinate and extend the University's existing research activity. The Institute will be unique in bringing together leading academic researchers from a broad range of disciplines in active engagement with industry and government.

Professor Peter Haynes, the Director of the IAE said, "Aviation is a multi-billion dollar industry and a vital component of modern life, but has a serious impact on the environment. Researchers at the University of Cambridge are world leaders in fields of atmospheric science, engineering and economics which are central to predicting environmental impacts of aviation and to devising future technological and operational strategies for mitigation of those impacts. The close interaction between the University, industry and government fostered in the new Institute for Aviation and Environment will focus leading-edge research on real-world problems."

The launch event is being attended by representatives from engine and airframe manufacturers, airport operators and developers, airlines, and government agencies. These organisations are now being invited to become participants in the Institute.

Further information

Dr Emily Shuckburgh
Senior Research Associate
Institute for Aviation and the Environment
University of Cambridge
Tel: 01223 760452; 07970 980 421

Corina Hadjiodysseos
Press and Publications Office
University of Cambridge
Tel: 01223 332300

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

Notes

1. Aircraft emit gases and particles that alter atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and trigger the formation of vapour trails. Both greenhouse gases and vapour trails (contrails) are linked to global climate change. Near airports, the emissions from aircraft and associated ground transport contribute to localised air pollution. Therefore, for both the global and local environment, it is imperative to understand these processes fully, to explore methods of further improving efficiency, and to identify and characterise the options for mitigating the future impacts of aviation.

2. Designing future engines and airframes involves complex decision-making and a balance of environmental considerations concerning aircraft on the ground and in flight. Airline routing, the development of new and existing airports, and the negotiation of future regulations also need to take into account environmental impacts.

3. The Institute currently involves academics from the following departments of the University of Cambridge: Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Geography and Architecture.

4. The Natural Environment Research Council Knowledge Transfer fund was launched in 2004 to support a variety of knowledge transfer opportunities including: public sector collaborative research, knowledge transfer networks and a range of good ideas for transferring knowledge.

5. The launch meeting is being held on 9 December at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA.

6. Members of the press are invited to attend the launch meeting. To request a press pack or to arrange interviews with academics, either in advance or at the meeting, please contact Dr Emily Shuckburgh (contact details above).

Press release: 39/04

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