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The Natural Environment Research Council appoints two new members

8 September 2005

Two new appointments to the Natural Environment Research Council have been announced by Lord Sainsbury, Minister for science & innovation. Both appointments will run until 31 July 2008.

Professor Huw Davies is professor of physics at the Institute for Atmospheric & Climate Science at ETH Zürich, and head of the institute's Atmospheric Dynamics Group.

Professor Davies studied at the University of Wales and at Imperial College, London. Prior to his appointment with ETH Zürich he was a lecturer at the University of Reading. He has served as president of the International Association of Meteorology & Atmospheric Science, is a member of the Academia Europaea and currently chairs the Science Advisory Board of the International THORPEX programme. His research is in the fields of atmospheric dynamics and short-term climate variability.

Professor Alastair Fitter is pro vice-chancellor for research at the University of York.

Professor Fitter studied at the universities of Oxford and Liverpool before moving to the University of York. He was head of biology at York from 1997 to 2004 and pro vice-chancellor for research in 2004. His research interests focus on plant and microbial behaviour in a changing world, including the functioning of root systems and mycorrhizas, their role in the global carbon cycle and how environmental factors control their growth. He was president of the British Ecological Society from 2003 to 2005. He is currently director of the UK Population biology Network and an editor of the journal New Phytologist.

Rob Margetts, NERC's chairman, said, "I'm delighted that Alastair and Huw have agreed to join us. They have each been closely involved with NERC over the years so are well aware of how we work and the many opportunities and challenges ahead. Their personal and professional values and expertise will be of immense benefit to our future activities."

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. Appointments to NERC are made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Neither of the new Council members has other ministerial appointments or been involved in any relevant political activities.

2. An honorarium of £6280 per year is currently paid to all members of NERC's Council. (£8160 per annum for those members who chair NERC research boards).

3. NERC is one of the UK's research councils. It uses a budget of about £350m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

Press release: 43/05

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