National capability
National capability enables the UK to deliver world-leading environmental science, support national strategic needs, and respond to emergencies. It includes the research and development activities which keeps this capability at the cutting-edge.
NERC provides national capability through support of:
- Environmental surveys and monitoring
- Shared services and facilities
- Skills and expertise
- Research infrastructure
- Related training and knowledge exchange
NERC research centres, collaborative centres and other service and facilities providers, play a leading role for the UK in managing and delivering this capability. It is mainly about long-term investment and will rarely be subject to open competition.
The National Capability Advisory Group will consider and provide advice on NERC's long-term national capability requirements.
NERC has announced a prioritisation plan for national capability, to be implemented by the end of the 2014-15 financial year.