Research news
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Review of e-Science 2009 town meeting
23 Dec 2009
Following the completion of the e-Science Review there will be a public launch of the Review Panel report and findings at a 'Town Meeting'. Review of e-Science 2009 town meeting
The closing date is 18 Jan 2010
Theme action plans - Phase 2
18 Dec 2009
NERC's governing Council has approved the second phase of theme action plans, outlining investments of around £80m over the next few years. Theme action plans - Phase 2
Announcement of Opportunity: Long Term Co-evolution of Life and the Planet
16 Dec 2009
Applications are invited for interdisciplinary research grants to investigate major physical or biological change within the geological record, particularly those that have had an impact on carbon and oxygen cycles. Announcement of Opportunity: Long Term Co-evolution of Life and the Planet
The closing date is 30 Mar 2010
Long Term Co-evolution of Life and the Planet - Town Meeting
16 Dec 2009
A Town Meeting will be held at the Geological Society in London on 8 February 2010 to assist in development of proposals to the Long Term Co-evolution of Life and the Planet programme. Long Term Co-evolution of Life and the Planet - Town Meeting
The closing date is 25 Jan 2010
Public dialogue on geoengineering
14 Dec 2009
NERC is planning to carry out a public dialogue on geoengineering. We would welcome your views on geoengineering and on the scope of the dialogue. Public dialogue on geoengineering
The closing date is 15 Jan 2010
Climate Geoengineering - Call for participants
8 Dec 2009
EPSRC and NERC, in partnership under the LWEC programme, intend to provide support to research within the Climate Geoengineering remit through a joint sandpit event. EPSRC are leading the organisation of this event with co-funding from NERC. Climate Geoengineering - Call for participants
The closing date is 20 Jan 2010
Announcement of Opportunity : Ocean Acidification
4 Dec 2009
The closing date for the AO has been extended until 16:00 on the 16 December 2009. Potential applicants are reminded that although the facility charge per sample is expected to be in the region of £12, it can be increased if full justification is provided. Announcement of Opportunity : Ocean Acidification
The closing date is 16 Dec 2009
£40m research investment to make ecosystem services work for the poor
4 Dec 2009
A pioneering research programme is launched today that will provide the knowledge needed to develop resilient ecosystems and help to reduce poverty in developing countries. £40m research investment to make ecosystem services work for the poor
New funds for Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation research
4 Dec 2009
DFID, NERC and ESRC have announced £40.5m to deliver high quality and cutting-edge research that will improve our understanding of ecosystems, in terms of the services they provide for poverty reduction and inclusive growth processes. New funds for Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation research
MONSooN begins working
1 Dec 2009
Today the new Met Office and Natural Environment Research Council high performance computer, MONSooN, opened for business. MONSooN begins working
Remote sensing technologies for next generation platforms
30 Nov 2009
A summary report from this recently completed scoping study is available. Remote sensing technologies for next generation platforms
Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Proof of Concept
30 Nov 2009
This announcement of opportunity invites proposals for the Technology Proof of Concept programme's second and final grant round. Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Proof of Concept
The closing date is 26 Jan 2010
Responsibility for funding solar terrestrial physics
26 Nov 2009
Following the recommendation of the Wakeham review, NERC and STFC have drawn up an agreement whereby NERC assumes responsibility for funding Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics research. Responsibility for funding solar terrestrial physics
NERC takes responsibility for Earth-related solar terrestrial physics
26 Nov 2009
Following the recommendation of the Wakeham review, funding responsibility for solar terrestrial physics research which relates to the Earth is being transferred to NERC from STFC. NERC takes responsibility for Earth-related solar terrestrial physics
Climate change science
24 Nov 2009
Three of the UK's leading scientific organisations reinforce the call for action on climate change and confirm their commitment to ensure that world leaders have access to the best possible science. Climate change science
Announcement of Opportunity: Environmental Exposure and Health Initiative
20 Nov 2009
Outline proposals are invited for the development of interdisciplinary research ideas to investigate the influence of environmental, behavioural and socioeconomic factors on exposure to pollutants and stressors and their health effects in humans. Announcement of Opportunity: Environmental Exposure and Health Initiative
The closing date is 19 Jan 2010
UK Taxonomy and Systematics Review underway
20 Nov 2009
The Expert Working Group, chaired by Professor Charles Godfray, has been appointed and met for the first time on 13 November 2009. UK Taxonomy and Systematics Review underway
Fossil fuel CO2 emissions up by 29 per cent since 2000
18 Nov 2009
The strongest evidence yet that the rise in atmospheric CO2 emissions continues to outstrip the ability of the world's natural 'sinks' to absorb carbon. Fossil fuel CO2 emissions up by 29 per cent since 2000
New funds to stimulate systematics and taxonomy research
16 Nov 2009
NERC and BBSRC have made £750k available over the next three years to kick-start research projects in this field. New funds to stimulate systematics and taxonomy research
Discovery may help manage nanoparticle wastes from consumer products
12 Nov 2009
A new discovery about nanoparticle behaviour in sewage treatment plants could improve the environmental management of nanoparticle wastes. Discovery may help manage nanoparticle wastes from consumer products
Living With Environmental Change seminar
11 Nov 2009
This public policy seminar in London on 30 November has the topic 'How will climate change affect people in the UK and how can we best develop an equitable response?'
Living With Environmental Change seminar
Communicating science to the public
5 Nov 2009
You can now register for a place at one of the six free two-day training courses in science communication skills. Communicating science to the public
Soil moisture and ocean salinity satellite ready for launch
29 Oct 2009
A new European Earth observation satellite will be launched in the early hours of Monday morning from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. Soil moisture and ocean salinity satellite ready for launch
RCUK Business Plan Competition
23 Oct 2009
The Research Councils UK 2009-10 Business Plan Competition is now open.
The closing date is 4 Dec 2009
Climate change monitoring success celebrated
22 Oct 2009
Scientists celebrate the success of three sea temperature measuring devices which have enabled them to produce accurate climate change data. Climate change monitoring success celebrated
Quantifying Uncertainty Sandpit - Outcome
20 Oct 2009
£1.4m of NERC funding over 3 years has been awarded to End-to-end Quantification of Uncertainty for Impacts Prediction (EQUIP). Quantifying Uncertainty Sandpit - Outcome
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification
15 Oct 2009
Proposals are invited for a service of carbonate chemistry measurements as part of the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification
The closing date is 16 Dec 2009
'Significant risk' of oil production peaking in ten years
8 Oct 2009
A report published today says that there is a significant risk that conventional oil production is likely to peak before 2020. 'Significant risk' of oil production peaking in ten years
Global demand for tropical crop could worsen air quality
6 Oct 2009
An "environmentally friendly" tropical crop could lead to hazardous increases in levels of the air pollutant ozone, say researchers. Global demand for tropical crop could worsen air quality
Acidic clouds nourish world's oceans
5 Oct 2009
Acidic clouds are feeding bioavailable iron to the oceans - a discovery which sheds light on the natural processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Acidic clouds nourish world's oceans
Research gives new meaning to 'green' cross code
5 Oct 2009
Pedestrians could reduce the amount of traffic pollution they breathe in simply by crossing the street, according to new research. Research gives new meaning to 'green' cross code
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Studentships
5 Oct 2009
Studentship proposals are invited as part of the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Studentships
The closing date is 8 Dec 2009
UK taxonomy and systematics review
21 Sep 2009
The Natural History Museum has been awarded a contract to work with NERC to manage a review of the UK taxonomy and systematics sector. UK taxonomy and systematics review
Sex life may hold key to honeybee survival
14 Sep 2009
The greater number and diversity of male partners a queen honeybee has could help to protect her children from disease. Sex life may hold key to honeybee survival
Environmental & Social Ecology of Human Infectious Diseases
3 Sep 2009
NERC, MRC, ESRC and BBSRC announce the launch of this new initiative that will generate knowledge on the ways in which the natural and social environments affect the emergence and spread of infectious disease. Environmental & Social Ecology of Human Infectious Diseases
Invitation to submit evidence to the RCUK international review of e-Science 2009
3 Sep 2009
RCUK have asked EPSRC, on behalf of all research councils, to conduct a review of e-Science over the coming months and they are keen to hear the views of the widest possible audience. Invitation to submit evidence to the RCUK international review of e-Science 2009
The closing date is 25 Sep 2009
UN Secretary-General visits the Arctic
1 Sep 2009
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is today visiting Ny-Alesund in Svalbard. UN Secretary-General visits the Arctic
Drugs designed by nature could prevent heart attacks and blood clots
27 Aug 2009
Scientists have tapped into nature's medicine chest to develop a new drug that controls blood flow and prevents clotting. Drugs designed by nature could prevent heart attacks and blood clots
Royal Society Industry Fellowships
5 Aug 2009
Applications are invited to this scheme, which promotes knowledge exchange between academia and industry by establishing personal and corporate links. Royal Society Industry Fellowships
The closing date is 14 Oct 2009
NERC Services & Facilities - Announcement of Opportunity
4 Aug 2009
Two services/facilities in the current NERC portfolio are due for review this year. NERC Services & Facilities - Announcement of Opportunity
The closing date is 30 Sep 2009
European Space Agency arrives in Oxfordshire
22 Jul 2009
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened its first facility at Harwell in Oxfordshire. European Space Agency arrives in Oxfordshire
FREE annual science meeting
16 Jul 2009
The annual science meeting for the FREE programme will be held at the University of Plymouth on 10-11 September 2009. FREE annual science meeting
The closing date is 19 Aug 2009
Call for proposals: UK Energy Research Centre
14 Jul 2009
The UKERC is issuing a £4.5m call for proposals from universities or other eligible institutions in three topic areas: spatial aspects of bioenergy development in the UK; local and community governance of energy; and, carbon capture and storage - realising the potential. Call for proposals: UK Energy Research Centre
The closing date is 17 Sep 2009
Revised definition of Responsive Mode funding
14 Jul 2009
Following a consultation exercise, we have updated our definition of Responsive Mode. Revised definition of Responsive Mode funding
Announcement of Opportunity: Carbon Capture and Storage
10 Jul 2009
NERC and EPSRC are seeking to fund two consortia to study the ecosystem impacts of geological carbon capture and storage and carry out a whole systems analysis of carbon capture, transport and storage. Announcement of Opportunity: Carbon Capture and Storage
The closing date is 29 Sep 2009
Arctic programme meeting report
25 Jun 2009
A report is available of the Arctic programme meeting held in Birmingham on 13 May 2009. Arctic programme meeting report
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification
12 Jun 2009
NERC is seeking to appoint a part time Science Coordinator and a part time Knowledge Exchange Coordinator to work on the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification
The closing date is 27 Jul 2009
Announcement of Opportunity - Ocean Acidification
2 Jun 2009
Outline bid proposals are invited to the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity - Ocean Acidification
The closing date is 23 Jul 2009
New science champions appointed
13 May 2009
New theme leaders have been appointed to champion two of the Natural Environment Research Council's seven environmental research themes. New science champions appointed
Announcement of Opportunity: Antarctic Funding Initiative (AFI)
13 May 2009
The Antarctic Funding Initiative invites proposals annually and supports field-based research conducted within the operating area of the British Antarctic Survey and using its logistic capabilities. Announcement of Opportunity: Antarctic Funding Initiative (AFI)
The closing date is 17 Jul 2009
New plans to strengthen UK Arctic research
8 May 2009
A dedicated office to support UK scientific research in the Arctic is being established this week by NERC. New plans to strengthen UK Arctic research
£10m initiative to tackle bee and pollinator decline
21 Apr 2009
Up to £10 million is to be invested to help to identify the main threats to bees and other insect pollinators. £10m initiative to tackle bee and pollinator decline
Ocean Acidification Programme Advisory Group
14 Apr 2009
NERC is looking to recruit members for the Programme Advisory Group of the new Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Ocean Acidification Programme Advisory Group
The closing date is 8 May 2009
Carbon capture has a sparkling future
2 Apr 2009
New research shows that for millions of years CO2 has been stored safely and naturally in underground water in gas fields saturated with the greenhouse gas. Carbon capture has a sparkling future
Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Clusters
26 Mar 2009
NERC invites proposals to develop clusters, one in each of the four NERC strategic technology areas. Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Clusters
The closing date is 14 May 2009
Special e-Science edition of a Royal Society journal published
24 Mar 2009
The Royal Society has just published a special issue journal that focuses on a highly successful discussion meeting featuring the NERC e-Science programme. Special e-Science edition of a Royal Society journal published
NERC Community Events
18 Mar 2009
Online registration is now available for the events in Glasgow and Bristol. NERC Community Events
The closing date is 15 Apr 2009
Sleek probe to map Earth's gravity
16 Mar 2009
At 14:21 GMT Monday 16 March 2009 the European Space Agency will launch a new satellite to map variations in the Earth's gravity field with unprecedented accuracy. Sleek probe to map Earth's gravity
Deep-sea fish stocks threatened
11 Mar 2009
Commercial fishing in the north-east Atlantic could be harming deep-sea fish populations a kilometre below the deepest reach of fishing trawlers. Deep-sea fish stocks threatened
UK harnesses space technology to tackle global environmental challenges
5 Mar 2009
A major new centre dedicated to harnessing the full potential of space technology for environmental research is launched today. UK harnesses space technology to tackle global environmental challenges
Final frontier: mission to explore buried ancient Antarctic lake given green light
2 Mar 2009
An international team of scientists led by the UK is to explore one of the planet's last great frontiers - an ancient lake hidden deep beneath Antarctica's ice sheet. Final frontier: mission to explore buried ancient Antarctic lake given green light
UK IODP Symposium
4 Feb 2009
The UK Integrated Ocean Drilling Program conference will be held at the Royal Society, London on 18-19 May 2009.
The closing date is 8 May 2009
Announcement of Opportunity: Methane Network
26 Jan 2009
NERC invites proposals to establish a three-year Methane Network. Announcement of Opportunity: Methane Network
The closing date is 10 Mar 2009
Oceans 2025 Annual Science Meeting (ASM)
26 Jan 2009
The 2009 ASM will be held on the 1 - 3 June at the Holiday Inn, Liverpool City Centre. More information will be posted directly onto the Oceans 2025 web site events page.
Oceans 2025 Annual Science Meeting (ASM)
Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Proof of Concept
23 Jan 2009
This announcement of opportunity invites proposals for the Technologies Proof of Concept programme's first grant round. Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Proof of Concept
The closing date is 24 Mar 2009
Announcement of Opportunity: Urban Atmospheric Science
22 Jan 2009
NERC invited proposals for a new research programme on Urban Atmospheric Science that include innovative environmental science with strong links to health research and plans for supporting infrastructure investments. Announcement of Opportunity: Urban Atmospheric Science
Study links water pollution with declining male fertility
19 Jan 2009
New research shows how a group of testosterone-blocking chemicals is finding its way into UK rivers. Study links water pollution with declining male fertility
Earliest known bird had hearing similar to an emu
15 Jan 2009
The earliest known bird, magpie-sized Archaeopteryx lithographica, could hear just the same as a modern emu, demonstrating that it was bird-like rather than reptilian. Earliest known bird had hearing similar to an emu
Relocation of Airborne Research & Survey Facility operations office
9 Jan 2009
From Monday 12 January 2009, the ARSF's operational activities will be located at Gloucester Airport. Relocation of Airborne Research & Survey Facility operations office