Research news
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Publication of a report on NERC's environmental omics strategy
17 Dec 2010
The NEOMICS team have published a report to NERC that outlines potential options for the development and implementation of an omics strategy. Publication of a report on NERC's environmental omics strategy
Announcement of Opportunity: Coastal Sediment Systems
17 Dec 2010
Consortium style proposals are invited to deliver a major new research programme on Coastal Sediment Systems. Announcement of Opportunity: Coastal Sediment Systems
The closing date is 3 Mar 2011
Announcement of Opportunity : CMIP5
17 Dec 2010
Applications are invited for research grants that will perform innovative analysis of CMIP5 model runs/data, leading to publications likely to be influential in IPCC AR5. Announcement of Opportunity : CMIP5
The closing date is 10 Feb 2011
Announcement of Opportunity: Ice Sheet Stability
16 Dec 2010
Proposals are invited to deliver a major new research programme on Ice Sheet Stability in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Announcement of Opportunity: Ice Sheet Stability
The closing date is 22 Mar 2011
Announcement of Opportunity: ESPA International Programme Advisory Committee
16 Dec 2010
Applications are invited to join the Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) International Programme Advisory Committee (I-PAC). Announcement of Opportunity: ESPA International Programme Advisory Committee
The closing date is 31 Jan 2011
UK and Iceland agree to pool resources for future volcanic eruptions
15 Dec 2010
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced a Memorandum of Understanding for future collaboration. UK and Iceland agree to pool resources for future volcanic eruptions
New start-up company to develop novel medicines
13 Dec 2010
IXO Therapeutics Ltd, a new company formed to research and develop novel medicines to treat inflammation and immune system diseases, launches today. New start-up company to develop novel medicines
NERC Community Event
7 Dec 2010
NERC would like to invite the environmental science community and its stakeholders to participate in a community event on 13 January 2011. NERC Community Event
The closing date is 10 Jan 2011
Second call for Systematic and Taxonomy research scheme
6 Dec 2010
Further funds are available through the scheme which is jointly funded by BBSRC and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Second call for Systematic and Taxonomy research scheme
The closing date is 31 Jan 2011
Snow covers the whole of the UK
3 Dec 2010
A satellite image from the Dundee Satellite Receiving Station, which is funded by NERC, shows the UK covered in snow. Snow covers the whole of the UK
Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards: Note to the community
2 Dec 2010
NERC would like to reiterate some key points regarding the Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards programme. Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards: Note to the community
Aerial photographs from Cornwall flooding and landslides
18 Nov 2010
The British Geological Survey has completed an aerial survey to assess the full extent and impact of the floods and landslides in Cornwall yesterday. Aerial photographs from Cornwall flooding and landslides
Macronutrient Cycles Programme Director appointed
18 Nov 2010
Professor Paul Whitehead of the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, has been appointed Director of the Macronutrient Cycles programme. Macronutrient Cycles Programme Director appointed
Length of pregnancy influenced by placenta structure
18 Nov 2010
The nine-month pregnancy in humans is influenced by the structure of the placenta, according to new research into the evolution of reproduction in mammals. Length of pregnancy influenced by placenta structure
Call for Members: Expert Scientific Moorings Assessment Group
10 Nov 2010
NERC is seeking members for a new Expert Scientific Moorings Assessment Group. The Group will assess and manage the risk associated with mooring equipment within the NMEP. Call for Members: Expert Scientific Moorings Assessment Group
The closing date is 7 Dec 2010
New Moorings Policy from NERC Marine Planning
10 Nov 2010
NERC Marine Planning has implemented a new Moorings Policy in support of the NERC Marine Facilities Programme. New Moorings Policy from NERC Marine Planning
Next Generation Ocean Dynamical Core Roadmap
5 Nov 2010
A team at the National Oceanography Centre have been funded to assess the development of ocean model dynamical cores required to meet operational and research needs on the timescale 2015-2025. Next Generation Ocean Dynamical Core Roadmap
Ocean Acidification annual science meeting 2011
4 Nov 2010
The first UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme annual science meeting will be taking place at Downing College, Cambridge on 6-7 January 2011.
The closing date is 3 Dec 2010
Networks of Sensors - Announcement of awards
27 Oct 2010
NERC is pleased to announce the outcome of the Networks of Sensors research programme call. Details of funded grant applications are available in our online grants browser - Grants on the Web. Networks of Sensors - Announcement of awards
Call amendment: International Opportunities Fund
27 Oct 2010
Joint UK-Brazil proposals, submitted under the terms of the RCUK-FAPESP Lead Agency Agreement, are now welcomed through the International Opportunities Fund, 2010 call. Call amendment: International Opportunities Fund
The closing date is 14 Dec 2010
RCUK e-Science Action Plan
26 Oct 2010
Following the published report of the RCUK review of e-Science, the research councils and JISC have produced a joint RCUK e-Science action plan in response to the panel's recommendations. RCUK e-Science Action Plan
Falkland Islands radar to monitor activity that creates the 'Southern Lights'
22 Oct 2010
Scientists have recycled equipment to help us understand solar winds and other atmospheric activity. Falkland Islands radar to monitor activity that creates the 'Southern Lights'
Conference aims to shape the future of long-term biodiversity monitoring
18 Oct 2010
Registrations are welcome for a 2-day conference in London, co-organised by NERC's Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, bringing together key experts to discuss best practice in monitoring biodiversity. Conference aims to shape the future of long-term biodiversity monitoring
UK's most wanted: People with the maths and communication skills to save our planet!
11 Oct 2010
Over the next 10 years the UK could run short of people able to tackle urgent environmental challenges unless skills gaps can be plugged, says a report published today. UK's most wanted: People with the maths and communication skills to save our planet!
Expedition to trace ocean's vital nutrients
8 Oct 2010
A new scientific expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic on 17 October to investigate the 'micronutrient' metals which are vital to marine life and affect global climate. Expedition to trace ocean's vital nutrients
Announcement of Opportunity: International Opportunities Fund
5 Oct 2010
Proposals are invited for the 2010 call of the NERC International Opportunities Fund. Announcement of Opportunity: International Opportunities Fund
The closing date is 14 Dec 2010
Nature could drive growth and cut poverty in the developing world
4 Oct 2010
This week researchers from across the world will meet to talk about ways to use the natural world to reduce poverty, deliver sustainable growth and improve the lives of people in the most vulnerable communities. Nature could drive growth and cut poverty in the developing world
Announcement of Opportunity: NGWCP Dynamical Core Phase 1
24 Sep 2010
Applications are invited from individual investigators to contribute to Phase 1 of the development of a new dynamical core, suitable for simulation of the atmosphere on massively parallel computers. Announcement of Opportunity: NGWCP Dynamical Core Phase 1
The closing date is 3 Nov 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation
17 Sep 2010
Proposals are invited for research consortia projects that respond to the aims of the ESPA programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation
The closing date is 19 Jan 2011
Ice Sheet Stability - Invitation to attend a moorings logistics planning meeting
15 Sep 2010
NERC is inviting participants for a meeting to provide input on the number, type and location of moorings to be deployed in the Amundsen Sea area in support of the delivery of this programme. Ice Sheet Stability - Invitation to attend a moorings logistics planning meeting
The closing date is 1 Oct 2010
'Experiment Earth?' Public have their say on technologies to reduce global warming
9 Sep 2010
A report published today outlines peoples' attitudes to this emerging area of research. 'Experiment Earth?' Public have their say on technologies to reduce global warming
Announcement of Opportunity: Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards
8 Sep 2010
RCUK is commissioning a new interdisciplinary programme of research on resilience and vulnerability to seismic and volcanic-related natural hazards. Proposals are invited for first round scoping study awards. Announcement of Opportunity: Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards
The closing date is 7 Oct 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards
8 Sep 2010
NERC/ESRC invites applications from individuals interested in joining the Advisory Group and/or applying for the Strategic Advisor role for the Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards
The closing date is 7 Oct 2010
Marine Renewable Energy sandpit: Call for participants
1 Sep 2010
NERC invites expressions of interest to attend a 3-day sandpit event on understanding the environmental benefits and risks of up-scaling marine renewable energy schemes. Marine Renewable Energy sandpit: Call for participants
The closing date is 14 Oct 2010
Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange workshop
1 Sep 2010
Registrations are invited for a workshop on 24 September 2010 to support the development of proposals to deliver the Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange programme. Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange workshop
The closing date is 17 Sep 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange
1 Sep 2010
Consortium proposals are invited to deliver the Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange research programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Shelf-Edge Exchange
The closing date is 16 Dec 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Studentships
26 Aug 2010
Studentship proposals are invited as part of the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme, to address Science Deliverable 5 of the programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Studentships
The closing date is 26 Oct 2010
Less is more for a hungry bat
20 Aug 2010
Like a stealth fighter plane, the barbastelle bat uses a sneaky hunting strategy to catch its prey. Researchers uncover the secret of this rare bat's success. Less is more for a hungry bat
Announcement of Opportunity: NERC CASE Studentships
19 Aug 2010
Applications are invited to the NERC CASE Studentship scheme, which promotes collaboration between the research community and the end-users of research. Announcement of Opportunity: NERC CASE Studentships
The closing date is 14 Oct 2010
Earth system science and climate: Policy relevant outcomes of the NERC QUEST programme
19 Aug 2010
NERC's research programme Quantifying & Understanding the Earth System (QUEST) is holding a finale event in London on 4 November 2010. Earth system science and climate: Policy relevant outcomes of the NERC QUEST programme
The closing date is 29 Oct 2010
Dwindling green pastures, not hunting, may have killed off the mammoth
18 Aug 2010
The findings of a new study challenge the theory that human beings were the primary cause of the extinction of mammals such as the woolly mammoth. Dwindling green pastures, not hunting, may have killed off the mammoth
Announcement of Opportunity: NERC Services & Facilities
17 Aug 2010
Three services/facilities in the current NERC portfolio are due for review this year. Announcement of Opportunity: NERC Services & Facilities
The closing date is 29 Sep 2010
Earth's oldest mantle discovered
13 Aug 2010
Scientists have found rocks formed from what they think may be Earth's oldest mantle reservoir - a 4.5 billion year-old remnant of the primordial material that made up the planet. Earth's oldest mantle discovered
Responsive Mode Action Plan
11 Aug 2010
The 2010 Responsive Mode Action Plan is now published. Responsive Mode Action Plan
Stone Age remains are Britain's earliest house
10 Aug 2010
Archaeologists working at a site in North Yorkshire say it contains Britain's earliest surviving house, dating back to at least 8,500 years BC. Stone Age remains are Britain's earliest house
Mountain marmots made bigger by climate change, says new study
22 Jul 2010
Research spanning more than 30 years shows that longer summers in the Colorado mountains are leading to fatter, healthier, marmot populations. Mountain marmots made bigger by climate change, says new study
South Georgia town meeting
16 Jul 2010
A town meeting is being held at the British Antarctic Survey on 28 September 2010 to discuss current science being done on South Georgia and opportunities and information for prospective scientific visitors. South Georgia town meeting
Oceans 2025 Cruise Bids 2007-12 update
16 Jul 2010
Combined cruise bids information presented for NOC, PML, and SAMS. Oceans 2025 Cruise Bids 2007-12 update
Africa's national parks hit by mammal declines
13 Jul 2010
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti have seen populations of large mammals decline by as much as 59 per cent, according to a new study published this week. Africa's national parks hit by mammal declines
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Surface Boundary Layer
28 Jun 2010
Consortium proposals are invited to deliver the Ocean Surface Boundary Layer research programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Surface Boundary Layer
The closing date is 28 Oct 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Aerosols and Clouds
28 Jun 2010
Consortium proposals are invited to deliver the Aerosols and Clouds research programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Aerosols and Clouds
The closing date is 28 Oct 2010
New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
22 Jun 2010
The projects will explore the causes and consequences of threats to insect pollinators and ask questions about the recent decline of bees and other pollinating insects. New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too
22 Jun 2010
Researchers have discovered that plants, like animals, also have a battle of the sexes when it comes to raising their offspring. Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too
UK science spotlights ocean acidification
22 Jun 2010
Funding is announced for six major research projects, each delivering a key part of the £12m UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. UK science spotlights ocean acidification
Announcement of Opportunity: Arctic Programme
18 Jun 2010
Expressions of interest are invited for the first funding round of the Arctic Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Arctic Programme
The closing date is 29 Jul 2010
Conker trees facing peril from alien invaders
10 Jun 2010
Conkers, a favourite playground game in British schools, could soon be just a fond memory if a serious threat to horse chestnut trees continues to spread. Conker trees facing peril from alien invaders
Giant steps help hungry fish to find food
10 Jun 2010
Hungry sharks, swordfish and other ocean predators have adopted different hunting behaviours depending on how much food is readily available. Giant steps help hungry fish to find food
Ocean research drilling review
4 Jun 2010
NERC invites responses to a review which will assess the benefits of ocean research drilling to UK science.
The closing date is 10 Aug 2010
Draft Earth system modelling strategy - Request for feedback
28 May 2010
NERC would like to invite members of the Earth system modelling community to comment on the draft version of the NERC Strategy for Earth System Modelling. Draft Earth system modelling strategy - Request for feedback
The closing date is 28 Jun 2010
Experiment Earth? NERC's public dialogue on geoengineering
27 May 2010
Hear the public of Birmingham express their views on geoengineering in this 8 minute video. Experiment Earth? NERC's public dialogue on geoengineering
Garden birds shun organic
19 May 2010
The nutritional benefits of organic food have been called into question by new research which shows wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to organically grown. Garden birds shun organic
Fast food curry footprint same as 140 million car miles
18 May 2010
A new footprinting tool calculates that lamb curry ready-made meals eaten in the UK amount to an annual carbon footprint equivalent to 5,500 car trips around the world. Fast food curry footprint same as 140 million car miles
Ancient pigs reveal clues about colonisation of Pacific
18 May 2010
The remains of 3,000 year old pigs, dogs and chickens are being used to reveal clues about early human colonisation in some of the remotest parts of the planet. Ancient pigs reveal clues about colonisation of Pacific
Baby corals dance their way home
15 May 2010
In their first days as free-swimming larvae, baby corals find their way by listening to the noise of animals on the reef and swimming towards it. Baby corals dance their way home
Disaster research review invitation
14 May 2010
A collaboration of funders invite applications to carry out a review of the UK and international natural hazards research landscape. Disaster research review invitation
The closing date is 7 Jun 2010
NERC Council approves new research actions
13 May 2010
NERC's governing Council has approved five new research actions which will contribute to the delivery of NERC's strategic science themes over the next five years. NERC Council approves new research actions
Volcanic ash impacts: research and collaboration continues
13 May 2010
The eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull is providing NERC with a unique opportunity to carry out some valuable research. Volcanic ash impacts: research and collaboration continues
Policy internships for NERC funded PhD students
10 May 2010
Applications are invited for the 2010-11 NERC PhD policy internship scheme, for students to spend three months working in a policy-informing environment. Policy internships for NERC funded PhD students
The closing date is 30 Jun 2010
Macronutrient Cycles workshop report
10 May 2010
A two-day interactive workshop for researchers to consider how to develop the kind of interdisciplinary activity needed to address the science goals defined in the Macronutrient Cycles programme was held on 22-23 April 2010. Macronutrient Cycles workshop report
Announcement of Opportunity: Macronutrient Cycles Programme Director
5 May 2010
NERC wishes to appoint a Programme Director to lead, manage and co-ordinate the work of the Macronutrient Cycles programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Macronutrient Cycles Programme Director
The closing date is 4 Jun 2010
NGWCP workshop and survey
30 Apr 2010
Applications are invited to attend a one-day workshop looking at the development of a dynamical core that will become part of the Met Office's Unified Model. NGWCP workshop and survey
RAPID-WATCH Annual Science Meeting
22 Apr 2010
The Annual Science Meeting for the RAPID-WATCH programme will be held at the Hadley Centre from 14 July - 16 July 2010. RAPID-WATCH Annual Science Meeting
The closing date is 16 Jun 2010
Announcement of Opportunity - Ice Sheet Stability
9 Apr 2010
NERC is inviting applications from individuals interested in joining the Expert Groups for the Ice Sheet Stability Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity - Ice Sheet Stability
The closing date is 12 May 2010
CryoSat-2 launch successful
8 Apr 2010
At 14:57 BST on Thursday 8 April, the European Space Agency successfully launched its ice mission CryoSat-2 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. CryoSat-2 launch successful
AO for Environmental Exposure and Health Initiative: Updated timetable
31 Mar 2010
The timetable of events has been updated. AO for Environmental Exposure and Health Initiative: Updated timetable
Ice mission ready for launch
30 Mar 2010
A UK-led satellite designed to monitor changes in ice cover at the poles will launch at 14:57 UK time on 8 April 2010 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Ice mission ready for launch
Fishing discard ban could damage sea bird success, scientists warn
23 Mar 2010
A proposed EU ban on throwing unwanted fish overboard from commercial boats could put one of the North Sea's most successful sea birds at risk. Fishing discard ban could damage sea bird success, scientists warn
The breathing ocean
23 Mar 2010
The completion of a major research programme is celebrated today with the finale of the UK Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (UK SOLAS). The breathing ocean
Announcement of Opportunity: Joint Weather and Climate Research Programme (JWCRP)
19 Mar 2010
Proposals are invited for two projects, to contribute to the development of strategic science areas covered by JWCRP. Announcement of Opportunity: Joint Weather and Climate Research Programme (JWCRP)
The closing date is 11 May 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Head of Science Co-ordination
18 Mar 2010
NERC is seeking to appoint a part time Head of Science Co-ordination to lead a team working on the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Ocean Acidification - Head of Science Co-ordination
The closing date is 12 Apr 2010
Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Clusters
16 Mar 2010
The EO Technology Cluster invites EO practitioners to apply for small grants to support knowledge exchange activities in specific terrestrial EO themes. Announcement of Opportunity: Technology Clusters
The closing date is 5 Apr 2010
Technology Clusters kick-off meeting
16 Mar 2010
The EO Technology Cluster will kick-off with a short introductory meeting in London on Wednesday 5 May to outline the overall vision of the cluster. Technology Clusters kick-off meeting
The closing date is 28 Apr 2010
Invitation to Tender - Identifying uncertainties in Arctic climate predictions
16 Mar 2010
The Arctic research programme invites tenders for a five month project to identify the processes/feedbacks which contribute to the range of uncertainty in future Arctic climate predictions. Invitation to Tender - Identifying uncertainties in Arctic climate predictions
The closing date is 16 Apr 2010
UK to host international science conference
11 Mar 2010
The UK has won its bid to host a major international science conference in 2012. The London conference aims to attract 2,500 of the world's leading thinkers in global change research. UK to host international science conference
Geoengineering web survey launched
10 Mar 2010
As part of the public dialogue on geoengineering, NERC has set up a website to collect your views on geoengineering research. Geoengineering web survey launched
Membership of Arctic Research Programme Advisory Group
2 Mar 2010
The application process for joining the Programme Advisory Group is now finished and members have been selected. Membership of Arctic Research Programme Advisory Group
Ice maidens go north on Arctic expedition
25 Feb 2010
Three women funded by the Natural Environment Research Council are taking a leading role in a major Arctic expedition this spring. Ice maidens go north on Arctic expedition
Research project inspires new BBC series
19 Feb 2010
A research project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council has inspired the BBC's latest primetime wildlife documentary series. Research project inspires new BBC series
UK and India forge new research collaborations
18 Feb 2010
Two major research deals have been signed between the UK and India, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Pat McFadden, announced this week. UK and India forge new research collaborations
Britain's beaches to benefit from better water quality forecasts
16 Feb 2010
Britain's coastal waters come under scrutiny as a new £3.3m European research project gets under way. Britain's beaches to benefit from better water quality forecasts
Responsible Innovation workshop
11 Feb 2010
A workshop on Responsible Innovation - recognising and managing the wider implications of innovation research - is being held on 30 April 2010 at the University of Westminster as part of the RCUK programme 'Nanoscience through engineering to application'. Responsible Innovation workshop
The closing date is 5 Mar 2010
Scottish Government internships for NERC funded PhD students 2010
5 Feb 2010
NERC funded PhD students who have completed their first year of study are invited to apply for internship opportunities as part of a pilot scheme with the Scottish Government. Scottish Government internships for NERC funded PhD students 2010
The closing date is 5 Mar 2010
Applications invited to contribute to IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
4 Feb 2010
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) invites experts in a broad range of fields, including the science of climate change and climate systems, to contribute to the above report. Applications invited to contribute to IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
The closing date is 24 Feb 2010
Royal Society Industry Fellowships
3 Feb 2010
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 24 Mar 2010
SOLAS finale event: The Breathing Ocean
26 Jan 2010
This event on 23 March at the Met Office in Exeter will present the latest research in a key area of Earth system science: how the sea and sky are connected by chemical, physical and biological processes. SOLAS finale event: The Breathing Ocean
The closing date is 19 Mar 2010
Ozone hole healing could cause further climate warming
26 Jan 2010
The hole in the ozone layer is now steadily closing, but its repair could increase warming in the southern hemisphere, according to scientists at the University of Leeds. Ozone hole healing could cause further climate warming
Announcement of Opportunity: Arctic Programme Advisory Group
25 Jan 2010
Applications are invited to join the Programme Advisory Group for the NERC Arctic Research Programme. Announcement of Opportunity: Arctic Programme Advisory Group
The closing date is 15 Feb 2010
Living the high life is risky for toads under threat from fungus
25 Jan 2010
Deadly fungus threatens mountain-dwelling midwife toads whilst lowland relatives could escape death from the disease. Living the high life is risky for toads under threat from fungus
Call for proposals: UK Energy Research Centre
22 Jan 2010
The UK Energy Research Centre is issuing the second call for proposals under its £4.5m research fund. UKERC are now seeking expressions of interest from universities, or other institutions eligible to hold research council awards, in four topic areas. Call for proposals: UK Energy Research Centre
The closing date is 12 Feb 2010
Haiti struck by massive earthquake
13 Jan 2010
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, was struck by a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday evening - the worst earthquake to hit the nation in more than 200 years. Haiti struck by massive earthquake