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APPRAISE

History of aerosol activities

2003 - NERC carried out a Portfolio Gap Analysis in which current investments were mapped to the strategic science priority areas.

2003 - Aerosols and their effect on climate and climate change, were highlighted as a high priority science area that was presently a gap in the NERC science portfolio. Dr Louisa Watts leading for NERC Swindon Office.

September 2003 - Members of the Aerosol Community submitted an outline case for support for research in this area - this was submitted to NERC's Science & Innovation Strategy Board (SISB) for consideration with other science areas

February 2004 - The NERC Science & Innovation Strategy Board (SISB) meeting identified six priority themes for potential investment: Aerosols (under the banner of 'Climate Change'); Environment & health; Sustainable water management; Sustainable management of soils; Marine bioresources; Deep oceans. The latter five themes emerged from a prior process of identifying priorities for input to the SR2004, which included extensive consultation.

It was agreed that NERC would explore and scope these themes, typically through targeted workshops/meetings and other stakeholders. Aim: to deliver investment options for proposed activities to SISB by the end of the year (deadline subsequently moved to October 2004)

Professor Alan Thorpe (Director of NCAS) was identified as 'SISB Champion' for the Aerosols theme; Dr Louisa Watts as Swindon Office lead; Drs. Ellie Highwood (University of Reading) and Hugh Coe (University of Manchester) were identified as leaders of an "Aerosol Task Force"

Members of the "Aerosol Task Force" identified to represent the UK Aerosol Community's views on the areas/gaps requiring investment in aerosol research and to provide advice on investment options for filling the gaps. First brainstorming session of Aerosol Task Force set up for 14th-15th October 2004

14th-15th October 2004 - Members of the Aerosol Task Force, and/or their representatives, participate in an Aerosol Task Force brainstorming meeting to produce an outline proposal for submission to SISB in October 2004

The outcome of these activities will be dependent upon the outcome of the SR2004.

20th October 2004 - SISB ranks themes submitted and invites a paper on APPRAISE to be included in the NERC Delivery Plan 2005-2008

25th October 2004 - Aerosol Task Force team updated with progress and sent outline proposal submitted to SISB

November 2004 - Working group prepare AIMES Delivery Plan submission -(see APPRAISE Science Plan for details)

May 2005 - NERC Delivery Plan and outcome published on NERC website - Aerosols-and-climate-change research, based on APPRAISE proposal, to receive £4M

July 2005 - NERC requests science and implementation plans for investment of this funding, to be submitted to September 2005 SISB meeting for approval. Dr Louisa Watts to take the lead for NERC.

July/August 2005 - Writing team and Expert Advisory Group (EAG) members invited to produce science and implementation plans for consideration at September 2005 SISB meeting.

26th September 2005 - SISB meeting. Plans approved by SISB.

February 2006 - Announcements of Opportunity for underpinning Core programme and programme of collaborative, multi-institutional (consortia) awards. Anticipated that Science Co-ordinator post also to be advertised.