Macronutrient Cycles
Announcement of Opportunity
Closing date: 16:00 on 31 March 2011
NERC invites outline proposals for research projects that will constitute the Macronutrient Cycles (MC) research programme.
The programme aims to quantify the scales of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fluxes, and the nature of transformations through the catchment under a changing climate and perturbed carbon (C) cycle. 'The catchment' is defined as covering exchanges between the atmospheric, terrestrial and aqueous environments, with the limit of the aqueous environment being marked by the seaward estuarine margin.
MC will pursue an integrated approach to research, promoting interdisciplinary science across the research community. It will address problems at an appropriate range of scales, with integrated N, P and C science and modelling as key deliverables.
This call invites Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for outline project proposals and to participate in a two-day workshop meeting to be held at the Royal Geographical Society on 9-10 May 2011.
It is expected that all those planning to submit a full proposal will submit an EoI. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to include comments on three linked strategy briefing papers, as these documents will form the basis for discussion at the workshop. The culmination of the workshop event will be an enhanced specification for the subsequent call for full proposals, which will be published immediately following the meeting.
Up to £7m will be available for the subsequent call for proposals and it is anticipated that around five to eight projects will be funded. The closing date for full bids will be 14 July 2011.
Research teams interested in participating in the programme should submit an EoI using the template downloadable from the Macronutrient Cycles website. Completed forms and any comments on the three linked strategy briefing papers must be submitted to the MC Directorate via the email address macronutrientcycles@ouce.ox.ac.uk and not to the NERC Office. All submissions must be received by no later than 16:00 on 31 March 2011.
Please see the Announcement of Opportunity document below for full details.
Announcement of Opportunity (368KB)
The following programme documents should be read in conjunction with this call and can be found on the resources page:
- Three linked strategy briefing papers on:
- Scientific Integration & Modelling Strategy
- Catchment Selection Strategy
- Technology Strategy
- Programme Data Policy
- Programme Knowledge Exchange & Public Engagement Policy
- Theme Action Plan
- Reports of International and First Science Workshops held in 2010
For further information about this announcement of opportunity please contact:
Programme science aspects
Professor Paul Whitehead
Tel: 01865 285048
Dr Jill Crossman
Tel: 01865 285539
NERC procedural aspects