RELU
Programme background
Harnessing sciences for sustainable rural development.
Rural areas are coming under increasing and changing pressures. The Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU) programme is helping us understanding the social, economic, environmental and technological challenges that rural areas face. Its interdisciplinary research will inform policymakers' choices on how to manage the countryside and rural economies. The programme aims to encourage the social and economic vitality of rural areas, and promote protection and conservation of rural environments.
Researchers are collaborating on wide-ranging interdisciplinary research projects grouped around four themes:
- integration of land and water use
- the environmental basis of rural development
- sustainable food chains
- economic and social interactions with the rural environment
This is a cross-council research programme, involving the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), NERC, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. It is led by ESRC and has a cross-council programme management group. It has co-funding from SEERAD and DEFRA.
About the programme
External links