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Technology Proof of Concept

Programme background

NERC's Strategy 'Next Generation Science for Planet Earth' identifies technology development as one of the key areas NERC needs to support in order to deliver the aims and objectives of the strategy. To reflect this NERC's strategy includes a dedicated Technologies Theme and an associated Theme Action Plan. One of the actions from the first Technologies Theme Action Plan is a research programme to fund the development of new and innovative technology concepts with potential applications to environmental science.

The rationale behind enhancing such activity is that it fosters a dynamic and vibrant research base within both HEIs and NERC Research and Collaborative Centres where high risk - high reward technologies can be developed. This programme sits at the heart of the NERC Technologies Theme over its five-year period and operates as an enabling mechanism for delivering new technologies. This programme is a high priority in terms of timeliness within the Technologies Theme being applicable to a wide community and with substantial potential to deliver innovation in short timescales.

The programme will have two funding rounds during the five-years of the programme (2008-2012) and will provide funding for proof of concept projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 4. A broad range of projects across the NERC remit are considered suitable for this programme (from paper studies to laboratory experiments).