Case studies - NERC science meeting policy needs
NERC science is used by policymakers, regulators and intermediaries in a variety of ways. The case studies below provide some examples.
All 'NERC science meeting policy needs' case studies in one document (1·2MB)
Forensic geology - improving public services
State-of-the-art geological mapping and 3D visualisation techniques are improving public services by giving crime investigators the edge. Scientists can now travel below ground and into past landscapes, to direct the police towards the likely location of evidence and witnesses. more about forensic geology improving public services
Partners: Virtalis, police service, British Geological Survey
Valuing nature - National Ecosystem Assessment
NERC research provided much of the information for the groundbreaking UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA), the first analysis of the UK's natural environment in terms of the benefits it provides to society and our continuing economic prosperity.
The NEA helped shape the government's Natural Environment White Paper, designed to deliver green economic growth and greater wellbeing. NERC research will remain vital for implementing the new policy. more about valuing nature
Partners: Governments of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, Economic & Social Research Council
Planning for disaster, saving lives
Natural disasters around the world have highlighted the vulnerability of modern society to the forces of nature.
NERC scientists can detect and analyse natural events as they happen, providing vital information for local and national authorities to plan for and respond to disasters, savings lives and avoiding disruption and economic losses. more about planning for disaster, saving lives
Partners: UK and international governments, local authorities and communities
Predicting new risks to human health
Changes to UK climate and environment are already attracting new species of insects that have the potential to transmit a range of infectious diseases to humans.
Environmental research is crucial for understanding how this threat might evolve and to help regulators mitigate against it. more about predicting new risks to human health
Partners: Health Protection Agency, UK government and local authorities, University of Liverpool, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Laying the groundwork for marine policy
NERC's marine research has underpinned significant developments in marine policies. We respond to consultations and enquiries from UK, EU and devolved governments on, for example, government consultations or parliamentary enquiries on a range of issues including the future of the IPCC, invasive species, carbon capture and storage, and the UK and Scottish Marine Acts.
NERC's rigorous, high-quality climate science informs both policymakers and marine industry. As well as work for the IPCC, a major examination of the vulnerability of the UK coastline and adjacent seas to climate change contributed to the 2009 UK Climate Projections (UKCP09). more about laying the groundwork for marine policy
Partners: UK and devolved governments, EU, overseas regulators, National Oceanography Centre, British Antarctic Survey
Further examples of how NERC science has been used by policymakers and business can be found in a series of economic valuation reports under the business section.
Summary documents detailing case studies, taken from the Science Impacts Database, are available for several specific policy areas or industry sectors.