How is NERC science used?
NERC's support for the environmental science base ensures that the UK remains at the forefront in this area. By fostering excellent research environments and investing in training we can attract and supply skilled scientists able to contribute significantly to the UK economy and informed policy making.
Developing products and providing services
Much of our research leads to knowledge and ideas which can be used to develop products or provide services. Where appropriate, we support the commercialisation of these through spin-out companies or licensing deals. However, several of our research and collaborative centres use their skills, facilities and manpower to offer services directly to many public and private sector organisations.
By carrying out research in collaboration with industry, or commissioned by industry, we often see immediate practical application of our science.
Examples of industrial and commercial applications are on our case studies pages.
Research centres that offer services commercially include:
- British Geological Survey
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
- National Institute for Environmental eScience
- National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory
- Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory
- Scottish Association for Marine Science
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Providing data
We make large amounts of data available to a range of users, subject to licensing arrangements, from our data centres.
Advising government
A great deal of the science NERC does is relevant to policy and regulation at international, national, regional and local levels. Policy makers need access to the highest quality environmental information and predictions, so that the UK prospers and sustains a healthy environment. We try to ensure that our research findings contribute to the independent and reliable evidence base needed for policy development. Commissioned research in our research and collaborative centres plays a particularly important role in this. In addition, our scientists are often called upon to provide informal briefings or advice. Examples of our contribution to policy making are on our case studies pages.