The environmental science community is set to tackle pressing global issues using new research infrastructures funded through the NERC 2020 Capital Call.
The £10.8 million fund will support 11 new capital assets that will support research into fields such as air and water quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
These cutting-edge assets will enable scientists to interrogate the working of the environment and aid the delivery of environmental solutions, in critical areas such as environmental pollution and climate change.
Keeping pace with the latest opportunities afforded by developments in research infrastructure is essential to generate cutting-edge research, improve our knowledge of the global environment and provide solutions to environmental challenges.
Assets funded include:
- an unmanned surface vehicle that will work alongside the RRS Sir David Attenborough to explore glacier fronts and calving ice shelves where the ship cannot operate
- an innovative new laser system, acquired by the University of Portsmouth, capable of analysing pollutants at very high resolution, to aid our understanding of microplastic toxicity
- a first-of-its-kind atmospheric research observatory in Scotland that will measure local and national GHG levels to support the UK and Scotland’s ‘net zero’ targets.
Delivering sustainable infrastructure
The recently published Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Responsible Business Statement and UKRI Environmental Sustainability Strategy demonstrate the strategic importance of delivering environmental science in ways that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
The NERC Strategic Capital Call 2020 has led the way in delivering the sustainability strategy by being the first NERC funding opportunity to integrate sustainability as an independent assessment criterion.
Successful applicants demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable research, including, for example, considering long-term costs through funding models and lowering carbon emissions in the infrastructure design.
Environmental challenges
Dr Iain Williams, Director of Strategic Partnerships at NERC said: ‘Keeping pace with the latest opportunities afforded by developments in research infrastructure is essential to generate cutting-edge research, improve our knowledge of the global environment and provide solutions to environmental challenges.
‘This funding will help UK researchers study and tackle major issues such as the impacts of climate change and pollution of our air and water.
‘These investments, across the UK, will help safeguard the community’s ability to carry out exceptional science, maintaining the UK’s position as a leader in environmental research and innovation.’