Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funds world-class science that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. It addresses major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards.

Goals:

• Enable society to respond urgently to global climate change and the increasing pressures on natural resources
• Contribute to UK leadership in predicting the regional and local impacts of environmental change from days to decades
• Create and support vibrant, integrated research communities

The Chief Executive sits on the Board of UKCDS.

Research

The core of NERC's science strategy is to deliver the science needed to provide solutions to the global environmental challenges facing the world today and in the future.

Its research remit covers seven key themes:

• Climate system 
• Biodiversity 
• Sustainable use of natural resources 
• Earth system science 
• Natural hazards 
• Environment, pollution and human health 
• Technologies

International development

NERC-funded research works toward improving the lives of the world’s poorest by protecting ecosystems against the pressures caused by global economic growth, population growth and increasing consumption.

It also aims to address gaps in scientific data in developing countries and strengthen research capacity and local expertise.

More information at  www.nerc.ac.uk/research

Funding

NERC funds research through universities and its own research centres. Funding is delivered through targeted research programmes that address high-priority environmental themes including joint programmes like Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA).

NERC also funds up to 30 fellowships each year for environmental scientists of any nationality to study at a UK research institution. Researchers working across the boundaries of environmental science, engineering and social and/or economic research are especially encouraged to apply.

More information at  www.nerc.ac.uk/funding