Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Overall responsibilities and interests in forestry

NERC is the lead organisation within the UK with responsibility for providing funding and support of research, survey and monitoring in the sciences of the natural environment. Its research activities are focused through five environmental and natural resource issues:

• Biodiversity
• Environmental Risks and Hazards
• Global Change
• Natural Resource Management
• Pollution and Waste.

NERC supports an integrated science capability in which its interests in forestry are met by:

• funding relevant underpinning, high quality research in universities and its own Centres/Surveys, and provision of scientific services and facilities; and
• providing trained scientists to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries.

Current mechanism for consultation and setting of research priorities

The ultimate decision making body for NERC is its Council. Council is advised by four Science and Technology Boards (STBs) and two Expert Groups (on Polar Science and Earth bservation). The STBs and Expert Groups have responsibility for implementing NERCs Integrated Science Strategy. Each STB (which includes user/beneficiary members) has its own sectoral strategy - forestry is within that of the Terrestrial and Freshwater STB - and is responsible for developing and recommending for Council's support programmes on the highest priority science within its remit, a process in which it involves the relevant user and beneficiary communities. Before being forwarded to Council the STBs' advice is discussed and assessed by the Resources and Strategy Group.

Outline of funding mechanisms

NERC funding is provided under four modes:

• Non-thematic: fosters scientific excellence by supporting curiosity-driven research, training at both studentship and fellowship levels, and technology development, in areas selected by applicants;
• Thematic: encourages scientific excellence and contributes to wealth creation and quality of life through basic, strategic and applied science, technology development and training within selected themes;
• Core strategic: typically long term: aims at maintaining expertise and knowledge in key ares of the environmental sciences, determined by Council. It supports excellent and relevant research, survey and monitoring technology development and the creation, interpretation and supply of environmental data. It meets current needs and forms the basis for meeting future priorities;
• Infrastructure: provides essential support, equipment, services and facilities for the NERC community.

Contact points for further information

Terrestrial and Freshwater STB team:

• Dr J H Baker (Board Secretary)
• Dr C K Baker (Science Programmes Officer)

Vacant (Terrestrial Sciences Peer Review Committee)

• Dr R M Quinn (Freshwater Sciences Peer Review Committee)