UKRI commits multi-millions for environmental research projects

According to UKRI, the funding initiative aims to tackle climate change, kickstart green economic growth and promote healthy, sustainable living across the UK.

The investment is targeting the delivery of net carbon zero impact in UK land sectors, such as farming, forestry and peat uplands; the improvement of the UK’s global network of environmental science research centres; and increasing the national security to environmental hazards in order to boost green economic growth and build a better understanding of climate change for the future.

UKRI said that its funding will support new jobs, green growth, and innovation in towns and cities across the UK, as well as underpin UK-led expertise across the world. All projects and programmes supported by the new commitments, totalling just under £170m, are approved and will start delivering from this year.

The funded projects include:

Support to environmental science global monitoring capacity

UKRI has committed £100m to improve the long-term support offered to UK environmental sciences’ global monitoring capability in atmospheric, marine, polar, freshwater and terrestrial environments.

The investment aims to build on the UK’s extensive environmental science capabilities, helping researchers to better understand how the planet is changing at local and global scales and enhance resource and environmental management.

Scale-up and adoption of clean, green commercial solutions

£25m has been awarded for five new centres in Scotland, Wales and South West England, co-created between industry, academia and local stakeholders – which the UKRI said will deliver the scale-up and adoption of clean, green commercial solutions at the local, regional and national level.

According to the organisation, this ranges from retrofit housing and electronics manufacturing to algae production and a more sustainable approach to critical minerals’ mining.

Transforming land use

£14.5m will be invested in five UK research and innovation projects that will aim to transform land use, re-think soil system health and carbon dynamics and reduce agricultural emissions.

Improved health and wellbeing for a net zero carbon economy

Additionally, £30m will establish new research hubs to ensure the UK can maximise opportunity for improved health and wellbeing as part of the transition to a net zero carbon economy.

This project is co-funded by UKRI and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

In a statement, Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “World-class research will be vital if we are to develop the green technologies we need to reach our net zero goals and build the UK into a green energy superpower, generating new jobs and further investments in the process.

“We are backing researchers spanning from Cornwall to Glasgow as they help us tackle climate change through new environmental monitoring solutions, while supporting businesses developing green solutions to scale-up at speed.”