From our changing weather patterns to urban pollution in the air we breathe, understanding our atmosphere is more important than ever. Today (12 October), the UK’s top atmospheric scientists will gather for the NERC’s first Atmospheric Science Showcase at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire.
Scientists and industry leaders will be discussing, among other things; the latest findings on air quality and health, the changes ‘big data’ is making to measuring our atmosphere, and how the latest technologies such as aircraft laboratories and 3D modelling systems are providing breakthroughs that could not have been envisaged previously.
Professor Stephen Mobbs, Director of NCAS, said: “The recent concerns about vehicle emissions tests are clear evidence that research in atmospheric science can help us to understand the world around us and how it impacts on our health and quality of life. By bringing together the key players, this first Atmospheric Science Showcase allows us to build a better future.”
Professor Dame Julia Slingo, Met Office Chief Scientist said: “Atmospheric research which we collaborate on with NERC is an important part of our science programme and makes a difference to the services we deliver. By working together we are able to make the most of the UK’s world-leading atmospheric science expertise, and ensure that this research provides a benefit to society.”
Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, said: “In our changing world, atmospheric research is a vital and ongoing need. This two-day event provides an opportunity for all involved in this diverse and important research area to celebrate past achievements, and to reflect on new developments and innovations for the future. Cranfield is an active contributor to the field, not least as the ‘home’ of the Atmospheric Research Aircraft and the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements.”
The NERC Atmospheric Science Showcase marks the 50th anniversary of the National Environment Research Council (NERC). It is the result of a collaboration between the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, the Met Office, NERC, the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements, and Cranfield University.
Notes for editors
The National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) is a world leader in atmospheric science that carries out research programmes in the areas of: The science of climate change, including modelling and predictions, Atmospheric Composition, including air quality, Atmospheric Physics, including hazardous weather, Technologies for observing and modelling the atmosphere. Additionally, NCAS provide scientific facilities for scientists and researchers across the UK to enable excellent atmospheric science on a national scale. These include a world-leading research aircraft, ground-based instrumentation, access to computer models and facilities for storing and accessing data.
NCAS is not based in one location, it is a distributed centre made up three science directorates (climate; weather; atmospheric composition) and four services and facilities distributed across many UK universities and related institutions.
NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council - is the UK’s leading funder of independent research, training and innovation in environmental science. We invest public money in world-leading research, designed to help us sustain and benefit from our natural resources, predict and respond to natural hazards and understand environmental change. We work closely with policymakers and industry to make sure our knowledge can support sustainable economic growth and wellbeing in the UK and around the world.
The Met Office is the UK’s National Weather Service, providing 24x7 world-renowned scientific excellence in weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather warnings for the protection of life and property. This is underpinned by a team of around 500 world-leading scientists whose expertise is used to improve forecasting capability, and advise the UK government and others on weather and climate risk.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
