The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has unveiled its five-year strategy: Environmental Science for a Better World.
As an independent research institute funded by UKRI-NERC, UKCEH delivers impartial environmental science to benefit the UK research community, governments, businesses, and society.
The strategy outlines UKCEH’s ambition for the future and commitment to meeting the increasing demand for the institute’s expertise at a time when the world is facing unprecedented environmental, societal and economic challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss to food security and pollution.
Over the next five years, UKCEH will:
- Deliver excellent research that advances knowledge across land, water and air systems, ensuring its expertise continues to meet the growing demand for environmental science
- Focus research on three interconnected environmental challenges which are crucial for a sustainable future that
– Builds resilience in a changing climate
– Enhances ecosystem and human health
– Restores biodiversity for a sustainable future.
This will be underpinned through core principles of:
- Excellent and inspiring science
- Delivering research with impact, sustainability and resilience
- Having outstanding people and culture at UKCEH.
Collaboration is key, and UKCEH recognises that environmental challenges cannot be tackled in isolation with no single organisation or sector solving these complex issues alone. UKCEH research spans borders, sectors and disciplines, fostering collaboration to deliver the knowledge, data and solutions the world urgently needs.
On behalf of the nation, the institute will continue to develop and operate national capability infrastructure, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation. UKCEH will continue to generate, curate and open long-term environmental data collections for use by academia, the public, private and third sectors to advance scientific knowledge.
UKCEH will work collaboratively to create impact through:
- Pioneering partnerships and innovation
- Transforming infrastructure for environmental research
- Harnessing environmental data and technologies
- Expanding our international reach.
Addressing the audience at the strategy launch event in London on 19 November 2024, UKCEH Chief Executive Dr Stuart Wainwright OBE, said: “Our world is facing extraordinary environmental, societal, and economic challenges. Over the next five years, we are committed to advancing our strategy and turning our ambitions into meaningful actions.
“Tackling environmental challenges requires collaboration. By working together, we can deliver top-class science that enhances the environment, drives sustainable growth and improves lives – helping to make the world a better place.”
You can read more about UKCEH’s 5-year strategy.