Category Archives: Research
Developing the UK National Ecosystem Assessment
Last week the BES hosted a fascinating workshop on the development of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA), in conjunction with the UK Biodiversity Reseach Advisory Group (UK-BRAG). A morning of presentations and discussion were followed with lunch and an … Continue reading
Artificial Trees and Reflective Buildings: New Proposals for Geoengineering the Climate
A new report, released today by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, proposes, amongst other ideas, “synthetic trees” to tackle climate change. The devices collect carbon dioxide through their ‘leaves’ and convert it to a form that can be easily stored. … Continue reading
“Killer” spices and toxic plastic
New research presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in Washington this week (and reported in National Geographic) suggests that herbs and spices may offer an alternative to chemical pesticides. Oils from thyme, rosemary, mint and other herbs should repel … Continue reading
Speaking for Science at a European Level
A fascinating Special Report in Nature this week highlights the position of science at a European level. It notes that the EU has done much to support science, budgeting €50 billion for scientific research under the current 7th Framework Programme … Continue reading
House of Lords Announces Inquiry into Research Funding Decisions
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has announced a new inquiry into setting funding priorities for scientific and technological research. The Committee will investigate how Government and other public bodies responsible for the allocation of funding for science … Continue reading
British Woodlands More Homogenous than in Past
British woodlands are more similar to one another today than 70-years ago, report researchers today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. A team of scientists from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, led by Sally Keith at the … Continue reading
Lord Drayson Confirms REF Will Reward Public Engagement
Lord Drayson, UK Science Minister, has confirmed that the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the successor to the RAE, will reward scientists for engaging with the public. Responding to the consultation on the REF early last year, via the Biosciences Federation, … Continue reading
Valuing nature conservation interests
Various techniques have been developed for valuing ecosystem services and in a recently published paper in the Journal of Applied Ecology seven methods of valuing nature conservation interest have been assessed and compared by a team consisting of members from … Continue reading
Research Funding: After the ‘Golden Age’
The policy team yesterday attended a very interesting talk delivered by Professor Adrian Smith, Director General of Science & Research at the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS). He started off on an optimistic note, arguing that the UK … Continue reading
Emotional Intelligence Needed to Influence Public Attitudes to Climate Change
New research published in Science Communication proposes that significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can only be achieved through understanding the emotional aspects of the public’s responses to climate change. Simply providing the public with information, and hoping this will … Continue reading