Cambridge scientists are among the finalists of the National Environment Research Council's (NERC) inaugural Impact Awards.

The awards intend to recognise and reward the contribution of NERC science to the UK’s economy, society, wellbeing and international reputation. The winners will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony in London on 27 January 2015, kicking-off our 50th anniversary.

The environmental science community’s response to the awards has been outstanding, with 82 applications of an exceptional standard submitted across four categories of impact: economic, social, early-career and international, say the organisers.

The Cambridge finalist entry entitled Healing the ozone hole to save our skin covers atmospheric research by Professor John Pyle, Dr Neil Harris and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

Their research has played a leading role in demonstrating the effect of man-made gases on the ozone layer, and the consequences for human health. Their contributions played a key part in the strengthening of the Montreal Protocol, widely regarded as one of the most successful international agreements ever enacted.

The protocol, along with other pieces of related legislation, has ensured the rapid phase-out of ozone depleting substances. As a result, the hole in the ozone now appears to be slowly closing, preventing a number of UV-related health problems worldwide, including skin cancer, sunburn and cataracts.

Dr Peter Costigan, chair of the judging panels, said: "We were delighted with the large number of applications received and by their diversity and high quality. This gave us some difficult decisions to make. Our eight finalists reflect the breadth and significance of the contribution of UK environmental science to life both at home and around the world. I look forward to hearing more about them at the judging panel in January."

The winner in each category will receive a prize of £10,000 to further the impact of their research, with the runners-up receiving £5,000. A further £30,000 will be awarded to one overall winner. 

The awards are the first in a series of activities and events that will mark NERC’s 50th anniversary. The programme of events will demonstrate how NERC science has contributed to the UK over the past 50 years.

 

About NERC

NERC is the UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences. Our work covers the full range of atmospheric, Earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic science, from the deep oceans to the upper atmosphere and from the poles to the equator. We co-ordinate some of the world's most exciting research projects, tackling major issues such as climate change, environmental influences on human health, the genetic make-up of life on Earth, and much more. NERC is a non-departmental public body. We receive around £370m of annual funding from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

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