New London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership announced
Birkbeck to be part of new Natural Environment Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership
UCL and eight other leading London institutions including Birkbeck have announced the creation of a new London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, which will specialise in training the next generation of environmental scientists.
One of 15 Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) across the UK funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and revealed on 4 November by the Minister for Universities and Science, the Rt. Hon. David Willetts, the £100 million total investment reflects NERC’s renewed commitment to postgraduate training.
Supporting 1,200 PhD students across the fifteen partnerships, this will result in at least 240 new students beginning training every year for five years, with the opportunity for partners to co-fund, boosting the number of studentships available.
The London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership brings together over 375 academics working across most of the environmental sciences. It is a unique collaboration between UCL; Birkbeck, University of London; Brunel University; Institute of Zoology; King’s College London; The Natural History Museum; Queen Mary, University of London; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and Royal Holloway University of London.
The London DTP also includes strong links to businesses, policy-makers, and public and third sector organisations, such as BHP Billiton, Forestry Commission, Lloyds of London, Microsoft International and Ove Arup and Partners Ltd.
Science and Universities minister David Willetts, said: “This significant investment highlights the Government’s commitment to supporting postgraduate training and research in the environmental sciences. We're dedicated to providing the next generation of environmental researchers with the necessary skills and training to succeed in academia and industry.
"The strong support for this programme from a number of international partners such as BP, Microsoft and Arup is enormously encouraging. Not only will this initiative benefit students, UK research organisations, business, industry and the economy, it will keep us at the forefront of the global science race.”
Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography), director of the London NERC DTP, said: “This partnership represents a fantastic opportunity to build on the diverse strengths of our respective organisations, providing research students an unparalleled research environment, exceptional resources and access to unrivalled training opportunities. It will also provide unprecedented opportunities for academics at nine of the countries leading institutions to collaborate and deliver our ambitious programme in environmental research.”
Professor Nick Keep, Executive Dean of Birkbeck’s School of Science, said: “We look forward to training the next generation of environmental scientists in partnership with other prestigious London institutions. This funding for postgraduate research is very welcome, and a clear recognition of Birkbeck’s strengths in Earth and Planetary Sciences.”
Professor Gerald Roberts, Head of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Birkbeck, said “We are excited to part of this excellent grouping of institutions.”
The DTPs will offer postgraduate studentships and training across the full range of NERC’s disciplines, and in multidisciplinary environments, helping to enrich the student experience. Each DTP will create a strong and active community of students that are able – and encouraged – to integrate, work, and learn together. These students will receive in-depth, advanced research training, as well as training in the professional and transferable skills essential in today’s economy.