University of Oxford Biochemistry building

ARCC news for February 2018

Hello ARCC friends,

Just a final reminder that the ARCC network will be hosting a robotics and inspired by nature showcase at Ecobuild starting next Tuesday 6–8 March, 2018 in London, including EPSRC-funded research from:

On Tuesday 6 March at ecobuild, come along to celebrate the third annual ARCC and CIBSE GI Design Challenge. This challenge showcases what constitutes a healthy, productive and sustainable urban environment both now and into the future in the context of a changing climate. Judging and presentations will commence at 5.45pm in the Green and Blue Infrastructure seminar area.

The ARCC network continues to champion the Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium (ITRC), including ITRC-MISTRAL’s pioneering research to ensure that the infrastructure that underpins modern life will be resilient and robust to the demands of the next generation. On 18 April, they will showcase the ITRC’s latest findings and outputs, with examples of how the models, methods, tools and datasets are being applied in the UK and internationally, register now to secure your place.

Following the ARCC early career researcher event on showcasing research for impact, we are pleased to share an article published in The Conversation by participant Dr Olalekan Adekola, York St John University: Nigeria’s conflict is a result of environmental devastation across West Africa.

New report: UKCIP (the parent organisation of the ARCC network) has been working with the European Environment Agency to deliver a social vulnerability report across European cities. This report provides a collection of case studies on developing socially just adaptation responses to climate change in urban areas.

The EPSRC  Science for a Successful Nation showcase illustrated the impact of investments within the four EPSRC Prosperity Outcomes: Connected Nation, Productive Nation, Healthy Nation and Resilient Nation. Building on the activities of the ARCC network, we are working with EPSRC to enhance recognition of the contribution and value of engineering and physical sciences towards achieving a Resilient Nation. At the Showcase, we illustrated the wide range of EPSRC research and discussed the value of greater engagement with evidence and knowledge to inform decision-making processes. Take a look at our video and booklet to find out more.

Finally, are you interesting in using fiction and games to communicate climate change? Please get in contact with Tanya Wilkins to discuss how you can be involved in a current ARCC project in this area.

Events & opportunities

Funding available: roads for the future

Registration open until 7 March

The National Infrastructure Commission and Highways England are investing up to £200,000 for innovative ideas to change how UK roads are designed, managed and used, to maximise the benefits of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Innovate UK is the delivery partner.

Up to £150,000 will be available for 5 feasibility study projects. After successful applicants have completed their projects, the best project will be awarded an additional sum of £50,000.

Applications must focus on changes to roads or related infrastructure to be eligible. The changes must be directly related to the introduction of CAVs.

UK Government – climate change adaptation reporting

Consultation closes 26 March

Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the government is required to set out and consult on its strategy for climate change adaptation reporting. Consultation on the Government’s proposals for adaptation reporting open to 26 March.

Building out vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa Network

28 March, London

The BOVA network will be holding its first Open network meeting in London in partnership with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. The meeting will present research findings and initiatives, and network with like-minded individuals. with an interest in:

  • The link between the built environment and vector-borne diseases
  • The policy environment including Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda
  • Innovations and interventions in the built environment
  • Financing for affordable housing.

EPSRC Call for membership of their Engineering Early Career Forum

Closing 4 April

This Forum acts as an informal advisory stream to EPSRC, with members acting as advocates for EPSRC within the community, and providing a broad perspective of the needs and views of the engineering community, offering opinion across the breadth of the Theme. EPSRC are looking for early career academics, industrialists or research users in engineering disciplines to join the Forum.