ARCC news for June 2015
ARCC network news
Checklist for authors – increasing impact of data and publications
Building on its work on developing a consistent approach to data management in EPSRC-funded projects, the ARCC network has produced a six-point guidance note for authors. This will help to ensure authors are in compliance with EPSRC policies, get greater profile in the REF process and attain wider impact for the research.
Last call for two events co-organised by ARCC
23 June 2015, Peterborough
Overheating and indoor air quality in new homes workshop, Homes and Communities Agency/ARCC Network – drawing on case studies, this event will consider the impacts of overheating and how it can be tackled.
29 June 2015, London
Contaminated land and extreme weather conditions, CIRIA/ARCC network – to explore how recent extreme weather conditions, in particular flooding, have affected the design and delivery of contaminated land projects in the UK. The event is free to attend but spaces are limited. If you have any questions, please email briony.turner@ukcip.org.uk.
Other news
Managing the environment to improve health and wellbeing
A new call is expected to open shortly for interdisciplinary research collaborations to increase understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem processes in contributing to human health and wellbeing. The call is a joint initiative from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Arts & Humanities Research Council and the Economic & Social Research Council, as part of the Valuing Nature Programme.
UK Energy Research Centre Fund – first call for proposals
The first call for proposals has been issued by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) Fund, on two topic areas: incumbent energy systems and infrastructures, and equity and justice in energy system. Consortium and single institution bids will be considered, and expressions of interest must be submitted by 10 July 2015, with full applications due by 18 September. Projects should normally begin by 1 January 2016 and run for up to two years.
Built Environment Fellowship – street spaces and cycling
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 is inviting applications for a 2-year Built Environment Fellowship. It is open to post-graduates, researchers, practitioners or professionals on a career break. The research should examine new ways to introduce cycling into street spaces where transport modes are hard to manage, using London as a model. The closing date is 15 July 2015.
Urban transformation and Foresight future of cities KE Fellowship
A new Fellowship from the Economic and Social Research Council aims to identify opportunities to enhance the links between the Foresight Future of Cities project, the wider network of cities’ stakeholders and the urban academic research community. The successful candidate with work closely with the ESRC Urban Transformations Coordinator and Foresight Future of Cities Project Team. The deadline for expressions of interest is 1 July 2015.
Call for evidence – design & behaviour in the built environment
The Design Commission, the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Design & Innovation Group, has launched a call for evidence on the relationship between design and behaviour in the built environment (pdf). The deadline for written submissions is 5 July 2015, and submitters may also be invited to contribute to oral evidence sessions in the autumn. Responses are invited to three broad questions: does the built environment affect the behaviour of individuals/communities, are there examples of behaviour change in the UK in relation to any aspect of the built environment; and are there examples where behaviour change has resulted from some aspect of the built environment?
Vacancy for short-term Climate Ready communities support officer (Adaptation Scotland)
Adaptation Scotland is looking to appoint someone to help set up their new Communities Adaptation Learning Exchange (pdf). This project (to be completed by mid-December 2015) will help to support communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. A secondment, short-term contract or consultancy would be considered. The deadline for applications is 26 June 2015.
Closing the policy gaps – special issue of Building Research and Information
This special issue, guest edited by Simon Foxell and Ian Cooper, is inspired by a concern that policy objectives in the built environment are not being achieved. The papers in this issue aim to identify lessons for better policy-making and more effective policy interventions.
Welsh Government publishes 20-year Water Strategy
The Welsh Government has published its Water Strategy, setting out the direction for water policy over the next 20 years. This includes responding to the impacts of climate change, making evidence-based decisions and contributing to the country’s goal of a resilient Wales (as set out in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act).
Environment Agency goes Open Data with LIDAR
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data provides information on elevation across a landscape and is widely used by the Environment Agency (EA) to create flood models, assess coastal change and analyse land use. Since 2013, EA’s LIDAR information has been free to download for non-commercial use, and from September 2015, all the EA LIDAR data will be Open Data and thus available to everyone to use for free.
New report on holistic view of resilience in local government
The LGiU – a local government membership organisation – has published a new report Project resilience arguing that a democratic collaboration between state and civil society can create resilient communities able to respond to changes and crises. Flood risk is a theme that runs through the report and is used to illustrate the importance of taking an holistic view.
Events
ESRC Seminar Series: Green Business Models and Strategies
6 July 2015, Milton Keynes
Impacts of flooding on critical infrastructure: a stakeholder-orientated approach
10 July 2015, London
Tackling overheating in homes – understanding, prioritising and addressing the risks (webinar)
23 July 2015, 12.30–13.30
This online event organised by Climate Local will consider the challenges facing local authorities in tackling overheating in homes. For more details and to register your interest, please contact mazvita.chari@local.gov.uk.
Interdisciplinary Research on Energy Transitions Postgraduate conference
5 October 2015, Cardiff
Registration and Call for Papers (deadline 12 July 2015)
Catalysing Urban Transformations – transition to low carbon, resilient communities
1–4 Nov 2015, Barcelona
Further details and abstract submission
Tweeted…
The business case for adapting buildings to climate change: full report online | http://bit.ly/1GZw0eg @innovate_uk
New research evaluates effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing overheating in cold-climate urban areas | http://bit.ly/1egwD8x
Call for abstracts: Adaptation futures 2016, Rotterdam | http://bit.ly/1MZpG78 @confAF2016
New low-carbon social housing faces increased risk of #overheating and poor IAQ | http://bit.ly/1GgOfdm @OISDatBrookes
Finding win-win solutions for city-scale resilience – cross-sector modelling techniques | http://bit.ly/1T6KVs2
Building type the most significant factor in summer #overheating of homes, CREW research finds | http://bit.ly/1Fx0o0p