The Schedule

British Antarctic Survey (BAS): Julius Rix, Head of Engineering & Technology

British Geological Survey (BGS): Rob Lyon, Geomagnetic Electronics Engineer

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH): Nick Everard, Senior Hydrometric Scientist

National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS): (including FAAM): No speaker available

National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO): Daniel Clewley, NEODAAS collaborative partner

National Oceanographic Centre (NOC): Helen Oldridge, Head of Scientific Engineering (online)

Plymouth Marine Laboratories (PML): Daniel Clewley, Head of Research Software Engineering team

Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS): Philip Anderson, Head of Robotics

BAS Highlight talk: Antarctic Engineering – Ciara McDonald, Rothera Wintering Engineer (BAS)

NERC Digital Strategy & technology – Simon Gardner, Head of Digital Environment (NERC)

Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) – Kristian Thaller, Programme Director (FMRI/NOC)

Net Zero Aerial Capability (NZArC) – Kay Smith, Remote Sensing Geologist (BGS)

BAS Entrepreneur in residence: Opportunities for collaboration – Simon Hombersley, BAS Entrepreneur in residence (Puntios)

BAS Hot Water Drilling Capabilities – Paul Anker (BAS)

SIMBA - Phillip Thompson (SAMS)

Logging snowfall where it is too wet and too dry, too cold and too hot, too high and too low, too far away but not far enough – Hamish Pritchard (BAS)

An Introduction to the BGS Geomagnetic Observatories – Rob Lyon (BGS)

Demonstrating the Windracers Ultra UAV as a platform for environmental science in Antarctica – Tom Jordan (BAS)

Development of open-source software for geophysical methods – James Boyd (BGS)

The Dobson - a case study in applied robotics – Hessel Gorter (BAS)

Demonstrating the Windracers Ultra UAV as a platform for environmental science in Antarctica – Tom Jordan (BAS)

Permitting and regulation for aerial autonomy – Richard Dale (recording, SAMS)

Introduction to FAAM Airborne Laboratory and Mid-Life Upgrade – Anthony Lindley (FAAM, online)

Tunnelling/remote access over mobile networks – Harry Harrison (BGS)

Lower earth orbit satellite comms – Dean Evans (BAS)

SDA: Science, Engineering, Commissioning – Carson McAfee (BAS)

Importance of tech for science

Facilitator: Rob Lyon (BGS)

Getting new ideas off the ground – funding needs

Facilitator: Julius Rix (BAS)

Career progression – opportunities & barriers

Facilitator: Helen Oldridge (NOC, online)

Open-Source projects (hardware & software)

Facilitator: Simon Harris (BGS)

Models of working with the science community

Facilitator: Dave Goodger (BAS)

Digital transformation

Facilitator: Matthew Gascoyne (BAS)

Models of commercialisation (& inc protecting IP – TRL “boosts” in research)

Facilitator: Simon Hombersley (Puntios, online)

Contributing to a Net Zero future for environmental research

Facilitator: Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley (BAS)

For this workshop-style brainstorming session we used digital Slido boards so people could submit their thoughts and ideas both online as well as in the room, and so we'd have a direct digital record of all responses (easy excels).

Digital Transformation

• What are the digital technologies that will make the most impact in our work? How can we share what works with others in this group efficiently?

• What are the main challenges you face in integrating new digital technologies/tools into your work, and what support do you need to overcome these challenges?

Funding gaps & Career progression

• What specific areas of your work are affected by funding gaps, and what solutions do you see for bridging these gaps? How can we align our funding strategies with the priorities and needs of researchers within NERC to ensure more effective support?

• What are the key challenges you face in advancing your career within NERC, and what changes or support systems could help mitigate these challenges? What opportunities for professional development and career progression would you like to see more of?

Future Tech Transfer activities & Collaboration

• What are the main challenges you face in collaborating with other NERC organizations, and what support do you need to enhance these collaborations?

• What kind of collaboration activities would you like to see more of in the future?

Net Zero Carbon Future & Tech for New Science Discoveries

• What obstacles do you encounter in implementing sustainable practices aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions, and what resources would help you address these obstacles?

• What enablers (e.g., technologies, collaborations, funding) do you believe are crucial for accelerating breakthrough discoveries in environmental research?

Panellists: Helen Oldrige (NOC), Rob Lyon (BGS), Phil Peterson (SAMS), James Veale (BAS) 

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