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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/M006700/1

CATSCI: Multidisciplinary training in soil and freshwater catchment sciences

Training Grant Award

Lead Supervisor:
Dr BWJ Surridge, Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre
Science Area:
Freshwater
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Freshwater
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Global Change
Natural Resource Management
Pollution and Waste
Science Topics:
Hydrological Processes
Pollution
Biogeochemical Cycles
Soil science
Water Quality
Abstract:
The proposed training course builds on two highly successful and over-subscribed ATSCs run by the PI and Co-Is in early 2014, focussing on the links between agricultural production, soil physical and biogeochemical functions, and the chemical and biological status of freshwater ecosystems in river catchments. Training in specialist skills across the soil and freshwater sciences will be provided through intensive field-based teaching, including direct experience of research techniques and technologies. Responding to the key gap in multidisciplinary understanding and skills identified in the environmental sciences by NERC, the initiative will also emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for both research and management across the soil-freshwater continuum. To integrate individual elements of the training course, participants will work on a commentary paper during the week that critically appraises a current framework for understanding soil-freshwater interactions in the context of catchment science, and proposes a revision for the future. The aspiration will be to submit this commentary to a suitable journal for publication, for example as a solicited commentary in Hydrological Processes. The course will train participants in specific skills related to the use of field techniques and technology across the soil and freshwater sciences, including: the acquisition of high-resolution topographical data; the use of remote, high-frequency hydrometeorological and water quality monitoring equipment; the use of in-situ biomonitoring techniques; and the management of high-frequency environmental datasets. In addition to these practical skills, participants will also gain experience of working at disciplinary interfaces, specifically, knowledge of the interactions between land and water systems within the environment, and of process interdependencies across the physical, chemical and biological sciences within these systems. Through taking part in the course all participants will improve their transferable skills and experience, including those related to problem solving, group work, oral communication to academic and other stakeholder communities and translation of research into practice in the fields of soil and freshwater science.
Period of Award:
31 Dec 2014 - 30 Mar 2015
Value:
£26,765
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/M006700/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Doctoral Training
Grant Status:
Closed

This training grant award has a total value of £26,765  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - Other Costs
£26,765

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