Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/R00742X/1
Submitting in response to letter dated 24/05/2017 to CDT/DTP award holders - on behalf of the Environment East ('EnvEast') DTP.
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor J Barclay, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Boundary Layer Meteorology
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Microbiology
- Earth Resources
- Pollution
- Abstract:
- Three studentships will be funded. All students will join the EnvEast student cohort & training programme & be able to access the full range of training offered by UEA. 1. "Cold-air outbreaks over sea ice in weather and climate models." The student will investigate cold-air outbreaks using a number of case studies gathered from aircraft-based field campaigns. They will run the Met Office's Unified Model ('MetUM') at high resolution to simulate these cases and test various new parameterizations of surface exchange, the boundary layer and cloud microphysics. The student will join a research team of meteorologists and physical oceanographers, which will be complemented by co-supervisors at BAS and the Met Office. Training will be provided through short courses (e.g. at NCAS), national support facilities from NCAS and the Met Office, and directly from supervisors. MetUM users at UEA will provide peer support. They will also have access to training and networking opportunities at BAS and the Met Office. Impact: Direct improvements in operational weather forecasting, seasonal forecasting and climate modelling on all scales to improve numerical weather and climate prediction models, so relevant for weather forecasting, flood forecasting, and related industries. 2. "Biofilters for mitigation of landfill methane emissions." This project investigates the efficiency of microbial biofilters for removal of waste gases from Strumpshaw landfill site, Norfolk. The project is a collaboration between Prof Murrell's research group at UEA and the Closed Landfill Team at Norfolk County Council who have been trialling bioxidation of landfill gas. A key objective in this multidisciplinary project is to assess the effectiveness of bio-oxidation as a management technique for landfill gas. To achieve this, it is imperative to understand the biology underpinning the effectiveness of biofilters and to create a robust framework for future design and long term management of landfill methane biofilters. The student will be trained in a wide variety of analytical and microbiological techniques and will learn a number of cutting-edge techniques in molecular microbial ecology. Impact: continued long-term management of closed landfills. This is in line with NCC's policy to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and commitments to tackle climate change through limiting greenhouse gas emissions. 3. "Microbial lignocellulose degradation in the environment." This project will study and compare the activity of microbial lignin degradation in a variety of environments, combining research methods to link microbial physiology to ecosystem functioning. This will be supported by the use and investigation of pure cultures and enzyme assays. In particular, we want to determine the key microorganisms responsible in the various environments and their pathways for lignin degradation. The student will join a vibrant laboratory working on a variety of aspects of environmental microbiology. They will use a range of innovative & cutting edge techniques in molecular and environmental microbiology. We will provide excellent multidisciplinary training and an exciting opportunity to interact between the fields of molecular microbial ecology, biogeochemistry and microbial physiology. Further training and experience will be provided by our industrial partner Recyclatech Ltd. Impact: the biotechnological devulcanisation process that enables the controlled reprocessing of used tyres into reusable rubber has by-products which will be developed including using our microorganisms for the degradation of lignocellulosic waste materials to fermentable sugars, with the latter potentially feeding back into our devulcanisation process as a cost-effective and sustainable carbon source. Long term economic and societal impact of providing a renewable feedstock for sourcing sugar for the generation of biofuels and biochemicals will have huge benefits to a range of industries.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/R00742X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- NPIF Allocation
This training grant award has a total value of £410,294
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs | Total - Fees | Total - Student Stipend | Total - RTSG |
|---|---|---|---|
| £36,612 | £73,772 | £255,913 | £44,000 |
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