Research

NERC funds world-leading basic, strategic and applied research, survey and long-term environmental observation and monitoring of the whole Earth system.

Our scientists study the physical, chemical and biological processes on which our planet and life itself depends, from pole to pole, from the deep Earth and oceans to the atmosphere and space.

Our remit includes terrestrial, marine, freshwater, science-based archaeology, atmospheric and polar sciences, and Earth observation but our research is increasingly multi- and interdisciplinary, designed, supported and delivered in partnership with other research funders and research users.

We fund discovery science - driven by curiosity - and strategic research which helps society benefit from natural resources, build resilience to natural hazards and manage our changing environment.

NERC and the scientists we fund play a critical role in meeting the challenge of improving our living standards whilst living within the Earth's limits.