Study finds high levels of job satisfaction among copy editors, little negative effects from pandemic

Burnout, role overload also low

Peer-Reviewed Publication

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

LAWRENCE — The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted jobs across the workforce, including the editorial sector. But a new study from the University of Kansas found it did not significantly affect how copy editors, proofreaders and fact-checkers felt about their work and that those working in the professions still have high job satisfaction and a passion for their work in a time of declining trust in media.

Researchers surveyed 472 participants in fall 2021 working in news media, book publishing, corporate communications, academic editing and other fields in both full-time and freelance roles. Results showed that most respondents did not feel burned out or overworked and that many did not feel that the pandemic negatively affected their work. They also felt passionate about the importance of their work, according to the study.

Alyssa Appelman, associate professor of journalism & mass communications, studies the effects of journalistic practices and how they influence audience perception of news credibility. Copy editors are often behind-the-scenes types who are not visible to readers, but their work determines how audiences perceive news. Research has shown that typos, grammatical errors and other mistakes affect opinions of news credibility.

“I’m interested in what editors do and how that affects how readers perceive their work. People who do these jobs have a very important role in media, but they don’t tend to be studied as much as writers,” Appelman said. “We were also interested in this group because perceptions of news credibility are low right now and editors are important in ensuring accuracy and credibility. So we wanted to see how they felt about their roles in that part of the industry.”

In addition to the pandemic, industry changes have also hit media especially hard over the years. With layoffs, downsizing, consolidation, transition away from print and other shifts, the researchers wanted to better understand how that affected copy editors' morale.

In the study, participants were asked to rate their levels of job satisfaction, burnout, role overload and perception of work quality as well as their satisfaction with their schedules, salaries and prospects for advancement. They were also asked open-ended questions about the consequences of COVID-19 and industry changes on their work and industry changes.

“The editors had high job satisfaction across these measures. People who are doing this work are happy in their jobs,” Appelman said. “We were happy to see that editors felt a high level of satisfaction in their work.”

Co-written by Kirstie Hettinga of California Lutheran University, the study was published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. 

Appelman and Hettinga’s hypothesis that copy editors would have above-average job satisfaction was confirmed. However, their hypothesis that the sample would report higher-than-average burnout and role overload was not. That came as a pleasant surprise, Appelman said, though the fact that respondents had more moderate levels of satisfaction with their prospects for advancement and their salaries did not.

Another enlightening finding was that the pandemic did not have a substantial effect on all respondents’ job satisfaction, Appelman said. Several reported having to switch to a remote work setup. But many, especially freelancers, already worked remotely, and many reported they enjoyed the work-life balance they were able to attain via remote work and did not look forward to returning to an office. Freelance editors did report a slightly higher level of job satisfaction than those who worked full-time for one employer, according to study results.

The authors also are journalism educators, and both have worked as copy editors. In addition to understanding perceptions of those in the industry, they are preparing the next generation of editors. In securing a survey sample pool from several professional editing organizations, they found a diverse workforce.

“One of the biggest takeaways for us as educators is just the breadth of this field,” Appelman said. “In our sample, we found people doing this work in book publishing, corporate communications, newspapers, magazines and several other formats. There are opportunities for students with this skill set, and people who do this work report a high level of job satisfaction.”

---

JOURNAL

Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly

DOI

10.1177/10776990231206370 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Survey

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

People

ARTICLE TITLE

Job Satisfaction in the COVID-19 Era: A Survey of Copy Editors Across Fields

Do individual-level mental health interventions improve employees’ wellbeing?

Peer-Reviewed Publication

WILEY

Many businesses are making efforts to promote workers’ wellbeing, and numerous interventions are available at the individual and organizational levels. New research published in the Industrial Relations Journal found no evidence that individual-level mental wellbeing interventions like mindfulness, resilience and stress management, relaxation classes, and wellbeing apps benefit employees.

The study was based on survey data from 46,336 workers in 233 organizations in the UK. Across multiple subjective wellbeing indicators, participants in individual-level mental wellbeing interventions appeared no better off than other workers.

The study’s author, William Fleming, PhD, of the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, noted that organizational interventions—such as changes to scheduling, management practices, staff resources, performance review, or job design—may be more beneficial for improving wellbeing in the workplace.

“There's growing consensus that organizations have to change the workplace and not just the worker,” said Dr. Fleming. “This research investigates wellbeing interventions across hundreds of workplaces, supplementing trials that often take place in single organizations, and the lack of any benefit suggests we need more ambition when it comes to improving employee wellbeing. I hope these results can spur on further research and employer action.”

URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irj.12418

 

Additional Information
NOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.

About the Journal
By focusing on the changing nature, forms, and regulation of the employment relationship, Industrial Relations Journal furthers understanding of industrial relations, labour markets, and the organization and future of work globally. We provide a contemporary analysis of state, capital, and labour relations in periods of crisis and institutional flux. 

About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

---

JOURNAL

Industrial Relations Journal

DOI

10.1111/irj.12418 

ARTICLE TITLE

Employee wellbeing outcomes from individual-level mental health interventions: Cross-sectional evidence from the UK

ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE

10-Jan-2024

Dramatic decline in cigarette use among U.S. teens over three decades

 Peer-Reviewed Publication

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

 

IMAGE: 

GRAPH SHOWS CIGARETTE SMOKING TRENDS BY GRADE FROM 1991 TO 2021.

view more 

CREDIT: FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Cigarette smoking remains the leading avoidable cause of premature death in the United States, accounting for approximately 500,000 deaths or 1 in 5 deaths annually. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most adults who smoke cigarettes started before age 18, so preventing cigarette smoking in adolescents is important to reducing smoking in adults. 

In a new study, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine and collaborators explored overall trends in cigarette smoking among a large sample of U.S. adolescents in grades nine to 12 from 1991 to 2021. They also explored differences by gender as well as race/ethnicity.

Cigarette smoking measures included: ever tried cigarette smoking, which was defined as taking even one or two puffs; currently smoked cigarettes occasionally; currently smoked cigarettes frequently; and currently smoked cigarettes daily. 

Results of the study, published in Ochsner Journal online ahead of print, show cigarette smoking in all usage categories (ever, occasional, frequent and daily) significantly decreased from 1991 to 2021.

Among the study findings:

• Ever use cigarettes significantly decreased from 70.1 percent in 1991 to 17.8 percent in 2021, an almost fourfold decline.
• Occasional cigarette use significantly decreased from 27.5 percent in 1991 to 3.8 percent in 2021, a greater than sevenfold decline.
• Frequent cigarette use significantly decreased from 12.7 percent to 0.7 percent, a greater than eighteenfold decline.
• Daily cigarette use declined from 9.8 percent in 1991 to 0.6 percent in 2021, a greater than sixteenfold decline.
• Interestingly, while all grades experienced a significant decline in cigarette use, 12th graders consistenly reported the highest percentage of occasional smokers compared to the other school grades, even in 2021. This finding suggests that while smoking has decreased across all age groups, older adolescents might still be more prone to experimenting with cigarettes than their younger counterparts.

“The substantial decrease in cigarette use among U.S. adolescents spanning three decades is an encouraging public health achievement,” said Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, Ph.D., senior author, professor and chair, Department of Population Health and Social Medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “This decrease underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research, and intervention to further reduce tobacco use and its associated harms.”

Overall, inequalities in cigarette use among adolescents by gender have been present for decades. However, by 2021, discrepancies in smoking cigarettes by gender were diminished. 

With respect to race/ethnicity, by 2021, the decreases in cigarette consumption were even more pronounced among Black and Asian adolescents, while the rates among whites and Hispanic/Latino youth remained higher but were still significantly lower than the 1997 rates.

“These results show reassuring trends but they also suggest residual clinical and public health challenges that will require targeted interventions,” said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH, co-author, First Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine and senior academic advisor, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Quitting smoking significantly reduces risks of cardiovascular disease beginning within a matter of months and reaching the non-smoker status within a few years, even among older adults. However, for lung and other cancers, reductions do not even begin to emerge for years after quitting, and even after 10 years, remain midway between the continuing smoker and lifelong nonsmoker. Thus, for reducing cardiovascular disease risks it’s never too late to quit, but to reduce risks of cancer, it’s never too early.”

Study co-authors are Maria Mejia, M.D., first author and an associate professor, Baylor College of Medicine; Robert S. Levine, M.D., professor of family and community medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, and an affiliate professor, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine; and Adedamola Adele, a recent biomedical science graduate, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine.

In 2014, Hennekens received the prestigious Ochsner Award for Smoking and Health for reducing premature deaths from cigarettes presented by the American College of Chest Physicians. Hennekens joined other luminaries who previously received the award, including his mentors and colleagues, Sir Richard Doll and Sir Richard Peto. 

- FAU -

About the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine:

FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is one of approximately 156 accredited medical schools in the U.S. The college was launched in 2010, when the Florida Board of Governors made a landmark decision authorizing FAU to award the M.D. degree. After receiving approval from the Florida legislature and the governor, it became the 134th allopathic medical school in North America. With more than 70 full and part-time faculty and more than 1,300 affiliate faculty, the college matriculates 64 medical students each year and has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum. To further FAU’s commitment to increase much needed medical residency positions in Palm Beach County and to ensure that the region will continue to have an adequate and well-trained physician workforce, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Consortium for Graduate Medical Education (GME) was formed in fall 2011 with five leading hospitals in Palm Beach County. The Consortium currently has five Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residencies including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and neurology.

 

About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

 

---

JOURNAL

Ochsner Journal

DOI

10.31486/toj.23.0113 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Meta-analysis

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

People

ARTICLE TITLE

Trends in Cigarette Smoking Among United States Adolescents

 

Architectures, opportunities, and challenges of Internet-of-batteries for electric Vehicles

Peer-Reviewed Publication

GREEN ENERGY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION

 

IMAGE: 

SYSTEM ENGINEERING-BASED BEV TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE.

view more 

CREDIT: GREEN ENERGY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION

A paper describing the architectures, opportunities, and challenges of the IoB was published in the journal Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation on September 7th, 2023.

 

The present battery technology employed in electric vehicles (EVs) faces several critical challenges. Firstly, the limited operation range of EVs remains a major concern for potential users, as it affects their ability to travel long distances without the need for frequent recharging. Additionally, long charging times are inconvenient for users and can hinder the widespread adoption of EVs. Alongside these limitations, the possibility of battery faults such as thermal runaway, can lead to safety risks including fires or explosions. These factors, including technical concerns about battery health and safety, the need for frequent recharging, and long charging times, could discourage potential users from adopting EVs. Furthermore, EV batteries experience degradation over time, resulting in decreased performance and battery lifespan reduction. It leads to an increase in maintenance and accident risk for EV owners.

 

As a promising solution to these issues, the IoB is a networked system that utilizes the principles of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) to gather data from EV batteries. This data is subsequently transmitted to a cloud server, where it is utilized for battery state estimation, predictive analytics, and fault diagnosis. In contrast to traditional battery management systems (BMS), IoB leverages advanced technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and machine learning to provide intelligent battery management.

 

The IoB can be defined as an integrated system that uses the IoT and cloud computing technology to monitor and manage batteries. IoB systems can collect data from batteries in real-time, such as voltage, current, temperature, and other parameters. This data can be used to analyze battery health and performance, identify potential faults, and optimize battery usage. IoB systems can also be used to remotely control batteries. This can help to improve battery efficiency and extend battery life.

 

The IoB comprises three main components, battery systems, IoT gateway, and cloud platform, and two additional components, i.e. BMS and wireless module, which are integrated inside the battery systems. Firstly, battery systems form the foundational layer of the IoB architecture, particularly within the context of EVs. Secondly, the wireless module is a critical component of the IoB system for EVs. Thirdly, the IoT gateway serves as a bridge between the wireless module and the cloud platform, ensuring safe and efficient transmission of data. Finally, the cloud platform provides a centralized hub for storing, processing, and analyzing battery data collected from various EVs.

 

Machine learning is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IoB systems. By analyzing data and learning from patterns, machine learning can help IoB systems make more informed decisions about battery management, charging, usage, and vehicle management. This can lead to improved battery performance, increased range, and reduced costs for EV owners. Machine learning approaches can be broadly classified into three maincategories: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

The IoB present numerous promising opportunities, particularly for the EV industry. This digital technology promise benefits such as ongoing battery health checks, improved energy management, state estimation, prediction, and faultdiagnosis, significantly transforming the landscape of EV technology.

 

However, implementing the IoB in EVs presents a number of challenges. The innovative integration of IoT technologies within the BMS of EVs presents a wide range of challenging issues that need to be thoroughly addressed for the technology to achieve a reliable state and widespread use. One of the most prominent concerns in the IoB domain is the security of battery data. Another significant challenge lies in the compatibility between different systems. Lastly, the large-scale application of IoB in EVs comes with its own set of technical complexities.

 

In the future, more research and development will be needed to fully realize the potential of the IoB and optimize battery use in EVs. Future efforts should focus on addressing the challenges, such as data security and system compatibility. Additionally, research should explore the potential role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of IoB systems. The IoB has the potential to transform the EV industry, but realizing this potential will depend on addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities it offers.

 

###

 

Reference

Authors: Heng Li a, Muaaz Bin Kaleem a, Zhijun Liu a, Yue Wu b, Weirong Liu a*, Zhiwu Huang c

 

Affiliations:

a School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

b Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark

c School of Automation, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

Title of original paper: IoB: Internet-of-batteries for electric Vehicles–Architectures, opportunities, and challenges

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773153723000646

Journal: Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2023.100128.

 

---

JOURNAL

Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

DOI

10.1016/j.geits.2023.100128 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Experimental study

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

Not applicable

ARTICLE TITLE

IoB: Internet-of-batteries for electric Vehicles–Architectures, opportunities, and challenges

 

A more eco-friendly facial sheet mask that moisturizes, even though it’s packaged dry

Peer-Reviewed Publication

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

Starting a new year, many people pledge to enact self-care routines that improve their appearance. And facial sheet masks soaked in skin care ingredients provide an easy way to do this. However, these wet masks and their waterproof packaging often contain plastics and preservatives. Now, a study in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces reports a dry-packaged hydrating facial mask that is made of biobased and sustainable materials.

Consumers in the beauty industry are increasingly concerned about the sustainability and sourcing of personal care items, in terms of both products’ ingredients and packaging. Facial sheet masks are popular cosmetic products advertised to benefit and enhance the skin. But they are typically made with plastic backing fabrics and are packaged with wet ingredients, requiring preservatives and disposable water-tight pouches. A more environmentally friendly option would be to package the facial masks dry. So, Jinlain Hu and coworkers aimed to design a facial sheet mask with biobased materials that could be enveloped in paper and later activated to deliver moisture and nutrients.

The researchers developed a facial mask with a sheet of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), which could repel water, and they coated it in a layer of gelatin mixed with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract. They deposited the top layer as either tiny fibers or microspheres, using electrospinning or electrospray, respectively, and tested how well the masks could transfer moisture. They found:

• Water droplets did not pass through the masks without skin contact, regardless of which side a water droplet was placed on.
• Contact with skin initiated one-way water transport from PLA to gelatin to skin, but only for masks coated with gelatin-based microspheres.
• Placing the mask on moistened, rather than dry, skin improved water delivery through the mask.

Finally, the team investigated how its mask’s ingredients impacted mouse cells as a proxy for reactions on skin. Fewer cells showed signals of aging when grown on the mask compared with cells grown in control conditions; the researchers attribute this to the antioxidant properties of the green tea extracts. The team says the beneficial properties of the natural ingredients and the one-way moisture-delivery design make this mask a promising alternative with a lesser environmental impact compared to traditional, wet-packed products.

The authors acknowledge funding from the City University of Hong Kong, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Science & Technology Fund.

###

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Follow us: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

---

JOURNAL

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

DOI

10.1021/acsmi.3c15815 

ARTICLE TITLE

Electrosprayed Environment-Friendly Dry Triode-Like Facial Masks for Skincare

Lithuanian researchers recycle surgical masks for hydrogen-rich gas production

Lithuanian researchers investigate the possibilities of plasma gasification as an eco-friendly technique to convert used surgical masks into clean energy.

Peer-Reviewed Publication

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

 

IMAGE: 

SAMY YOUSEF, A CHIEF RESEARCHER AT KTU FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

view more 

CREDIT: KTU

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of tons of used surgical masks were dumped every month without a real vision to manage them. Although the world has successfully passed the critical period, a serious industrial eco-solution must be developed to deal with this waste.

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Lithuanian Energy Institute, aiming to design a solution for surgical mask waste management are investigating the possibilities of plasma gasification as an eco-friendly technique to convert surgical mask waste into clean energy products.

After conducting a series of experiments, they obtained synthetic gas (aka syngas) with a high abundance of hydrogen.

“There are two ways of converting waste to energy – by transforming solid waste into liquid product, or gases. Gasification allows converting huge amounts of waste to syngas, which is similar to natural and is a composition of several gases (such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane). During our experiments, we played with the composition of this synthetic gas and increased its concentration of hydrogen, and, in turn, its heating value,” says Samy Yousef, a chief researcher at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania.

For the conversion of surgical masks, the researchers applied plasma gasification on defective FFP2 face masks, which were shredded beforehand into a uniform particle size, and then converted to granules that could be easily controlled during treatment.

The highest yield of hydrogen was obtained at an S/C (steam-to-carbon ratio) of 1.45. Overall, the obtained syngas showed a 42% higher heating value than that produced from biomass.

Traditional waste management technique was improved

Yousef’s research team, composed of scientists from two Lithuanian research institutions, KTU and Lithuanian Energy Institute, are working on the topics of recycling and waste management, and are always looking for waste, which is present in huge amounts and has a unique structure. In their work, they have conducted pyrolysis experiments on cigarette butts, used wind turbine blades, and textile waste, which have all shown promising results for upscaling and commercialization. Yet, this time, for the recycling of surgical masks, a different method was applied.

“Gasification is a traditional waste management technique. Differently from pyrolysis, which is still a new and developing method we don’t need much investment in developing infrastructure. Arc plasma gasification, which we have applied for the decomposition of surgical masks, means that under high temperatures generated by arc plasma, we can decompose face masks to gas within a few seconds. In pyrolysis, it takes up to an hour to get the final product. In advanced gasification, the process is almost instantaneous,” explains Yousef.

He says that advanced gasification techniques, such as plasma gasification, are more efficient in obtaining a better concentration of hydrogen (up to 50%) within synthetic gas production. Moreover, plasma gasification decreases the amount of tar in the syngas, which makes its quality higher.

Hydrogen-rich gas has better heating values

According to Yousef, plasma gasification is one of the best methods to obtain synthetic gas, which is rich in hydrogen.

“Hydrogen increases the heating value of the synthetic gas,” explains Yousef and continues describing the different types of hydrogen: grey is obtained from natural gas or methane, green – from green sources (e.g., electrolysis), blue – from steam reforming.

“Maybe we could call our black hydrogen, as it’s made from waste?” he says half-jokingly.

The yield of syngas was around 95% of the total amount of feedstock. The remaining products were soot and tar. The analysis revealed that benzene, toluene, naphthalene and acenaphthylene were the main compounds in collected tar. According to the researchers, it can be used as a clean fuel in different industries with low carbon emissions.   

The soot was formulated in the last stage of plasma gasification. Its main component is black carbon, which can have numerous applications related to energy, wastewater treatment, and agriculture, or can be used as a filler material in composites.

The researchers believe that their proposed method for surgical mask waste recycling has a high potential to be commercialized. According to Yousef, a researcher from KTU, their main aim was to obtain synthetic gas, which is rich in hydrogen. Although hydrogen can be separated from the obtained syngas, it can also be used as a mixture of gases. As such, it already has half a higher heating value than that produced from biomass.

---

JOURNAL

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Experimental study

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

Not applicable

ARTICLE TITLE

Plasma steam gasification of surgical mask waste for hydrogen-rich syngas production

UK 

New PhD. training centers for flooding, mineral resources, freshwater quality and wetlands

Grant and Award Announcement

UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

 

UK invests in a new generation of environmental scientists

Four new centres for doctoral training will boost UK expertise in flood management, wetland restoration, sustainable mineral resources and freshwater quality.

The new Natural Environment Research Council-funded centres will teach the next generation of PhD students who will go on to build careers in research, business and public service. Each centre will be supported with £2.6 million funding.

The centres for doctoral training  (CDTs) will focus on following themes:

#Flooding

Millions of homes and businesses are at risk of flooding in the UK from rivers, the sea or surface water, with billions more affected globally.

A new CDT led by the University of Southampton will improve understanding of: drivers of flooding, for example, from rainfall, enhanced river discharge, surface runoff and storm surges; and climate change, changing population and development, and public perceptions affect flood risk.

The new cohort of researchers will develop new approaches to map and forecast floods, including using state-of-the-art monitoring and advances in artificial intelligence, and develop new flood management strategies.

#Freshwater early warning systems

Freshwaters in UK rivers and lakes are being impacted by chemical pollution, disease and biodiversity loss. Research has also shown that these factors can impact human health and aquatic ecosystems.

A CDT led by the University of Bath will train doctoral students to improve real-time monitoring and management of freshwaters. The aim is ultimately to reverse global environmental degradation and better protect both wildlife and human health.

#Wetland wildscapes

A new CDT led by Heriot-Watt University will deliver the next generation of innovative researchers and conservationists needed to protect some of the Earth's most vulnerable and valuable ecosystems.

Wetlands and fringing ecosystems are critical for combating the climate emergency and enhancing community resilience to extreme weather events such as storms and floods. These ecosystems are among the most threatened globally. A new generation of doctoral students will build our understanding of how environmental changes are impacting these crucial habitats.

#Mineral resources

Expertise in the sustainable mineral resources sector is in high demand to support the growth of clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

A new CDT led by the University of Leicester will support researchers across three cohorts. PhD projects will be based around the themes of mineral deposit discovery, efficient resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and strategy for supply chains and the circular economy.

Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said:

“Backing our brightest students to tackle issues as vital as flooding and protecting our water quality is an investment in protecting the landscape of the UK, while defending our planet and the resources we need to deliver us all healthier and more prosperous lives.

“With more than £10m in funding over the coming years it will also help to skill-up students in high-value research, which will grow the UK economy and ensure we fulfil the potential of the talent spread throughout our country.”

Professor Peter Liss, Interim Executive Chair of NERC, said:

“This investment by NERC will equip the next generation of environmental science researchers with the technical and professional skills to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing the UK and globally. 

 

“The new centres for doctoral training will focus on the key themes of flood management, freshwater quality, sustainable mineral resources and wetland conservation.”

 

This investment is the first time NERC has funded four new CDTs in one year, and follows the announcement in November that NERC would rebalance its doctoral provision from 2024.[LINK]

The move also supports the transition to collective talent funding across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with the aim of improving the flow of talent across disciplines and sectors in research and innovation.

NERC’s new CDTs will take their first cohort of students from October.

 

Ends

Further information:

Media enquiries:

Sophie Docker, Interim Media and Communications Lead, UKRI

Sophie.docker@ukri.org or 07513 485076

NERC will launch new funding opportunities for doctoral landscape awards in January 2024 and doctoral focal award in February 2024.

Centres for doctoral training project summaries:

Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT)

Led by Professor Ivan Haigh, University of Southampton

Hosting partners: University of Southampton, University of Bristol, Loughborough University, Newcastle University, National Oceanography Centre, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, British Geological Survey.

FLOOD-CDT is a collaborative venture, made up of world-leading researchers and educators from four universities and three research centres together with 40 partners across the UK. It will develop understanding of: flooding across all flood drivers (fluvial, pluvial, coastal, tsunamis, dam failures and groundwater); how climate change, changing population, development and land use, and public perception affect flood risk; mapping flood dynamics and damage, and improving forecasting; make use of AI in modelling floods.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Real-Time Digital Water-Based Systems for Environmental Health Protection (RED-ALERT CDT)

Led by Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, University of Bath

Hosting partners: University of Bath, Bangor University, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology 

RED-ALERT will train and empower a new generation of leaders to transform how we manage aquatic environmental health via Real-Time Digital Water-Based Systems.

Training will focus on challenge-led multidisciplinary research and problem-solving skills. Leveraging nationally leading research facilities, international networks and whole system "Living Labs" to provide the in-depth knowledge and breadth of understanding, it will enable a step-change in managing environmental health.

Centre for Ecologically Relevant Multiple Stressor Effects on Wetland Wildscapes (ECO-WILD)

Led by Dr Frances Orton, Heriot-Watt University

Hosting partners: Heriot-Watt University, Oxford University, University of York, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. 

ECOWILD is a unique partnership that brings together research expertise and innovation across various fields including environmental toxicology, ecology, multiple stressor theory and modelling, wetland conservation and restoration, socioeconomics, community engagement, management and governance; and involves some of the leading UK experts in these fields. We will address scientific topics including wetland conservation and restoration, climate and pollution impacts, wetland management and creation, nature-based solutions and advances in multi-stressor theory and application.

The ECOWILD CDT will run over six years and comprise three cohorts, each of 13-14 students. During their three year and eight-month PhD, ECOWILD students will work on a challenging research project aligned with one or more of five priority research areas, identified through horizon scanning exercises and in collaboration with our stakeholders.

TARGET Mineral Resources - Training And Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources

Led by Dr Daniel Smith, University of Leicester

Hosting partners: University of Leicester, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Geological Survey, Natural History Museum, Imperial College London, SUERC/University of Glasgow, UCL, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews, University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of Leeds, University of Brighton, University of Aberdeen  

TARGET will train up to 36 multidisciplinary mineral resources researchers across three cohorts. PhD projects will be based around the themes of mineral deposit discovery, efficient resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and strategy for supply chains and the circular economy. Cohort training will deliver multidisciplinary skills and knowledge that cover the whole of the resources lifecycle and prepare researchers for careers in a rapidly changing industry that is vital to the UK's green energy transition. https://target.le.ac.uk/

For Immediate Release

 

UK invests in a new generation of environmental scientists

Four new centres for doctoral training will boost UK expertise in flood management, wetland restoration, sustainable mineral resources and freshwater quality.

The new Natural Environment Research Council-funded centres will teach the next generation of PhD students who will go on to build careers in research, business and public service. Each centre will be supported with £2.6 million funding.

The centres for doctoral training  (CDTs) will focus on following themes:

#Flooding

Millions of homes and businesses are at risk of flooding in the UK from rivers, the sea or surface water, with billions more affected globally.

A new CDT led by the University of Southampton will improve understanding of: drivers of flooding, for example, from rainfall, enhanced river discharge, surface runoff and storm surges; and climate change, changing population and development, and public perceptions affect flood risk.

The new cohort of researchers will develop new approaches to map and forecast floods, including using state-of-the-art monitoring and advances in artificial intelligence, and develop new flood management strategies.

#Freshwater early warning systems

Freshwaters in UK rivers and lakes are being impacted by chemical pollution, disease and biodiversity loss. Research has also shown that these factors can impact human health and aquatic ecosystems.

A CDT led by the University of Bath will train doctoral students to improve real-time monitoring and management of freshwaters. The aim is ultimately to reverse global environmental degradation and better protect both wildlife and human health.

#Wetland wildscapes

A new CDT led by Heriot-Watt University will deliver the next generation of innovative researchers and conservationists needed to protect some of the Earth's most vulnerable and valuable ecosystems.

Wetlands and fringing ecosystems are critical for combating the climate emergency and enhancing community resilience to extreme weather events such as storms and floods. These ecosystems are among the most threatened globally. A new generation of doctoral students will build our understanding of how environmental changes are impacting these crucial habitats.

#Mineral resources

Expertise in the sustainable mineral resources sector is in high demand to support the growth of clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

A new CDT led by the University of Leicester will support researchers across three cohorts. PhD projects will be based around the themes of mineral deposit discovery, efficient resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and strategy for supply chains and the circular economy.

Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said:

“Backing our brightest students to tackle issues as vital as flooding and protecting our water quality is an investment in protecting the landscape of the UK, while defending our planet and the resources we need to deliver us all healthier and more prosperous lives.

“With more than £10m in funding over the coming years it will also help to skill-up students in high-value research, which will grow the UK economy and ensure we fulfil the potential of the talent spread throughout our country.”

Professor Peter Liss, Interim Executive Chair of NERC, said:

“This investment by NERC will equip the next generation of environmental science researchers with the technical and professional skills to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing the UK and globally. 

“The new centres for doctoral training will focus on the key themes of flood management, freshwater quality, sustainable mineral resources and wetland conservation.”

This investment is the first time NERC has funded four new CDTs in one year, and follows the announcement in November that NERC would rebalance its doctoral provision from 2024.[LINK]

The move also supports the transition to collective talent funding across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with the aim of improving the flow of talent across disciplines and sectors in research and innovation.

NERC’s new CDTs will take their first cohort of students from October.

Ends

Further information:

Media enquiries:

Sophie Docker, Interim Media and Communications Lead, UKRI

Sophie.docker@ukri.org or 07513 485076

NERC will launch new funding opportunities for doctoral landscape awards in January 2024 and doctoral focal award in February 2024.

Centres for doctoral training project summaries:

Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT)

Led by Professor Ivan Haigh, University of Southampton

Hosting partners: University of Southampton, University of Bristol, Loughborough University, Newcastle University, National Oceanography Centre, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, British Geological Survey.

FLOOD-CDT is a collaborative venture, made up of world-leading researchers and educators from four universities and three research centres together with 40 partners across the UK. It will develop understanding of: flooding across all flood drivers (fluvial, pluvial, coastal, tsunamis, dam failures and groundwater); how climate change, changing population, development and land use, and public perception affect flood risk; mapping flood dynamics and damage, and improving forecasting; make use of AI in modelling floods.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Real-Time Digital Water-Based Systems for Environmental Health Protection (RED-ALERT CDT)

Led by Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, University of Bath

Hosting partners: University of Bath, Bangor University, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology 

RED-ALERT will train and empower a new generation of leaders to transform how we manage aquatic environmental health via Real-Time Digital Water-Based Systems.

Training will focus on challenge-led multidisciplinary research and problem-solving skills. Leveraging nationally leading research facilities, international networks and whole system "Living Labs" to provide the in-depth knowledge and breadth of understanding, it will enable a step-change in managing environmental health.

Centre for Ecologically Relevant Multiple Stressor Effects on Wetland Wildscapes (ECO-WILD)

Led by Dr Frances Orton, Heriot-Watt University

Hosting partners: Heriot-Watt University, Oxford University, University of York, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. 

ECOWILD is a unique partnership that brings together research expertise and innovation across various fields including environmental toxicology, ecology, multiple stressor theory and modelling, wetland conservation and restoration, socioeconomics, community engagement, management and governance; and involves some of the leading UK experts in these fields. We will address scientific topics including wetland conservation and restoration, climate and pollution impacts, wetland management and creation, nature-based solutions and advances in multi-stressor theory and application.

The ECOWILD CDT will run over six years and comprise three cohorts, each of 13-14 students. During their three year and eight-month PhD, ECOWILD students will work on a challenging research project aligned with one or more of five priority research areas, identified through horizon scanning exercises and in collaboration with our stakeholders.

TARGET Mineral Resources - Training And Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources

Led by Dr Daniel Smith, University of Leicester

Hosting partners: University of Leicester, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Geological Survey, Natural History Museum, Imperial College London, SUERC/University of Glasgow, UCL, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews, University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of Leeds, University of Brighton, University of Aberdeen  

TARGET will train up to 36 multidisciplinary mineral resources researchers across three cohorts. PhD projects will be based around the themes of mineral deposit discovery, efficient resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and strategy for supply chains and the circular economy. Cohort training will deliver multidisciplinary skills and knowledge that cover the whole of the resources lifecycle and prepare researchers for careers in a rapidly changing industry that is vital to the UK's green energy transition. https://target.le.ac.uk/