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Newsletter: September 2025
Welcome to the Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter Research Network newsletter
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
We'd love to share your latest projects, publications, events or opportunities. Please email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
NEWS
Register Now – Final Spaces Remaining!
Join us for the Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter Conference on Thursday 11th September, 9:00am–7:00pm, in the Xfi Building, Streatham Campus.
Explore cutting-edge EI research, with talks, posters, panels, networking, and a keynote from Prof Tim Lenton. Topics include AI for sustainability, geospatial intelligence, and responsible AI. The full programme is available from the EI Research Network website.
Free to attend – the conference includes lunch and refreshments and finishes with an informal social event with drinks and snacks. Register now via EventBrite.
Limited travel support is available for Penryn colleagues. Contact ei-network@exeter.ac.uk.
PlotToSat: Connecting Forest Plots with Satellite Data
PlotToSat is a powerful new tool that helps scientists easily link on-the-ground field plots with satellite images to study how forests and ecosystems change over time. It combines data from two major satellites—Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2—to create detailed timelines for thousands of locations. In one case, it processed data from nearly 16,000 plots in just 24 hours. This makes it much faster and easier to study things like tree growth, forest health, and seasonal changes.
For more information, read the full article by EI Network member Milto Miltiadou and colleagues here.
Social and Computer Science – Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Thank you everyone who joined us at Social and Computer Science: Interdisciplinary Conversations on AI in the summer. Your insights and enthusiasm made the event a rich space for learning and connection. We’re planning the next steps and are to keep the momentum going—stay tuned for upcoming EI Network events to explore the key themes identified. We encourage you to continue to reach out to fellow attendees, explore collaboration opportunities, and share your ideas for future sessions. The slides shared are available to download from the EI Network website. Contact Katie Ledingham for more information k.a.ledingham@exeter.ac.uk
Pioneering Simulator Transforms Plant Climate Research
A groundbreaking facility at the University of Exeter is enabling scientists to simulate wind, rain, and humidity to study climate impacts on plants. The £1.5 million Global Meteorological Simulator (GMS), one of the world’s most advanced of its kind, features four chambers mimicking diverse weather conditions. It will help researchers understand how environmental factors affect crop diseases, pests, pollinators, and plant development—crucial for global food security. Funded by BBRSC’s ALERT infrastructure funding scheme and the University, GMS is also open to the global research community, offering a powerful tool to combat the agricultural challenges of climate change. For more information contact the project lead Professor Ivana Gudelj.
Stronger Governance Needed for Ocean Climate Interventions
As climate change rapidly impacts our oceans, interventions like coral restoration, seaweed farming, and ocean alkalinity enhancement are gaining momentum. A new study warns that without stronger governance, these efforts risk doing more harm than good. Professor Tiffany Morrison and Professor Katrina Brown, from the University of Exeter urge a responsible marine transformation approach—ensuring interventions are sustainable, equitable, and science-based. With millions in funding accelerating deployment, the study emphasises inclusive governance, bioethical protocols, and collaboration with local and Indigenous communities. Effective oversight, the authors argue, is essential to protect marine ecosystems and ensure long-term climate resilience. You can read the full article on the Science website.
Arctic Peatlands Expanding as Climate Warms
A University of Exeter-led study has found that peatlands across the European and Canadian Arctic are expanding due to rising temperatures. Using satellite imagery, drones, and fieldwork, researchers observed "peak-summer greening"—a sign of peatland growth—at over two-thirds of 16 study sites. While this expansion could enhance carbon storage and help mitigate climate change in the short term, scientists warn that extreme future warming could reverse these gains, releasing stored carbon. The research is part of the ICAAP (increased Accumulation in Arctic Peatlands) project, funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council and was recently published in Communications Earth and Environment, entitled: “Satellite data indicates recent Arctic peatland expansion with warming.”
UK to Lead Responsible Innovation in Synthetic Biology
The University of Exeter is part of a new £1.8M ARIA-funded project aiming to make the UK a global leader in ethical synthetic plant development. Led by Professor Sarah Hartley, Exeter researchers will explore how synthetic plants—particularly potatoes—can be developed in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and publicly supported. The team will run nationwide focus groups and events to inform governance models and public dialogue, including two documentary films. This collaborative initiative with the Universities of Edinburgh and Sussex seeks to shape responsible innovation at the forefront of plant synthetic genomics.
Drones in Ecology: A Decade of Innovation and What’s Next
An open-access article in BioScience by Karen Anderson, Felipe Gonzalez, and Kevin Gaston reflects on ten years of drone use in ecological research. Since their 2013 prediction that lightweight drones would revolutionize spatial ecology, drones have become essential tools across plant, animal, and environmental studies.
This retrospective explores key technological, methodological, and ethical developments, while looking ahead to future opportunities in 3D “volumetric ecology,” aerobiology, and multi-drone cooperation. Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf069
Let the world know you're in the EI @Exeter Research Network
As a member of the Environmental Intelligence @Exeter Research Network you can update your university profile to add a ‘label’ which shows that you are a member. Adding this label will provide you with increased visibility (internally and externally) as an EI Research Network member, as it will enable your profile to be shared on the Network online membership list and search tools. Adding a network label is quick and easy and there are instructions here.
We would love to share your news here- please let us know about your publications and awards!
EVENTS
Register Now – Final Spaces Remaining!
Join us for the Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter Conference on Thursday 11th September, 9:00am–7:00pm, in the Xfi Building, Streatham Campus.
Explore cutting-edge EI research, with talks, posters, panels, networking, and a keynote from Prof Tim Lenton. Topics include AI for sustainability, geospatial intelligence, and responsible AI. The full programme is available from the EI Research Network website.
Free to attend – the conference includes lunch and refreshments and finishes with an informal social event with drinks and snacks. Register now via EventBrite.
Limited travel support is available for Penryn colleagues. Contact ei-network@exeter.ac.uk.
Positive Tipping Points Toolkit Public Launch
Join the Green Futures Network on Monday 8th September 13:00-15:00 online for the public launch of the Positive Tipping Points Toolkit, co-created by practitioners following the 2023 Global Tipping Points Report. This open-source resource is designed to support practical action for social and environmental change.
The event includes a guided tour of the toolkit, hands-on demonstrations, and information on ongoing support for users. Whether you're a policymaker, activist, or educator, discover how to apply the Positive Tipping Points framework in your work. You can register to attend this event using this link.
BES Climate Change and Biodiversity: Annual Meeting
Join the British Ecological Society Climate Change SIG for its first in-person Annual Meeting on 18th September at the BES Headquarters in London, N1 7GS (and online via Zoom). This hybrid event will feature keynote talks, a policy panel, open session and lightning talks, plus networking. Topics span climate change impacts, biodiversity, modelling, mitigation, and adaptation. Open to the climate change ecology community, the meeting runs from 10:30 to 17:30. For more information and to register by 9th September visit EventBrite.
Sustainability of AI: Probing the Problem and Scoping Solutions
Taking place on Wednesday 10th September 09:00–19:00 at Reed Hall, University of Exeter, this one-day event will explore the environmental impacts of AI and identifying potential solutions. The programme includes a closed, in-person roundtable workshop (09:00–16:30), followed by open networking with canapés (16:30–17:30), and a public keynote and discussion with Dr. Sebastián Lehuedé (17:30–19:00)- find more information and register via EventBrite.
Organised by the Centre for Responsible Innovation, Environmental Intelligence CDT, Exeter Centre for
Circular Economy, and Global Systems Institute. Please contact Prof. Sarah Hartley (Sarah.Hartley@exeter.ac.uk ) or Emily Robinson (er536@exeter.ac.uk) if you have any questions.
Women in Climate Network- Research Impact
Join the Women in Climate Network on Tuesday 16th September, 12:30–13:30 at the Met Office (C2-1&2), University of Exeter (Laver 825), and via TEAMS.
The session will explore how to build impact into grant proposals, research plans, and share examples of successful activities. It features guest speaker Felicity Notley, Impact, Evidence & Evaluation Officer at the University of Exeter and will be followed by informal discussion time. You are invited to watch the training video in advance here and contact p.maher@exeter.ac.uk with questions
or to share your own impact story. Everyone welcome!
GSI Seminar Series – The History of the Civil Resistance Movement
Join the Global Systems Institute for their Seminar on Wednesday 17th September, 14:30–15:30 in the Laver Building LT6.
PhD candidate Paul (Pasha) Bell will explore the history and significance of nonviolent civil resistance in the UK, drawing on past and present movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. The seminar will examine why ordinary people risk their liberty to demand rapid system change in response to crises such as climate breakdown and social inequality. Using historical and contemporary examples, the talk will ask: how can civil resistance succeed in today’s world?
Superintelligence Conference 2025 – registration open
Join global experts at the First International Superintelligence Conference (SiC25) from 16th–19th September 2025 at the University of Exeter. Explore cutting-edge research on AI, AGI, ethics, consciousness, and more. Keynotes include Dr Bertie Müller and Dr Stuart Armstrong, with talks from leading researchers across disciplines.
Attend in person (includes catering) or online (livestream + networking lounge). For more information and to register, visit superintelligenceconference.org For questions contact info@superintelligenceconference.org
Shackleton Conference 2025: Submerged Quaternary Landscapes
Join the Marine Studies Group and the Quaternary Research Association on Monday 22nd September, virtually or at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG for the fourth Shackleton Conference, exploring submerged Quaternary landscapes and the geological traces left beneath our seas. Key themes include ice sheet dynamics, human occupation, tidal changes, and the impact of modern infrastructure like wind farms.
The event features keynote talks from leading experts: Dr Kelly Hogan- British Antarctic Survey, Professor Sara Benetti- Ulster University, Professor James Scourse- University of Exeter and Dr Katrien van Landegham- Bangor University
For more information visit geolsoc.org.uk/marine
NERC Digital Gathering– 7th–9th October 2025 at Cranfield University
Be part of #DG25 bringing together the UKRI Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) community to explore digital innovation in environmental science. Hosted by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, this year’s Digital Gathering offers a dynamic programme of workshops, hackathons, research showcases, and thought leadership from across academia, policy, and industry.
Gain insight into NERC’s digital strategy, future funding, and cutting-edge research. To find out more and register visit the event website or contact events@ncas.ac.uk
National Environmental Monitoring Conference 2025
The National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) returns for its second year on 15th December 10:00–17:00 at the EICC, Edinburgh. With the theme “From insight to impact: building the UK environmental monitoring community”, the event will bring together practitioners, users, and beneficiaries of monitoring to co-create a shared national vision. Building on NEMC 2024, this year’s programme includes interactive sessions on habitat condition, plastics, forever chemicals, urban monitoring, and wellbeing, alongside case studies on data integration and collaboration. Organised by BES, UKCEH, and UKEOF, registration closes 11th November 2025. For more information and to register visit the Conference Website.
Share your events- we would love to share your events with other EI Network members. Please email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
OPPORTUNITIES
HIRING: Impact Fellow – Earth, Climate & Biodiversity Systems
Green Futures Solutions is recruiting an Impact Fellow (Earth, Climate, Biodiversity) to help deliver Earth systems science and climate solutions to industry partners. This permanent role will suit a data scientist or climate modeller keen to create environmental impact in a consultancy-style setting. Working with Professor Peter Cox and colleagues, you’ll co-develop bespoke and scalable solutions that support business, policy, and societal transitions.
Deadline: Sunday 7th September. For details and to apply, visit: Careers website.
Questions- contact Jesse Abrams (j.abrams@exeter.ac.uk).
UKRI Policy Internships Scheme Closing Soon
UKRI’s Policy Internships scheme offers UKRI-funded PhD students a unique opportunity to spend three months embedded in leading policy organisations. Interns gain first-hand experience translating research into policy by producing briefing papers, participating in inquiries, or organising policy events. The scheme, supporting around 125 placements annually, helps students develop valuable skills for diverse career paths. Open to doctoral students funded by any UKRI research council, a reminder the 2025 round closes on 8th September. For more information and to apply, visit the UKRI website or email researchcareers@nerc.ukri.org
WUN Research Development Fund 2025 – Call for Proposals
The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) has launched its 2025 Research Development Fund (RDF), offering grants of up to £10,000 to support international. Proposals should align with WUN’s sustainable development agenda, with priority themes including social justice and inequality, urbanisation and resource security, health and wellbeing, and the responsible use of AI. Each project must involve at least three WUN universities across two global regions, with emphasis on Early Career Researcher leadership.
Exeter may lead on two proposals (internal deadline: 11th September 2025; WUN deadline: 17th October 2025). Read the Exeter Call Guidelines and Application Form for more information and contact Emma Clarke (GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk) for questions.
Apply Now: Defra R&D Fellowships 2026/27
Applications are open for the third Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme, offering around 55 placements for scientists and analysts to work at the science-to-policy interface. Fellows will use their expertise to inform government decision-making on pressing issues such as climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and the natural environment. Fellowships last 6–12 months, starting from April 2026, and are based in Defra’s core hubs: Bristol, London, Newcastle, and York. This unique opportunity provides hands-on experience of how research informs policy while building networks across government. Visit DEFRA jobs for more information. Closing date: Tuesday 16th September.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity – University of Exeter
This EPSRC-funded role is available from 1st October 2025 to 31st August 2028 and will join Professor Saverio Russo’s research group within the Physics department. The Fellow will contribute to the project “Electric and optical manipulation of 2D excitons for room temperature polariton blockade and valley qubits”, focusing on device fabrication, characterisation, and modelling. Applicants should have expertise in 2D materials, perovskite devices, spectroscopy, and nanofabrication. For more information and a full Job Description and Person Specification visit the University’s recruitment site- Ref: Q08225. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17th September.
Call for Hosts: Arts and Culture Creative Fellowship 2025–26
Expressions of interest are open to host an Arts and Culture Creative Fellowship at the University of Exeter. The Fellowship will run between January–July 2026, offering a creative practitioner the chance to collaborate across disciplines and explore new ways of working with research and teaching. Open to Exeter-based academic and professional services staff, hosts may be departments, centres, institutes, or networks. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 21st September.
For details visit the Arts and Culture website. There is an online info session on Wednesday 10th September 14:00 - 15.00. Email n.r.glanville@exeter.ac.uk for a Teams link.
Apply Now: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2026
The British Academy invites applications for its 2026 International Interdisciplinary Research Projects programme, supporting collaborations led by UK-based humanities and social sciences researchers with international partners. Projects must address one or more transnational and planetary challenges: climate governance, digital tech, global health, or space governance.
Awards of up to £300,000 over two years are available. Projects must begin in March /April 2026. Applications close on 17th September. Find more details and apply here.
For queries, contact: internationalchallenges@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.
Call for Talk Proposals – GSI Seminar Series
The Global Systems Institute (GSI) is seeking volunteers to present in this term’s GSI Seminar Series. Do you want to share your research passion with a diverse, interdisciplinary audience? They are welcoming proposals for 15-minute lightning talks or longer talks/workshops. Early Career Researchers are especially encouraged to take part in their lightning talks on Wednesday 8th October, a great opportunity to showcase your work, develop communication skills, and connect with colleagues across the community.
If you’d like to participate, please email infogsi@exeter.ac.uk.
Engaged & Participatory Research Fund 2025–26
Applications are open for the Engaged and Participatory Research Fund (EPR), supporting projects that bring together University of Exeter staff and external partners through collaborative, participatory approaches. With a total fund of £70,000, applicants can apply for £1,000–£10,000 to develop projects that deliver mutual benefit for all partners involved.
The scheme is open to academic and professional staff at all levels, as well as postgraduate students (with a staff co-applicant). Applications must be co-created with an external partner. The deadline for submissions is Friday 10th October at 10am. For more information and an application form visit https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/publicengagement/funding/
Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow – University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in the aerosols, clouds and climate research group to support the NERC Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) project and the Horizon Europe CleanCloud project. This full-time role, available from October 2025 until December 2027, focuses on numerical modelling with UKESM1, using explainable AI and observational data to understand natural aerosols and their role in cloud interactions. Candidates should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a numerate science discipline, with expertise in modelling and statistical analysis. For more information and to apply visit the University’s recruitment website- Ref: Q08065. Application deadline: Thursday 16th October.
GW4 Crucible 2026 - Apply today!
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the theme of GW4 Crucible 2026 is 'Imagined Futures'. This leadership development programme offers opportunities for early career researchers across a range of disciplines to come together and create innovative, multifaceted and interdisciplinary approaches to research which will shape future generations, while developing as a researcher, collaborator, and leader. If you are a researcher with an interest in or expertise applicable to any aspect of futures research, visit https://gw4.ac.uk/gw4-crucible-2026/ to find out more. The deadline for expressions of interest is Wednesday 15th October and for completed applications is Wednesday 22nd October.
Policy Impact Training for Exeter Academics
Policy@Exeter has commissioned the Institute for Government (IfG) to deliver Policy Impact training for University of Exeter academics. Participants will learn how government works, routes to policy engagement, and effective communication with policymakers. Options include a one-day online workshop (six places) on 19th November, 09:30–16:00, or a two-day in-person bespoke workshop (20 places) on 11–12th November, 11:00–16:00, Streatham Campus, with extended practice. Apply via the form; anyone is welcome to apply but priority will given to projects involving policy impact, with online places prioritised for those outside Exeter or with accessibility needs. Questions- email policyengagement@exeter.ac.uk.
Starting a new project or applying for funding? Tag EI @ Exeter in Worktribe
If your project benefits from your membership of this network, for example through funding, advice, collaboration, or engagement, tagging Exeter Research Networks in Worktribe highlights the network's value, leading to more support and growth, ensures recognition and further strengthens the network's capacity to assist its members.
This is very simple to do and will enable us to track the bids and projects which may arise directly or indirectly as a result of network membership. Very brief guidance is available here.
RESOURCES
“State of the Earth” podcast | The future of Biodiversity Monitoring: Mapping Biodiversity with Remote Sensing
The episode features Environment and Sustainability Institute PhD student Bri Pickstone with the Environmental Mathematics Group. It explores how remote sensing and machine learning are transforming biodiversity monitoring and shaping the future of Biodiversity Net Gain. These podcasts by the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability explore the issues shaping our planet’s future, looking at ways in which we can make a positive difference. Listen to the podcast here.
Climate Tipping Points and their Impacts on Migration- Seminar Recording
This seminar was co-hosted by the Routes Research Network and the Global Systems Institute. It featured Professor Tim Lenton and Dr Ben Hudson discussing how the activation of Earth system tipping points could transform global migration patterns. Chaired by Dr James Dyke, the discussion highlighted the potential impacts of sea level rise, desertification, and resource scarcity on displacement and migration patterns. As the climate crisis accelerates, understanding these tipping points is crucial to anticipating and responding to future migration challenges. Watch the recording here to learn more.
Accelerating Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (ADA) Project
In 2023 the University of Exeter invested £50M to enhance its Data Science and AI capabilities through the ADA project. This initiative focuses on expanding teaching, research, and infrastructure to position the University as a leader in cross-disciplinary AI and Data Science. The investment has supported new academic appointments, including strategic leadership roles, and aims to foster growth in six key areas, including Environmental Intelligence, AI, and Health and is helping to strengthen industry collaborations, increase the University’s postgraduate offerings and helping develop the next generation of experts.
There’s more information on the ADA website about how you can access these new resources to support your research. Please contact project manager Steph Selway if you have any questions.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
Research funding opportunities can be found on Pivot-RP. As part of ongoing work to develop university-wide support two curated Pivot-RP searches have been set up for fellowship applicants and active fellows that can be readily accessed and tailored to individual's needs. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the RIME Sharepoint site.
As part of adopting Pivot-RP the implementation team want to understand how colleagues are using the database and usefulness of it for their research work. Please do take a few minutes to complete their Pivot-RP user survey on the RIME Sharepoint by Wednesday 1st October.
Discover Funding Opportunities with Funding Finder
Funding opportunities can also be found using the Funding Finder platform developed by the University of Exeter’s Andy Cunliffe, which signposts hundreds of funding opportunities for research, fieldwork, conferences, and exchanges, relevant to individuals at all levels from undergraduates to senior academics. With searchable listings of awards from £100 to £10 million, it's designed to support global collaboration and research engagement. Please use it and share it with your networks. Over 4,000 users from 92 countries have used the tool and more awards are being added frequently.
Funding for Impact, Grant Applications and Beyond
Funding for Impact: Grant Applications and Beyond, is an Impact Essentials training resource from the Impact@Exeter team.
This 70-minute training, delivered in bite-sized sections, explores the impact funding landscape, strategies for securing funds, and tips for writing compelling, impact-focused proposals. It also dispels common funding myths and highlights how to include evaluation and evidence activities.
Perfect for all career stages, this flexible resource is designed for self-paced learning. Access the training and resources here on the Impact@Exeter area of the RIME SharePoint site.
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