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Newsletter: October 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
BREAKING NEWS- SAVE THE DATE FOR ML4EO 2026
The ML4EO 2026 Conference will take place 22nd –24th June 2026 at the Peter Chalk Centre, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus. Building on three successful annual workshops, the event will unite researchers and practitioners from remote sensing, data science, and industry for talks, discussions, and hands-on engagement.
Participants from academia, government, and industry are invited to share discoveries, explore emerging AI/ML applications in Earth observation, and build networks and skills.
Register your interest via ml4eo.org to receive updates on abstract submissions and registration and watch the EI Network events page, newsletters and LinkedIn for updates.
Recordings from ML4EO 2025 are now available on the ML4EO YouTube Channel.
The Environmental Intelligence (EI) Network connects researchers across disciplines with businesses, government, and public organisations to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges using data science and AI. Through events, workshops, newsletters, funding and partnerships, it drives real-world impact—informing decisions, shaping policy, and fostering collaboration, it links closely with the UKRI Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in EI and Centre for EI
Thank you to outgoing Steering Group members Frank Van Veen and Katie Ledingham for their valued contributions. We are now seeking two new representatives—ideally one from Penryn Campus and one with a social sciences background to maintain the breadth of interests within the group. The group meets termly, with potential workload allocation. To express interest or ask questions, please email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk.
Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter Conference – Thank You
Thank you to everyone who joined us last month. The day featured inspiring talks, posters, panels, and networking, including a keynote from Prof Tim Lenton, covering AI for sustainability, geospatial intelligence, and responsible AI.
Our Industry Panel showcased how Environmental Intelligence is transforming sectors. Thank you to Daniel Collins (Ordnance Survey), Adrian Hines (JASMIN), Rachel McInnes (Met Office), Matthew Palmer (Plymouth Marine Laboratory), and James Dyke (University of Exeter) for chairing.
Highlights included: Ordnance Survey’s digital twin of Britain; JASMIN’s reminder to use compute resources sustainably; the Met Office’s machine learning for trusted forecasts; and PML’s APICS system, revolutionising plankton monitoring.
The slides shared are available to download from the EI Network website.
We would love to host this event again next year and your feedback will help us make it even better. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. If you have any other questions or comments about the day, please feel free to email us.
Centre for Environmental Intelligence (CEI) Update
The conference also highlighted the launch of the University of Exeter’s new Centre for Environmental Intelligence (CEI), which will work closely with the EI Network.
If you would like to get involved in CEI activities, take this short quiz to share your specific interests. The deadline for responses is Monday 6th October.
Stay updated on CEI initiatives by following their LinkedIn and YouTube channels or contact the CEI Team directly.
Centre for Responsible Innovation Launched
The CRI is live! We're excited to announce that the Centre for Responsible Innovation, directed by Professor Sarah Hartley and based out of the University of Exeter Business School (UEBS), has just launched its Centre website. Through collaborative, co-creative social science, we help make innovation more responsible so that it’s ethical, inclusive, and sustainable — for people and the planet.
Find out more at: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/responsible-innovation/
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.
Interactive Walkable Floor Maps: A Tool for Nature-Based Solutions
A recent study explores the potential of Interactive Walkable Floor maps (IWFs) as a science-policy interface to support Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in European cities. Developed through remote sensing and co-design, IWFs create participatory, large-scale maps that engage scientists, practitioners, educators, and policymakers.
Case studies show IWFs foster collaborative learning, helping stakeholders explore spatial contexts, exchange knowledge, and shape future-oriented NbS strategies. Workshops revealed their value in policy dialogue, creative education, and local decision-making.
By bridging research and practice, IWFs demonstrate how immersive tools can advance urban sustainability and community-driven environmental solutions. Read the full article here
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.
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.
PlotToSat: Connecting Forest Plots with Satellite Data
PlotToSat is a powerful new tool that helps scientists 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 areas such as tree growth, forest health, and seasonal changes.
For more information, read the full article by EI Network member Milto Miltiadou and colleagues here.
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
GSI Lightning Talks – Wednesday 8th October, 14:30–15:30, Newman Purple & Online
As part of the GSI transdisciplinary events series, these Lightning Talks showcase the work of early career researchers, PhD and MSc students across diverse areas of sustainability research. This year’s talks span topics from the impacts of rising ocean temperatures on UK aquaculture, to modelling pyrogenic carbon in the Amazon, to understanding socio-political contestation in sustainability transitions.
Join in person (refreshments provided, please email infoGSI@exeter.ac.uk) or online via Zoom link: There’s more information on the GSI website.
NERC Digital Gathering– 7th–9th October 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.
Women in Climate: October Bookclub on Hot Air
The Women in Climate Network invite you to join them on Thursday 16th October, 11:30–12:30 for a Bookclub on Hot Air by Peter Stott, with Peter himself joining for a Q&A! Whether you’ve read the whole book or just dipped in, you’re warmly welcome to bring your questions or simply join the discussion.
The event will take place at the Met Office: F2-1, University of Exeter: Laver 825, and online. It’s followed by 15–20 minutes Q&A and networking. Contact Marianne Pietschnig with queries.
For more information on previous WiC Network events visit their website https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/womeninclimate/events/
CEI Seminar: Deep Green Energy
The Centre for Environmental Intelligence (CEI) is delighted to host Matt Bagwell and Mark Bjornsgaard from Deep Green Energy for an in-person seminar on Monday 20th October, 15:30–16:30 in The Deck, Ground Floor, Innovation Centre Two, Streatham Campus. There’s more information on the Event Page.
Deep Green Energy began with a bold idea from its founder, Mark Bjornsgaard: capture the heat from computing and reuse it. View this podcast to hear more from Mark directly. Staff and students from all disciplines are welcome.
C3DS Seminar: Comparing Climate Change Content and Comments
The Centre for Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science (C3DS) warmly invites you to their next webinar on Thursday 23rd October 2025, 16:00–17:00, featuring Dr Yiran Duan, Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr Duan will
present Comparing Climate Change Content and Comments across Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts and Long Videos. Drawing on analysis of 80 videos and over 69,000 comments, this talk explores how climate change is communicated and discussed across platforms. Insights reveal striking contrasts between short- and long-format videos.
To register, please email c3ds@exeter.ac.uk
Hackathon for Hacktoberfest 2025
The Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) is delighted to support George Datseris in hosting a Hackathon for this year’s Hacktoberfest – the global celebration of open source. Join them on 31st October, 10:00–16:00, in the Computer Lab, SWIoT Building, Streatham Campus for a day of collaboration, coding, and contribution. Open to staff, students, and visitors, this event is a chance to give back to the open source community, sharpen your skills, and expand your network.
Register here by 27th October to secure your place. Coffee, tea, and lunch will be provided.
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
Research Opportunities – Greenspace & Coral Reef Projects
We are seeking multiple researchers (postdocs or interrupting/part-time PhD students) to contribute to two exciting, recently funded projects. The first will use data science, statistical models, and agent-based modelling to explore access to greenspace. The second will integrate multimodal data to model coral reef resilience and develop health and resilience indices.
Both roles require expertise in data science, statistical modelling and/or machine learning; domain knowledge is helpful but not essential. Positions may be part- or full-time, with immediate start dates, and projects conclude by March 2026.
For informal enquiries, please email h.t.p.williams@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/
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.
Landmark Futures: Applications Open for Free Stay in Historic Properties
Applications are now open for Landmark Futures 2025/26, offering academic organisations and research groups the chance to apply for a free stay in one of the Landmark Trust’s historic properties. Stays run from 12th January – 19th June 2026 and provide space to think, collaborate, and spark new ideas away from everyday pressures.
Application is via a simple online form and closes on Wednesday 12th November 2025. Outcomes will be confirmed on 12th December 2025.
Discover how to make your application stand out by reading the FAQs and apply today via the Landmark Trust Website.
Exeter–Paris-Saclay Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals (2025–2026)
The University of Exeter and Université Paris-Saclay have launched the first Bilateral Strategic Funding Scheme, following their July 2025 agreement. Open to all disciplines—with priority in climate science, law, AI and data, sport and health, and global health—the scheme supports collaboration through four programmes: Seed Fund Grants (up to €2,000/£1,700), Accelerator Grants (up to €10,000/£8,500), Visiting Research Student Fellowships, and Professional Development exchanges.
Current calls include Seed Fund and Accelerator Grants, with deadlines in October and November 2025. Full guidelines and application details are available from the Partnership Website or contact GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards 2025 – Entries Open
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards (CSA) 2025 are now open for nominations and applications until 31st October. Celebrating excellence in sustainability across the region, the awards recognise organisations and individuals driving positive change. Categories include Most Sustainable Organisation, Low Carbon Leader, Circular Economy, Nature Recovery, Nature-Friendly Farming, Sustainable Food or Drink, and the Mark Duddridge Award for ‘A Sustainable Vision for CIoS’.
Entries will be judged in November, with winners announced at the award ceremony on 5th December 2025. Find out more, explore categories, and apply online today https://cornwallsustainabilityawards.org/.
International Women in Climate – Share Your Voice!
The Women in Climate Network are inviting women in climate to present their experiences, challenges, and advice in a panel discussion this November. If you are a non-native English speaker and want to share your story, they would love to hear from you! Please contact P.Maher@exeter.ac.uk, Speakers at all career stages and with varying UK experiences—from newcomers to long-term residents—are welcome. It's a great opportunity to amplify your voice, inspire others, and contribute to a diverse conversation in the climate community.
Nuffield Foundation Strategic Fund – Call for Proposals
The Nuffield Foundation’s Strategic Fund is offering up to £15 million to support transformative ideas addressing major themes in UK public policy. Grants of £1–3 million are available for projects that combine rigorous research with clear impact, particularly those that are multidisciplinary, experimental, or innovative. Proposals should respond to one or more of the Foundation’s five priorities: prosperity and fairness; inclusion in a changing society; science and technology for people; climate change and society; and effective, trustworthy institutions.
The next deadline is 16th March 2026. Find out more: Strategic Fund | Apply for Funding | Nuffield Foundation
If you would like to explore cross-network applications please email ei-network@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
ML4EO 2025 Recordings Now Available!
Missed a session or want to revisit your favourite talk? Recordings of selected presentations, keynotes, and workshops from the 2025 Machine Learning for Earth Observation Conference (ML4EO 2025) are now available to view (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2-Wdn7wthQWmzQHxzsADWLId1fZA-6cU&feature=shared
Held at the University of Exeter from 18th–20th June, ML4EO 2025 brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and the public sector to share the latest advancements in machine learning and Earth observation. Whether you attended or couldn’t make it, the recordings offer a great way to catch up on insights, research, and discussions from the event.
If you attended
the 2025 conference and have any suggestions, it’s not too late to share your thoughts through our short feedback survey.
Deep Green Energy: Powering the Future Sustainably
Deep Green Energy began with a bold idea from its founder Mark Bjornsgaard: capture the heat from computing and reuse it. What started in a shed with servers and oil baths has evolved into a pioneering venture turning data centres into energy centres. By immersing high-performance Graphics Processing Unit’s (GPUs) in liquid cooling systems, Deep Green recycles waste heat to power homes, businesses, and even swimming pools. Backed by Octopus Energy Generation’s £200m investment, the company is scaling rapidly to deploy 300MW of decarbonised, edge-distributed data centres across the UK and beyond—proving that AI, energy, and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to fight climate change. View this podcast to hear more straight from their founder Mark Bjornsgaard.
Mark and his team are presenting at a Centre for EI (CEI) seminar live on the Streatham Campus on Monday 20th October. There’s more information on the Event Page.
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.
Data Ethics in Education: Resources and Opportunities
For those interested in Data Ethics, Professor Suchith Anand (UoE) and the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) has collated some resources, which include an Ethical Data Initiative summary, and the Committee on Data International Science Council’s Data Ethics (CODATA)Task Group policy briefing.
EDI’s Campaign for Data Ethics in Education now has support from over 450 universities, advocating for mandatory ethics training in data science and research More details at https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/campaign-for-data-ethics-in-education/ . EDI and the Research Data Alliance (RDA) are collaborating for global responsible data sharing. Details at https://www.rd-alliance.org/news/working-together-towards-global-responsible-data-sharing-the-ethical-data-initiative-edi-and-the-rda/
Finally, explore “Environmental Intelligence: Redefining the Philosophical Premises of AI” by Sabina Leonelli https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/mx9vpa0b/release/1 .
“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.
New Guidance on Research Dissemination Available on RIME
Practical resources are now available on RIME to support effective research dissemination. The guidance offers tutorials, tips, and tools to help you plan strategies that ensure your work reaches the right audiences. Content includes a pre-publication checklist, advice on using academic networks, social media, and engagement events, plus guidance on creating impactful materials such as infographics. It also highlights approaches for engaging policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.
Effective dissemination boosts research visibility, strengthens academic profiles, supports funding bids, and builds collaborations.
Access the resource here: Research Dissemination on RIME.
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.
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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