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Newsletter: March 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
Introducing the EI Research Network Steering Group
The EI Network Steering Group meets monthly to discuss events and future planning for the Network. The group includes Leads, Early Career Researcher (ECR) representatives and other representatives:
The new Network Leads are:
- Jawad Fayaz Lecturer in Data Science & AI
- Katie Ledingham Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Innovation (Business School)
- Steven Palmer Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography
- Frank Van Veen Professor of Ecology & Conservation (Penryn)
- Hywel Williams Professor in Environmental Data Science (Computer Science)
The ECR coordinators are:
- Chris Boulton RF and Lecturer in Geography (GSI)
- John Harvey Associate and PhD Researcher
- Hatty Hopkinson PhD Student and Institute of Data Processing Management (IDPM) Green Skills & Innovation in Exeter Innovation.
Other representatives:
- Tom Nicholson IPDM Environmental Intelligence (Exeter Innovation)
- Steph Selway Strategic Initiative Programme Manager for the Accelerating Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (ADA) Project.
If you have any suggestions or questions for the Steering Group, please contact ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
Let the world know you're a member of the Environmental Intelligence @Exeter Research Network
As a member of the EI 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 Exeter Research Network member, as it will enable your profile to be shared on the network’s online membership lists and search tools.
Adding a network label is quick and easy and there are instructions here. Please note that this label is not linked to your communications preferences for the network, and will not be removed if you unsubscribe from mailing lists.
An added benefit is being included within an EI expert directory/ mapping project that is being developed by Steering Group member Katie Ledingham, to help further facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange.
Starting a new project or applying for funding? Tag EI @ Exeter Research Network 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.
Seeking Your Feedback on the EI @Exeter Research Network
The Central Research Networks team are leading a project to evaluate the outcomes of research network funding and its impact on career development, interdisciplinarity, and collaboration. Key questions include:
- How does the network support researchers' career progression?
- What role does it play in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration?
- How effective is the network in helping overcoming research barriers?
- Can measurable outputs (e.g., publications, collaborations, grants) be linked to the Environmental Intelligence @Exeter Network?
We would love to hear from you about ways the EI Network has impacted your research. Please email researchnetworks@exeter.ac.uk
CREWW researchers explore collaborative working with Dutch Institute
Researchers from the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste at the University of Exeter have visited their Dutch counterparts the Kiwa Water Research (KWR) Institute to explore opportunities to partner on water sector projects.
The CREWW team led by co-Director Professor Richard Brazier visited KWR’s headquarters in Nieuwegein in February 2025 to understand research in the water sector being carried out in the Netherlands. Read more here.
Watching Nature Scenes Can Reduce Pain, Study Finds
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that viewing nature can reduce pain by altering brain activity. Researchers from Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) and the University of Vienna used fMRI scans to monitor participants receiving mild electric shocks. When watching nature videos, participants reported less pain, and brain scans showed reduced pain-related activity.
Lead author Max Steininger explains that this isn’t just a placebo effect—nature actually decreases how the brain processes pain signals. These findings build on previous research, offering insights into non-drug pain management. Virtual nature exposure could provide an accessible, non-invasive way to help people manage pain effectively. There’s more information on the ECEHH website and you can read the full article here.
Shaping the Future of Met Office Collaboration
We are working with Met Office on new ways of engaging with them around environmental intelligence. Met Office are prioritising core operational needs and moving staff out of the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence (JCEEI), making the centre untenable in its current form.
The landscape for "AI for environment" research has also shifted - since the JCEEI was developed in 2021 the use of AI in meteorology/climate has developed at pace. We are working closely with Met Office to develop a new engagement model that builds on the strengths of the JCEEI and works more flexibly around topics of mutual interest. Please contact h.t.p.williams@exeter.ac.uk if you would like more information.
Nature & Climate Impact Team- Accelerating Action on Nature & Climate
The University of Exeter’s Nature and Climate Impact Team, led by Professor Gail Whiteman as Hoffmann Impact Professor, seeks to bridge gaps between scientific knowledge and actionable solutions in the fight against climate change. Supported by a philanthropic gift, the team will focus on three key sectors: food, consumer goods/electronics, and digital technologies. Their work will drive low-carbon, nature-positive pathways, engaging industries at the heart of global systems change. With a dedicated team of experts, including Research and Communications Impact Fellows, the initiative will help businesses understand and act on their environmental impacts. For more information, visit Nature and Climate Impact Team Website.
Professor Whiteman is also the Executive Director of science communications platform Arctic Basecamp, which attends the World Economic Forum summit every year, pitching an Arctic research tent outside the annual meeting and holding events to show the extent of climate change in the Polar regions and its impact on the rest of the world.
We would love to share your news here- please let us know about your publications and awards!
EI @EXETER NETWORK EVENTS
Connecting networks: Leveraging data science and AI for the intertwined challenges of food and the environment
Monday 12th May 10:15- 14:30 The Deck, The Innovation Centre, Streatham Campus.
The Exeter Food & Environmental Intelligence Research Networks invite you to this workshop which aims to foster collaboration between the two networks by sharing knowledge, identifying areas for future research, and mapping out toolsets.
The day will include:
- Short introductory presentations to highlight ongoing work, toolsets used and provide exemplary case studies.
- Groupwork focused on specific questions and areas of shared interest.
- Informal networking over a provided lunch.
- Feedback and priority mapping.
Please complete this form to register your interest and email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
Join Us at ML4EO Conference 2025!
We are excited to invite you to the Machine Learning for Earth Observation (ML4EO) Conference 2025, taking place at the University of Exeter (Streatham Campus) from June 18–20th, 2025. Registration is now open—secure your spot early for a special early bird rate!
This three-day conference brings together experts in remote sensing, AI, and data science to explore the latest advancements and challenges in Earth observation. Attendees will enjoy keynote talks, panel discussions, poster sessions, training workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Key Dates:
- 3rd April, 2025 – Abstract submission deadline
- 1st May, 2025 – Abstract notification
- 11th June, 2025 – Registration closes
For details on participation, including oral and poster presentations, visit https://ml4eo.org. A full programme will be available in May 2025. Please help us spread the word about this conference by sharing it with your colleagues and networks. You can find a promotional poster here.
OTHER EVENTS
CWS Seminar: What is Resilience Now? How Do We Transition from Them to Us?
Wednesday 26th March 11:30-12:30 online
This Centre for Water Systems seminar with Gale Alexander, Project Manager of the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) at Devon County Council, will explore the changing landscape of flood resilience. Gale Alexander leads the £6.5 million DRIP, integrating natural flood management, digital tools, and community support to enhance resilience across Devon. For more information and to register visit the CWS website.
GSI Seminar: Rethinking Business & Human Rights– A Multispecies Perspective
Wednesday 26th March 14:00-15:00 Laver Lecture Theatre six and Online.
Join the Global Systems Institute for a seminar with guest speaker Professor Natalia Szablewska, Professor in Law and Society in the Faculty of Business and Law at The Open University (UK) and Chair of the Business and Human Rights (BHR) Committee for Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) in Australia. This seminar will explore how corporate actions impact both human and nonhuman actors across supply chains, labour practices, and environmental governance. There’s more information here. Email GSI infogsi@exeter.ac.uk for a Teams link.
C3DS Webinar on Communicating Net-Zero with Prof. Nadine Strauß
Thursday 27th March 13:00-14:00
The Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science invites you to a webinar on with Prof. Nadine Strauß (University of Zurich). Communicating Net-Zero: The Role of Communication in Transforming Corporations to Carbon Neutrality," the session will explore how strategic communication can enhance transparency, prevent greenwashing, and drive real corporate sustainability. Register now by emailing c3ds@exeter.ac.uk
ESI Seminar on the art of conserving pollinators: the role of gardeners
Monday 31st March 13:00-14:00 the ESI Trevithick Room, Penryn Campus and online via Teams
Pollinators are declining worldwide, threatening food production and biodiversity. Join the Environment and Sustainability Institute for this talk to explore an interdisciplinary approach combining art, social science, philosophy, and ecology to empower residential gardeners in conserving pollinators. Learn how algorithm-driven planting designs can create optimal habitats and transform human-nature interactions. For more information visit the ESI website. A Teams link is available on request, please email esidirector@exeter.ac.uk
LEEP Seminar: Greenness and Democracy- Edward Barbier
Join the Land Environment Economics and Industry Institute on 1st April for a seminar by Edward Barbier, Professor at Colorado State University, exploring the intersection of democracy and green transition policies. The seminar will discuss how high-income democracies could lead global collaboration to facilitate low-carbon transitions in all democracies. For more information and to register contact leep@exeter.ac.uk
SCI Seminar: Rediscovering the Ottoman Natural History Museum
Tuesday 15th April 13:30-14:00, location to be confirmed.
The Societies & Cultures Institute are launching a Project Showcase seminar series, highlighting the research they support. This first talk, led by Dr. Celik, explores the lost Ottoman Natural History Museum (1830s–1848). Through archival research in Florence, Paris, and Geneva, Dr. Celik reconstructs the museum’s role in shaping 19th-century knowledge networks and its relevance to today’s environmental challenges. Register to attend via EventBrite.
CS Seminar Srinivasan Keshav: Self-supervised learning for Earth Observation
Monday 28th April 10:00-11:00 Streatham Court, Lecture Theatre C
Join Prof. Keshav as he discusses his research on self-supervised learning (SSL) for Earth Observation (EO). Visit his group website for more details: Energy and Environment Group | Department of Computer Science and Technology
GSI Creative Youth-Led Environmental Action: 'While We Still Can' Playbook Seminar
Wednesday 30th April 14:30- 15:30 online
Join the Global Systems Institute seminar on Creative Youth-Led Environmental Action and explore the While We Still Can Playbook. This initiative, born from a collaboration between arts organisation Stacked Wonky and Somerset Wildlife Trust, empowers young people (ages 12-18) to creatively tackle climate and ecological challenges. The seminar will showcase the youth-led projects and Dr. Harry Hilser will share insights and practical guidance to inspire similar youth-led initiatives. For more details and to register email infoGSI@exeter.ac.uk
Share your events- we would love to share your events with other EI Network members. Please email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
OPPORTUNITIES
EW CALL ANNOUNCEMENT: Round 10 - IDSAI Seed-Corn Research Awards
The Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is now accepting applications for its Round 10 Seed-Corn Research Awards. These fully funded awards support early-stage interdisciplinary data science and AI research by offering time for an IDSAI Research Fellow or Research Data Scientist.
IDSAI Research Fellows lead research aligned with the IDSAI’s objectives while fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. Research Data Scientists, part of the new Research Data Science team under the ADA programme, support data-driven research across faculties.
For more details on the application process, visit the IDSAI webpage or contact idsai@exeter.ac.uk The deadline for full applications is 8th May at 4pm.
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.
Help Shape the Future of UK Climate Projections
The Met Office, in collaboration with Defra, is conducting a survey to understand the climate information needs, challenges, and suggestions of various sectors and communities. Your insights will help shape the next phase of UK Climate Projections to better serve policymakers, decision-makers, and researchers. Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/u8ddQNn3r9 by 31st March.
RESOURCES
Reflecting on the SUMMIT-EI Symposium: Advancing AI for a Sustainable Future
Thank you to everyone who joined our Symposium for Uniting Minds and Missions in Intelligent Technology for Environmental Intelligence (SUMMIT-EI) Symposium last month! This event brought together researchers, academics, and industry professionals to explore AI and machine learning innovations in environmental, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Attendees engaged with Manchester Prize finalists, exchanged ideas, and fostered collaborations to drive sustainability efforts forward. The symposium highlighted the power of cross-sector cooperation in tackling global challenges. Slides shared are available on the EI Network website. For inquiries, contact Jawad Fayaz (j.fayaz@exeter.ac.uk).
Funding for Impact, Grant Applications and Beyond
The Impact@Exeter team are excited to announce the launch of Funding for Impact: Grant Applications and Beyond, their latest Impact Essentials training. This pre-recorded module is now available here and on the Impact@Exeter section of the RIME SharePoint site.
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.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Find out more about the Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter Research Network.
