Newsletter: May 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

New Proposed Centre for Environmental Intelligence

We are excited to announce plans for a new Centre for Environmental Intelligence (CEI, working title), which will bring together the EI community, integrating activities across the EI Network, the EI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), and maintaining some of the projects/partnerships developed by the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence (which will close at the end of June). The CEI will create a single point of coordination, strengthening external partnerships and expanding research and education activities across Exeter’s campuses. It will also offer greater opportunities for collaboration within the EI community. Watch this space for updates as plans develop or contact h.t.p.williams@exeter.ac.uk with any specific questions.

Risk-Informed Policies Needed to Avoid Climate Meltdown

Research from experts from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and the University of Exeter warn that without urgent policy changes, the planet is on track for 2°C warming by 2050, risking massive economic and humanitarian impacts. Their new Planetary Solvency Risk Dashboard provides decision-makers with a clear view of escalating climate, nature, societal, and economic risks. Highlighting worsening risk trends since 1990, the dashboard aims to support proactive, risk-led policymaking. As extreme events accelerate beyond projections, experts stress that immediate action is essential to avoid catastrophic consequences. Learn more from the Planetary Solvency team. For more information read here.

New Paper: Measuring the Echo of Strategic Communications

A new study, Using semantic similarity to measure the echo of strategic communications, has been published in EPJ Data Science by Tristan Cann, Ben Dennes, Travis Coan, Saffron O’Neill, and Hywel Williams. The team presents a novel method for assessing whether audiences adapt their language in response to messaging campaigns—offering fresh insights into influence within media ecosystems. The approach is highly flexible and can be applied across various messaging contexts. The paper also provides access to a full codebase, making it easy for researchers and practitioners to implement the method in their own work. Read the paper in full on the EPJ Science website

Reliable Thresholds for Marine Ecosystems: New Insights from Exeter-Led Study

PhD student L. McKellar, supervised by EI Network member Dr Tomas Chaigneau, has co-authored a new study in the ICES Journal of Marine Science exploring how to reliably set thresholds for ‘good’ environmental status in marine ecosystems. The paper compares four methods using simulated data, assessing their accuracy under different conditions. Findings suggest that for small or noisy datasets, methods based on natural variation provide more reliable and transparent results. For larger, cleaner datasets, all four methods show promise. Read the full article here https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf019

GEDI Lidar Enhances Understanding of Amazon Forest Degradation

This new study from EL Doyle, H Graham, C Boulton, TM Lenton et.al in Environmental Research Letters evaluates the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) spaceborne lidar’s ability to map forest structure across degradation gradients in the Amazon. GEDI’s detailed canopy metrics, like relative height and cover, show strong alignment with airborne lidar, particularly in frequently burned primary forests. Using principal component analysis and logistic regression, researchers developed a novel forest structural state metric that effectively distinguishes degradation levels. GEDI’s insights into canopy recovery and structure offer a powerful tool for understanding tropical forest resilience and guiding conservation strategies in the face of increasing environmental disturbances.

New Tool Enhances Monitoring of Rangeland Health

A recent study by G Lomax, T Powell, T Lenton, and A Cunliffe introduces the Relative Productivity Index, a powerful new tool that uses quantile regression forests and Earth Observation data to assess human impacts on rangeland vegetation. This machine learning approach significantly outperforms existing methods and offers a novel way to set ecological baselines in highly variable environments. With wide applicability—from Africa to global drylands—this tool enhances our ability to monitor degradation, guide interventions, and support sustainable land management. Its potential extends to fields like agriculture and carbon storage, making it a valuable advancement for ecological monitoring worldwide. Read the report in full here.

New Centre for Responsible Innovation Launches

We are excited to announce the launch of the Centre for Responsible Innovation (CRI), led by Professor Sarah Hartley and bringing together expertise across the university. The CRI aims to be a national and international leader in using social science research for sustainable technologies and governance. The CRI builds on links between the Responsible Innovation community, the EI Centre for Doctoral Training, the Centre for Circular Economy and the EI Network. With a focus on environmental technologies, engineering biology and AI, it promotes socially just, ethical, and environmentally sustainable innovation. The CRI will also enhance educational offerings by supporting new innovation minor and launching executive education programmes in responsible innovation over the coming year. A workshop on AI sustainability will be held in September, more information to follow. Please contact Sarah.Hartley@exeter.ac.uk or K.A.Ledingham@exeter.ac.uk with any questions.

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 12^th 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.

It’s not too late to sign up via this form or email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk

Machine Learning for Earth Observation Conference – 18–20^th June

The EI Network is proud to host the Machine Learning for Earth Observation (ML4EO) 2025 conference, an in-person event focused on promoting discussion, networking, and hands-on learning. The programme features keynote talks from leading experts including Professor Karen Anderson (University of Exeter), Geoffrey Dawson (IBM Research Europe), Professor Anil Madhavapeddy (University of Cambridge), Steven Ramsdale (Met Office), and Louisa van Zeeland (The Alan Turing Institute).
Attendees can also participate in two practical workshops: IBM Research’s "Earth Observation Foundation Models with Prithvi" and NEODAAS’s "Introduction to Machine Learning for EO."
Registration is required — find out more and sign up at ml4eo.org. Please help us spread the word by sharing this event with your colleagues and networks!

OTHER EVENTS

Enhancing Discoverability & Access to Data: A Community Conversation

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology invites you to a virtual workshop on 6^th May from 1:30–3:30pm to explore improving access to vital environmental data, with a focus on spatial datasets and Land Cover Maps.

Hosted via Microsoft Teams, this interactive session will identify current barriers, showcase early solutions, and co-develop ideas with participants. Scientists, data managers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experts, and policymakers are welcome to participate. Help shape the future of data infrastructure as part of the National Capability for UK Challenges (NC-UK) programme. Register now and be part of the conversation.

Making Water Boring Again- Bridging the Gap Between Utilities and the Public

Wednesday 7^th May 11:30-12:30 Harrison Building 170, Streatham Campus and online

Join the Centre for Water Systems and the GW4 Water Security Alliance for a seminar with Professor Ian Barker, Director at the Institute of Water and leading authority on water and environmental policy

Water is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite the efforts of scientists and engineers, public trust remains low, and criticism from politicians and the media continues. This talk explores why public trust remains low and how the industry’s technocratic approach may fail to connect with customers. We’ll explore ways to make water less "interesting" yet better understood and appreciated. Visit the CWS website for more information and to register.

New AI & Data Science Event Series in the South West

The Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) are launching a seminar series in collaboration with The Alan Turing Liaison Managers from the GW4 universities (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter).

Tackling major challenges—climate, health, migration, and sustainability—requires collaboration, and AI and data science are at the forefront of innovative solutions. This series will bring together experts to share insights, explore cutting-edge research, and foster partnerships across institutions. For more information and to register use the links below.

AI, Climate & Health – 2^nd June 12:30-18:00, University of Bristol.
Register here: event details.
Create Smart & Sustainable Cities through data science and AI – TBC June 12:30-18:00, Cardiff University. Registration information to follow
AI, Climate & Net Zero – TBC July 12:30-18:00, University of Bath. Registration information to follow

Open to postgraduates, academics, and researchers, these events offer networking, discussion, and collaboration opportunities.

Coastal Conservation in the Western Indian Ocean: Insights from World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Seminar

Shauna Mahajan leads WWF-US's seascape work in the Western Indian Ocean. She will give an overview of WWF's strategy for advancing area-based conservation in the Western Indian Ocean, which will include an overview of the region’s key conservation interventions at local, national, and regional scales, and major successes and challenges. She will also present WWF’s approach to science-driven monitoring, evaluation, and learning, and highlight priority research and monitoring needs that could inform future research and practice collaborations. This event will be held on Monday 19^th May 1-2pm in the ESI Trevithick Room on the Penryn Campus or you can join online. Please register via EventBrite.

Student Engagement & Deliberation on the University’s Climate & Sustainability Agenda

Join a two-day event on 8^th and 9^th May at the University of Exeter focused on student engagement with climate and sustainability. Organised by the Exeter ReDirect Research Project and supported by the Societies and Cultures Institute, the event features workshops, a public lecture, and a roundtable discussion. Highlights include insights from French Student Citizens’ Assemblies and a keynote by Prof Emilie Frenkiel on student politicisation. The workshops are taking place in the Building One, Business School, see the full programme for more information and sign up via this form.

Our Fragile Moment – How Lessons from Earth’s Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis: Professor Michael Mann

Join the Global Systems Institute (GSI) and Mathematics department on the 8^th May 16:00–17:00 in the Forum Alumni Auditorium for a seminar with Professor Michael Mann, American climatologist and geophysicist and director at the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media at the University of Pennsylvania. Drawing on key moments in Earth’s history, Professor Mann will explore how past climate shifts shaped human development—and why maintaining a stable climate is essential for our future. This talk will equip attendees with a deeper understanding of the climate crisis and inspire action.
Register here to attend and learn from one of the world’s leading climate scientists.

AI Ethics, Risks and Safety Conference 2025

Thursday 15^th May 2025 from 9:30-16:30 at Watershed Bristol
Come and join this Collective Intelligence regional conference, dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities of AI. Featuring speakers from industry and government, this year's conference will explore AI assurance, business applications of AI, the ethical implications of AI agents, AI for decarbonisation, the future of AI, and the resources available for building safe and responsible artificial intelligence. For more details and to register visit EventBrite.

C3DS Webinar: ‘Apocalyptic Authoritarianism’ with Prof Hanna E. Morris

Join the Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science (C3DS) on Monday 19^th May 16:00–17:00, for a webinar with Professor Hanna E. Morris (University of Toronto). Based on her new book Apocalyptic Authoritarianism: Climate Crisis, Media, and Power, Morris explores how U.S. media narratives since 2016 have shaped climate discourse, reinforcing authoritarian responses to crisis. She also proposes more democratic approaches to climate journalism and politics. Don’t miss this timely discussion on media, power, and climate justice.
Register at: c3ds@exeter.ac.uk

The e-book version of Hanna’s new book Apocalyptic Authoritarianism: Climate Crisis, Media, and Power (Oxford University Press, 2025) is now available here. The print version will be out June 6th and can be pre-ordered here.

Study Workshop: Can public deliberation help address the environmental crisis?

19-20^th May at Reed Hall. Organised by the Exeter Horizon REDIRECT research group and the SPSPA Department (Politics) at the University of Exeter.
Practitioners and academics are invited to address the question of whether citizens’ deliberative forums may contribute to revitalise the representative political system. The aim of this two-day workshop is to foster a productive dialogue between political representatives, public administrators, civil activists, and researchers about the challenges and the proposals for citizens’ involvement in public debate, political deliberation and policy making for a sustainable environment.
This workshop will be followed by a Public Lecture by Professor Mark E Warren on When, Where, and Why Might Elected Political Elites Reach for Democratic Innovations?

The event is concluded by a postgraduate Master class on Democratic deliberation and Representation. Click here for more information and Sign up to the event

Women in Climate: Research Imposter Syndrome Workshop with Ellie Highwood

Thursday 22^nd May 09:30–11:00 in person in Laver LT6, University of Exeter

Do you find yourself stepping back from asking questions or taking part in work focussed conversations for fear of being judged? Our inner critic can be so loud that we feel like we shouldn’t belong. You are not alone! Join Ellie Highwood- coach and former climate scientist and Professor of Climate Physics at the University of Reading, for a free, supportive, in-person workshop. “Being heard: Finding and using your voice confidently,” offers tools and shared experiences to help you speak up with confidence and challenge exclusion. Space is limited – sign up required.

Ellie draws on over 20 years in climate science and her work in coaching and inclusion to help researchers overcome imposter syndrome and build supportive academic communities.

Women in Climate is a joint University of Exeter & Met Office Network. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of your role or gender. Join their Women in Climate Summer Social on Friday 13th June 3:30pm onwards at Tubac (Queens Street, Exeter)

Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre Seminar Series with Onur Tosun (Cardiff University) Heterogeneity in Investor Reaction to MNE’s ESG Incidents

28^th May 14:00-15:00 in Building One Pearson Teaching Room, Streatham Campus

Join the ESF Centre for a seminar with Onur Tosun from Cardiff University. This study shows that investors respond more negatively to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) incidents involving multinational enterprises (MNEs) when the incidents occur in countries perceived—via a novel Perception Index—as legally and economically stronger than their own, with daily cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) dropping by up to 0.9%. For more information visit the event page or email sustainable-finance@exeter.ac.uk

GW4 AI, Climate and Health: A Cross-Institutional Research Showcase

Monday 2^nd June 12:30pm- 6pm at the University of Bristol

Join researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Exeter and Bath for a collaborative event exploring how AI and machine learning are transforming climate and health research. Co-hosted by the Jean Golding Institute, University of Bristol, Institute for Data Science, AI (IDSAI), University of Exeter and the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA), University of Bath, the event will highlight cutting-edge work on extreme weather impacts, future pandemics, urban flood prevention, and ‘net positive’ solutions to health inequalities.

This showcase fosters collaboration, shares insights, and promotes ethical AI to shape the future of climate and health research. Find more information and register via the event page This event is also part of Bristol Data Week.

The Organisational Dimensions of Social-Ecological Tipping Points

18^th June 10am- 3:30pm, at the Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus and online

Join the ESI for a hybrid cross-disciplinary workshop, exploring how businesses and organisations influence social-ecological tipping points. While they contribute to environmental crises, they also hold the potential to drive positive change.

This event fosters dialogue between sustainability and organisation studies researchers, addressing key questions: When do managers recognise tipping points? How can they mitigate negative ones and accelerate positive shifts? Full details here

FMRI- Coastal Autonomy Workshop

Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) Future Marine Infrastructure programme invites you to a one-day workshop on Wednesday 25^th June exploring the opportunities in autonomous observing for inshore and coastal research and statutory monitoring. Join researchers, government, and industry leaders in partnership with Defra, NOC, NPL, and the Scottish Government to focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies into marine research and statutory monitoring.

Expect keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Outcomes will contribute to a roadmap for UK coastal autonomy and future FMRI investments. For full details and to secure your place visit FMRI-Coastal Autonomy Workshop | NOC Events Places are limited, so register soon!

Global Tipping points conference: Accelerating action to ensure a socially just transformation

30^th June- 3^rd July at the University of Exeter

Join leading experts at the Global Tipping Points Conference 2025, co-hosted by the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology. This event will explore the science, risks, and opportunities of tipping points in Earth’s systems, society, and governance. Building on from the Tipping Points report 2023.

Attend to hear from global experts and policymakers, engage in collaborative discussions and connect with researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.

Key Themes include Earth Systems & Climate Risks, Equity, Justice & the Global South and Positive Tipping Points & Governance.

For more information and to register visit https://global-tipping-points.org/conference-2025/

Exeter Climate Conference – 2–4^th July 2025

Registration is now open for the Exeter Climate Forum, co-hosted by the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute and the Met Office. Running from 2–4^th July, the conference will showcase the latest research on climate impacts and strategies for adaptation and mitigation, helping to shape the road to COP30. Part of the Exeter Climate Forum, the event brings together leading experts to inform urgent climate action.
View the programme and register via the official event page. Registration closes on Wednesday 18^th June.

Share your events- we would love to share your events with other EI Network members. Please email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk

OPPORTUNITIES

DARe Hub Flexible Funding Call Now Open

The National Hub for Decarbonised, Adaptable and Resilient Transport Infrastructures (DARe) has launched its second Flexible Funding call. UK academic institutions are invited to submit proposals addressing one of three key topics: the economic impact of transitioning to resilient transport infrastructure; development of a cost appraisal tool for decarbonisation and adaptation; or valuing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Funding ranges from £50,000 to £350,000 per project.

The submission deadline is 5pm, Tuesday 6^th May. For more information and to apply, visit the DARe Hub website.

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 8^th May at 4pm.

UK AI Research Symposium – A Festival of Ideas- submission now open

8–9^th September at the University of Northumbria

The inaugural UKAIRS Symposium will showcase cutting-edge research from across UKRI-funded AI programmes, across disciplines including computer science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. With over £300m invested in AI hubs, CDTs, fellowships, and strategic initiatives, this diverse research community now has a platform to share work, explore emerging challenges, and shape the future of AI research in the UK.

Submissions for this initial Symposium are open to those funded by UKRI since June 2022, contributions are welcomed in the form of papers (published or new), posters, demos, and provocations. (A full conference is planned for 2026). The deadline for submissions is 15^th May, visit the UKAIRS website for more information.

Visit the UKAIRS website to learn more and submit

Opportunity: NVIDIA Academic Grant Program

NVIDIA’s Academic Grant Program is now accepting research proposals in three new areas: generative AI training and model development, generative AI alignment and inferencing, and simulation and modelling. Researchers can apply for access to cutting-edge compute resources, including DGX Spark, RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell, and A100 GPU hours. Proposals must follow the provided template and meet eligibility criteria outlined in the call for proposals (CFP). The submission deadline is 30^th June, with award decisions expected in September.
Learn more in the FAQs. and enrol in the NVIDIA Developer Program to receive future CFP updates. Submit your proposal now!

Enter Capturing Ecology 2025 – Call for Entries!

The British Ecological Society’s Capturing Ecology photography competition is back! Showcasing global stories of ecological beauty, struggle, and survival, we invite photographers to submit their most striking images of the natural world. Entries are open until Tuesday 30^th September 2025.

With more categories than ever — from animals and plants, behaviour, mobile ecology and ecologists in action— this year’s contest offers a top prize of £750 and 12 months free BES membership. To learn more and submit your image visit the BES website

2025 UKRI Policy Fellowships

UKRI has just launched the 2025 Policy Fellowship scheme. There are 42 fellowships available across 23 government departments and six What Works centres - they're a great opportunity to work within a government department, co-designing research to inform policy change and address pressing national and global challenges. Please review the wide range of available opportunities and sign up for the UKRI webinar on 20^th May. Policy @Exeter will be offering support and pre-award costings guidance for applicants. Please contact policyengagement@exeter.ac.uk if you intend to apply. All applicants must discuss their plans with their DORI, who will be required to confirm departmental support.

Here is one fellowship that may be of interest to EI Network members Resilience and Response to Natural Hazards. The closing date for applications is 15^th July.

RESOURCES

Climate Tipping Points and their Impacts on Migration

This seminar, held last month was co-hosted by the Routes Research Network and the Global Systems Institute (GSI). 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.

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.

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