Networks of Sensors – Demonstration High Resolution Networks

February 23, 2010 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Natural Environment Research Council is hosting a Community Engagement event to launch a new funding call.  Outline proposals are invited for collaborative research projects that will constitute the “Networks of Sensors – Demonstration High Resolution Networks” Research Programme.

Call for proposals

The new Research Programme will deliver up to five collaborative demonstration projects; exploiting the potential of distributed high density networks of sensors, to discover new insights into the environment.  Projects must clearly demonstrate the additional science value of the proposed approach to observing and understanding the environment, through the novel deployment of sensing technologies, rather than sensor development per se.  Successful projects are likely to require a diverse range of partners from industry and academia to deliver the key components involved in establishing effective sensor networks: integration, deployment and networking of sensor components aimed at addressing relevant environmental science questions.  

Funding available

NERC has allocated a total of £5m for this Research Programme for projects lasting 3 years. The potential for optional in-kind support through access to expertise and facilities funded by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and / or the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) will also be available.  Prospective applicants should note that submission of an Expression of Interest is not a requirement for participation in this Research Programme. (A previous Call for Expression of Interest was carried out in May 2009: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/themes/technologies/events/sensor-networks.asp)

Objectives of the Launch Event

A Launch Event will be held on the 23^rd February at Hamilton House in London and hosted in collaboration with the Sensors & Instrumentation Knowledge Transfer Network (SIKTN).  Full details of the call will be announced at the event; which will be an opportunity for potential applicants to interact directly with the funders and meet potential new collaborators in the academic, industrial and public sectors.  Members of the SIKTN will be on hand to facilitate and support interactions throughout the day.

Registration will open at 10:00 and the day will close at 16:00.  The agenda will include:

• An introduction to the Call (Prof Ally Lewis, NERC Technologies Theme Leader)
• Details of the application process (Dr Bill Eason, NERC Science and Innovation Manager)
• Information on the capabilities available from partner organisations (STFC and DSTL)
• A Q&A session
• Support from the SIKTN in identifying new collaborative opportunities
• A structured networking session, which may include short pitches from PIs needing to build further partnerships, speed networking and scheduled meetings

Registration

Sorry, this event is now full.  If you would like to put your name on the waiting list please email Jane Leeks jane.leeks@sensorsktn.com or telephone +44 (0)1223 422416