Atmospheric Science - Forward look

Overview

The Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI-NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are seeking input to shape our understanding of how atmospheric science can help deliver on current and potential future environmental and government priorities.

We are keen to hear from a wide variety of members of the research and innovation community, including researchers, technicians, charities, third-sector and people with lived experience. UKRI-NERC also welcomes other insights and opinions outside of the named groups above. We encourage you to respond to all questions you feel confident in doing so. 

In this consultation, UKRI-NERC will take a broad definition of atmospheric science to cover all areas of research on the Earth’s atmosphere, including; weather, climate, air quality and related processes and impacts on natural and urban environments, health and prosperity. This may include research and innovation that contributes towards, for example, advanced climate prediction, hazardous weather forecasting, and air quality.

More information about UKRI-NERC’s remit can be found on our remit, programmes and priorities webpage.

Why your views matter

Through this consultation, we are seeking your views on understanding areas of importance to sustain and grow world-class atmospheric science in the UK, current and future priority areas to achieve this, and the potential role of frontier technologies.  

The results of this consultation will support UKRI-NERC in developing a roadmap to ensure UK science has access to the capabilities, infrastructure, technologies and skills to continue delivering excellent environmental science research into the future.

We will do this whilst simultaneously supporting the delivery of UKRI’s Mission to Advance Knowledge, Improve Lives and Drive Growth, in support of wider government industrial strategy missions to improve local economies and public services, contribute towards a safe and resilient environment, support healthcare breakthroughs that improve everyday life and improving opportunities for the next generation.

Share your thoughts with us via this online consultation form.    

We anticipate this will take you 15-20 minutes to complete.  

Responses submitted through this form will be provided only to UKRI-NERC. 

We respectfully request that all consultation submissions are expressed in a courteous and respectful manner. 

Please note this consultation will be open from 24 June 2026, and closing 16 September 2026.

What happens next 

Findings from this consultation, subsequently planned round tables and a public dialogue, will contribute towards UKRI-NERC’s evidence base to inform future decision making.  

For more information, please contact atmospheric@nerc.ukri.org