Environmental Change Research Group (ECRG)
ECRG was established in 1990 to foster research collaboration amongst physical geographers, but now includes all staff in the department with related research interests. Research within ECRG focuses on the mechanisms, rates and trajectories of past, present and future environmental change at regional to global scales, and on the implications for the biosphere and society. ECRG encompasses two thematic subunits (1) Quaternary palaeoenvironments and geochronology; and (2) Earth surface dynamics and biogeochemistry. Both are supported by the Facility for Earth and Environmental Analysis (FEEA), which incorporates the laboratory and field infrastructure of the School and represents “one of the most comprehensive analytical facilities of its type in the UK” (RAE2008 report).
The aim of ECRG is to foster a constructive, stimulating and innovative research environment within the science sector of the School. ECRG provides a regular forum for:
- Presentation and discussion of research problems, initiatives and results;
- Sharing of technical skills and research experience, opening the way to internal collaborative research and expanding the scope of individual research agendas;
- Discussion of strategy, appointments, technical provision and management of FEEA;
- Dissemination of funding opportunities and discussion of grant applications, research management and knowledge exchange; and
- Interfacing with SAGES, the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society
Above all, ECRG represents a team of researchers with complementary research interests and expertise, and a strong international presence. The 2008 RAE sub-panel report identified the high standing of ECRG, noting that “outputs of the highest standing are predominantly the work of a broad cross-section of the Environmental Change Research Group”. Current strategic priorities of ECRG include:
- Expansion of our research capacity in the fields of Earth surface processes, biogeochemistry, palaeoclimate research and environmental management in order to strengthen and diversify our research portfolio in these areas;
- Increasing the complement of Physical Geography staff to 12 by 2016, including at least three Professors;
- Exploiting our central position as a vital research link between the Earth Sciences, Human Geography and Sustainable Development to develop joint research and funding initiatives;
- Augmenting and improving our research infrastructure (FEEA) in line with the analytical requirements of present staff and future appointees; and
- Maintaining and expanding our thriving postgraduate and postdoctoral research community