NERC hosts public dialogues to help shape our approach to environmental science research. Through a structured process with representative public groups, we explore people’s views on environmental science issues in depth.
Public dialogues help us to develop emerging areas of work and to reconsider existing policy.
See how we’ve learned from public views about science.
Solar radiation modification
With the help of the public insight experts Sciencewise, we held a public dialogue to understand a diverse group of participants’ views on solar radiation management (SRM) – a proposed way of cooling the Earth by reflecting a fraction of incoming sunlight back into space. The UK government has commissioned research into SMR but has no plans to deploy it.
Read the solar radiation modification dialogue report.
NERC’s forward look
Our Forward Look is a framework setting out our funding goals and the way we hope to shape environmental science over a 10-year period. In developing the framework, we engaged widely on public perspectives about what NERC’s environmental science priorities should be. The dialogue discussed green growth, environmental security and responsible innovation.
Read the forward look dialogue report.
Contemporary issues of environmental science
NERC held a public dialogue to understand where public input has the most potential to shape environmental science research. Around 80 participants gave their views on topics including climate change, living sustainably and biodiversity.
Read the contemporary issues of environmental science dialogue report.
Healthy environment, diverse perspectives
About 100 members of the public, including people who might be less likely to engage with natural environments, took part in this dialogue on NERC’s healthy environment research programme. The dialogue helped NERC to decide on the research priorities for the programme.
Read the healthy environments, diverse perspectives dialogue report.
Last updated: 9 September 2026