#PlanetPartners: University signs agreement to collaborate on environmental research

The University of Reading and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), committing to collaborate closely on Earth observation, climate metrology and environmental research.

As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL recognises the important role metrology and collaborative research plays in supporting the UK Government, industry and stakeholders across the energy and environment sector. Especially in ensuring the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is reached, and its impact understood.

Similarly, research at the University of Reading aims to solve some of the biggest problems facing people today, based on four themes: agriculture, food and health; environment; heritage and creativity and prosperity and resilience.

The MoU cements the commitment of both organisations to explore the collaboration of metrology research relating to satellite Earth Observations, data assimilation and modelling for Earth system science, data science for environmental observations, earth and solar radiation and weather and climate instruments.

The signing of the MoU recognises a long history of collaboration at a research level, between both organisations, with several joint appointments and studentships which have resulted in many benefits for the UK, particularly in the context of data quality. Techniques developed in projects between the organisations are now being widely exploited by ESA and illustrate UK leadership in the field of Earth Observation metrology and data quality assurance.

Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez, Head of the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences at the University of Reading, said: “Working in partnership accelerates scientific progress on solutions to challenges facing the world. This memorandum of understanding renews the collaboration between Reading and NPL at a time when it has never been more crucial to bring together meteorology and metrology in areas such as action on climate change.”

Dr JT Janssen, Chief Scientist at NPL, said: “Both NPL and the University of Reading share common goals in the energy and environment sector, with a view to supporting society to meet domestic and international climate targets as well providing confidence to Industry. This MoU cements our long-standing partnership and I am delighted that we will continue to collectively demonstrate the vital role of metrology can have in solving some of today’s greatest challenges.”