Future Leaders Programme 2023/24
2024
We had 7 project assistants in the summer of 2024 with the aim to improve diversity and inclusion in environmental sciences and promote environmental science as a career.
Full details of the scheme can be found HERE
Funded by UKRI NERC in line with their Diversity & Inclusion Living Action Plan, these roles offered the chance to be part of an ambitious programme of research that aims to provide the knowledge and tools needed to regenerate the British countryside. Exploring cost-effective nature-based solutions that harness the power of ecosystems to provide broad benefits including biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation and adaptation. Project assistants have been given the opportunity to gain experience of working on current research in climate change, biodiversity and environmental science in an impactful way.
Programme dates: 15 July to 13 September 2024
Roles placed within the CLR:
- Fenland Biodiversity (Beetles) Project Assistant.
- Fenland Biodiversity (Pollinators) Project Assistant.
- Landscape Scenario Modelling Project Assistant (Scotland) - x Two.
- Scottish Forests (Tree Biomass) Project Assistant.
- Scottish Forests (Root Biomass) Project Assistant.
- Scottish Peatlands Project Assistant.
The CLR worked actively with the project assistants to document their placements in a communications initiative called 'Fieldnotes from Future Leaders'. If you want to see some of what they got up to, check out this online special edition newsletter.
2023
The Centre for Landscape Regeneration and Cambridge Zero Future Leaders Program in 2023 involved nine young researchers working on diverse environmental and climate-related projects for eight weeks. They delved into research areas like exploring how farming styles affect biodiversity of insects and plants, the mechanisms of greenhouse gases and soil chemistry, creating educational content, and mapping climate-related research.
They created undergraduate educational resources, communication materials, and social media content for student engagement. Their work identified 500+ climate-related projects at the university and contributed to a huge amount of fieldwork at data collection.
Their efforts not only made immediate impacts but may also contribute to publications and research impact. Helen Driver from CLR praised the quality of research conducted by these young leaders, highlighting their significant role.