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�鶹ӰԺhas welcomed a landmark report which outlines the future development of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in support of low-carbon environmental science research in the UK.

The report, commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), was compiled by UK environmental science centres, including SAMS, to review the UAS landscape in support of low-carbon environmental science research.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) enable research that is currently beyond the reach of traditional aircraft and other methods - playing a crucial role in supporting cutting-edge science, while contributing to reduced carbon emissions. 

Recommendations on how best to invest in and support environmental science research using these technologies are published in the report: Net Zero Aerial Capability (NZArC) Scoping Report: A Review of the Role of Uncrewed Aerial Systems in the Decarbonisation Strategy of NERC Aerial Activities.  

Dr Phil Anderson, who heads up SAMS’ Scientific Robotics Academy, is an author on the new report. He said: “This is an exciting development for environmental science and, in particular the emphasis on training early career researchers.

“We are well placed in Argyll and Bute to offer training and test facilities for UAS technology, given our natural surroundings that include lochs and uncluttered airspace, as well as out close links with Oban Airport.

“I am pleased to see that the report aligns closely with the aspirations of the Scientific Robotics Academy for increased research capability using robotic technologies.”

�鶹ӰԺUAS pilot Richard Dale is also an author on the report.

The report is co-authored by experts from eight NERC Centres and collaborating institutes: British Antarctic Survey (BAS), British Geological Survey (BGS), National Oceanographic Centre (NOC), National Centre for Earth Observations (NCEO), National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).

Recommendations have been developed collaboratively through several NERC-funded workshops and an analysis of case studies provided by the research community, demonstrating the existing and desired use for UAS in environmental science.

Key recommendations include: overcoming regulatory hurdles; building capacity; fostering technology development; ensuring data integrity, and enhancing data accessibility.                

Dr Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact at BAS and Chair of the report’s Steering Committee, said: “This report was made possible through the active involvement of NERC Centres and collaborating institutes.

"The Steering Committee thanks NERC for commissioning the report, and the many research community members who participated in the in-person and online workshops which shaped the report, particularly those who contributed directly by providing report sections, case studies, and feedback.  

"This process has helped build a strong community of practice and continued collaboration will be at the heart of addressing the report’s recommendations.

"We look forward to the contribution this will make to conducting excellent, impactful environmental science, with a reduced carbon footprint.” 

Dr Iain Williams, NERC Director of Strategic Partnerships, said: “I’m hugely grateful to all those who were involved in contributing to this report.

“It offers a valuable and comprehensive roadmap for advancing the use and capabilities of UAS to support new insights across the environmental sciences and doing so in a way to reduce the carbon emissions in field research.

“The report contains some important recommendations and fascinating case studies on the use of UAS in a wide range of environmental science applications. I’m looking forward to seeing the outputs from the two projects linked to this programme and how they may develop new approaches to environmental mapping.”