New climate research Centre seeks members
Launching on Tuesday 14 June, the Priestley International Centre for Climate is bringing together researchers to work collaboratively in areas related to climate change.
The Centre is named after Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), the natural scientist whose work on gases – he identified carbon dioxide when he lived and worked in Leeds – feeds into the University’s work on carbon sinks today. With a focus on delivering research to underpin robust and timely climate solutions, the Centre represents a major investment of £1.5m by the University to strengthen our position as a world leader in climate research. As well as continuing to raise Leeds’ international profile, the centre has been established to increase research funding and, crucially, to encourage interdisciplinary working with the aim of stimulating new partnerships and novel approaches.
Membership of the Priestley Centre is free and open to University staff and PhD students whose research and interests align with the Centre’s vision. Benefits include opportunities for networking and developing new collaborations, access to dedicated communications support, funding for research projects and related activities, and support for submitting funding proposals, as well as the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the Centre.
All members can join the self-organising Priestley Society, which will play a key role in encouraging cross-departmental working by organising social events, bespoke training courses, seminars and meetings for research discussion and support. A series of lunchtime seminars to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking is planned for later this Spring.
The Centre will formally launch on Tuesday 14 June (please note the date given in the May 2016 enewsletter of Wednesday 14 June was incorrect). The afternoon event will be attended by Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands and include keynote speaker NASA astronaut, climate scientist and Leeds alumnus Piers Sellers, the presentation of climate change research prizes, presentations by international partners and Priestley Centre academics on new research directions, and a panel debate. And, of course, plenty of food and drink!
Join the Centre and receive regular bulletins about activities, news and funding.
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