New UEA-Cefas alliance launched( In a bid to significantly boost our ...)

In a bid to significantly boost our understanding of the fragile marine environment, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Lowestoft-based Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) are launching a new strategic alliance.

The alliance will strengthen existing collaboration between the two institutions and establish exciting new areas of joint research. The pressures of global climate change on the marine environment will influence much of the work.

The overall aim is to produce high-quality science that will influence policy-making, economic development and, ultimately, an improved quality of life.

The partnership will include a new joint UEA-Cefas lectureship in marine ecosystem services the services provided by the natural environment that benefit people. The new lecturer will be appointed over the coming weeks and start in Autumn 2008.

It is also hoped that the two organisations will work together to develop a pioneering new degree course in marine environmental management.

The official launch of the new alliance takes place on April 17 from 10am to 4pm in the Zicer building at UEA. An agreement will be signed by UEA Vice-Chancellor Prof Bill Macmillan and Cefas Chief Executive, Dr Richard Judge. There will also be a series of scientific presentations from Cefas and UEA staff, covering areas where there is potential for further collaboration. Topics include coastal erosion, marine ecosystems, pollution, climate change, social sciences, marine policy and oceanography.

This new partnership will produce a unique capability in the UK to deliver top-quality research into coastal systems and the wider marine environment, said UEA Vice-Chancellor Prof Bill Macmillan.

This is a high priority for Government and the forthcoming Marine Bill will focus further attention in this area.

Cefas Chief Executive Dr Richard Judge said: We are fostering expertise and integrated
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