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Event: Programme announced for Sustainable Airborne Research and Atmospheric Science Symposium

The National Centre for Atmospheric Science is hosting a Sustainable Airborne Research and Atmospheric Science Symposium on Tuesday 12 September 2023, at the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre, Cranfield University. The symposium will:

  • bring together the UK airborne research, aviation, and environmental science communities.
  • provide an opportunity to discuss the ways in which airborne research and innovation can play a responsible role in addressing environmental issues such as climate change, hazardous weather and air pollution.
  • cover topics such as sustainable aviation fuel, zero emission ground infrastructure, technology miniaturisation and mass reduction of systems and instrumentation, coordinated science campaigns, and relevant Jet Zero ambitions – and more to be confirmed.
  • encourage attendees to think and act as responsible research innovators, and contribute to conversations about recognising and minimising the environmental impacts of our airborne scientific activities.
  • highlight how the FAAM Airborne Laboratory, managed by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and its Mid-Life Upgrade programme sets out to maintain and improve the performance of the facility, while minimising emissions and resource use from aircraft operation. 

The Sustainable Airborne Research and Atmospheric Science Symposium is an in-person event – offering a combination of plenary speakers, short talks, networking and discussion sessions, and aircraft facility tours. 

Programme overview:

Tuesday 12 September, Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre, Cranfield University.

10:30 – 11:00  |  Registration – Refreshments in the networking lounge

11:00 – 11:10  |  Welcome 

11:10 – 11:45  |  Sustainable airborne science for society

A series of short talks about the importance of airborne research, net zero targets and carbon footprints, and future-proofing frontier science facilities.

11:45 – 12:00  |  Panel Q & A 

12:00 – 12:45  |  Lunch – Refreshments in the networking lounge

12:45 – 13:30  |  Discussion Session

Sustainable fuel and energy, modernising aircraft science systems, upgraded technologies, enhancing operational capabilities

12:45 – 13:30  |  Tour – FAAM Airborne Laboratory Research Aircraft

13:30 – 14:00  |  Break – Refreshments and session changeover

14:00 – 14:45  |  Discussion Session

Optimising airborne observations, scientific impact achieved in sustainable ways, future-proofing world-class research  

14:00 – 14:45  |  Tour – FAAM Airborne Laboratory Research Aircraft

14:45 – 15:00  |  Wrap-up 

Express your interest to attend

If you would like to join us on Tuesday 12 September 2023 please complete the expression of interest form. If you have any questions, please contact sustainability@ncas.ac.uk.

The National Centre for Atmospheric Science is committed to minimising the impact of this event on the environment, and we will work with attendees and suppliers to reduce the event’s carbon footprint via group transport and plant-based catering options.