The Clean Air Champions (CACs) are looking for two UKRI Regional Clean Air Champions (RCACs) to support the Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) Clean Air Programme (https://nerc.ukri.org/research/funded/programmes/clean-air/).

RCACs will act as the central point for air quality research in their region, increasing collaboration and impact across and beyond the programme. We are looking to replace the outgoing RCAC for Midlands to North of England and expand regional representation by creating new roles covering the Midlands to East of England and North of England areas. Further information about the programme can be accessed at https://www.ukcleanair.org/.  

What will they do?

RCACs will be expected to:

  • Engage with the SPF Clean Air-funded researchers in their area to explore ways of promoting knowledge exchange between the programme and relevant research end-users, engaging local business, industry, health professionals, local authorities and the public.
  • Gather intelligence on new local research, policy or industry developments and trends, which could help enhance or synergise with existing programme activity.
  • Help catalyse wider communication activities in their locality (e.g. Clean Air Day);
  • Identify challenges and barriers to research and innovation in their local area and communicate these to the programme.
  • Come up with new ideas to enhance the effectiveness of the programme.
  • It is anticipated that this role should take around 1 day per month.

RCACs would report directly to the CACs.

Who can be a Regional Clean Air Champion?

Collectively, the team of RCACs will be:

  • Comprised of experts from multiple disciplines (including atmospheric, health and social sciences), reflecting the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of the Programme.
  • Comprised of individuals with experience of working in or with multiple sectors, including academia, industry, policy and charity sectors.
  • Based across the UK, with representation across the devolved nations. Their location will be determined by where there is a critical mass of air pollution research.
  • Representative of the demographic make-up of the wider research community1.

Individually, RCACs will:

  • Have demonstrated interdisciplinary working and outreach.
  • Have a strong interest in air quality, including around the indoor-outdoor air pollution nexus.
  • Have strong communication skills, with a passion for using these to help translate research into societal benefit.
  • Be at any career stage. The programme particularly encourages post-doctoral early- or mid-career researchers to participate, as well as those who have taken career breaks.

How will this position be supported?

RCACs will have a small fund of up to £1200 (per year for the duration of the  existing grant). This can be used to support local comms activities to support RCAC objectives and support travel/subsistence to joint RCAC-CAC activities and debriefings. 

Period of term: The duration of the SPF Clean Air Programme (ends 30 June 2025).  The individuals will carry the title UKRI Regional Clean Air Champion, this will be an honorary (unpaid) role with Visiting Academic Status at the University of Southampton.

If you think you could be a Regional Clean Air Champion, we want to hear from you! Get in touch via Lynn Reeves at contact@ukcleanair.org

1UKRI and the Met Office acknowledge that a dynamic, diverse and inclusive research and innovation system is integral to the successful delivery of the SPF Clean Air Programme, giving everyone the opportunity to participate and to benefit.

The Programme recognises that a diversity of ideas, opinions, knowledge and people enriches its work and increases its impact. With this in mind, when recruiting Regional Clean Air Champions, the Clean Air Programme is seeking a group of individuals who are representative of the wider research community. The Programme particularly encourages those from traditionally under-represented communities to consider this role, including but not limited to women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals.

Expression of Interest

Taking into account the detailed information above if you would like to apply to be a Regional Champion in your area please send the following to Lynn Reeves (contact@ukcleanair.org):

1-page (A4) letter explaining why you would like to be a Regional Clean Air Champion and what you would bring to the role.

2-page academic CV

The deadline to receive the Expression of Interest is close of business Friday 23 September 2022.

Thereafter shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview on the morning of Friday 7 October 2022.

Successful candidates will hopefully start in role as soon as possible once appointed to start to move the Clean Air Programme forward in all regions.  RCACs will also be provided with Visiting Academic Status at the University of Southampton for the duration of the CAC grant which is administered through the University.

Successful candidates will also be invited to attend our Clean Air Away Day on Monday 10 October 2022.

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