Crocus

About the project

CROCUS stands for “NERC Climate system and biodiversity science for C hallenges, R isks, and O pportunities – C ollaborating in U nderstanding and S olutions”. It is a partnership is led by the University of Reading with Swansea University , UKCEH , BGS , NOC , Kew , NHM , IoZ , NCAS and NCEO .

The University of Reading and Swansea University have a proven track record in training PhD students in the environmental sciences, with over 180 PhDs graduating across the environmental sciences since 2019, many in collaboration with our partner organisations. Our partnership is complemented by more than 20 collaborative partners across industry and government, including the UK Met Office, Forest Research, and Natural England.

The CROCUS Vision

Climate extremes and biodiversity loss have impelled governments and businesses worldwide to adopt ambitious Net Zero, adaptation, and restoration plans. The environment sector is developing rapidly to design, realise, and evaluate these plans, using cutting-edge science, innovation, and big data. Therefore, to help address the most pressing environmental challenges facing society, CROCUS aims to train a new generation of environmental scientists to become:

• Interdisciplinary experts with strong quantitative skills : Your supervisors will support you in developing in-depth subject knowledge, while our CROCUS Computational Pathways will equip you with the skills to analyse and manage big data and develop software. You will be encouraged and supported to undertake a 3-month placements with any of our collaborative partners across the public, private and third sectors. Our CROCUS collaborative training and placement opportunities help prepare you to develop the wider skills and experiences for a diverse set of careers
• Entrepreneurial, creative thinkers : You will have access to unique graduate-level courses and workshops run by our Host Partners, multi-day residential events, work shadowing and outreach opportunities. In your first year, our residential workshop trains students in knowledge exchange, linking the environmental sciences to industry R&D and policy with a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals . In your second year, challenge-led Tiger Teams pair small teams of students with one of our collaborative partners to solve a problem or explore a new data product, preparing you to become entrepreneurial, creative thinkers .
• Leaders in sustainability and inclusivity : You will be trained in outreach opportunities by our flagship schemes (e.g. Reading: Climate Ambassadors , Swansea: Science for Schools ) and encouraged to take part in public science festivals, interactions with the media, and hosting school visits. You will be guided and supported by our dedicated CROCUS Leadership Team and will receive support at each of our Host Partner organisations to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to be leaders in sustainability and inclusivity.

Research areas