An exciting new research centre has been created by Leicester University to help people cope with environmental catastrophes such as floods.

People will be helped to change their lives in response to environmental change and natural disasters such as the recent floods in Pakistan and Australia.

The new centre, Adapting to Changing Environments, will see academics in a range of subjects develop practical technologies and initiatives.

 The centre’s director, Mike Petterson, wants to see the effects of the research extend beyond academic papers. He said: "It’s got to make a difference in the real world, affecting policy, the way we do things, and assisting industry and the knowledge economy."

He cites examples of new technologies developed at the university that are helping cities monitor air pollution on a real-time basis and use this information to assist with traffic flow management and carbon footprint estimates.

"Other research focuses upon ‘greening cities’ in the UK in an effort to adapt to warming temperatures and increasing droughts," said Mr Petterson. 

The centre is taking on three "new blood" lecturers, adhering to the rationale that many of the greatest advances in science occur when teams of scientists work together in new and unconventional ways across traditional discipline boundaries.

As Professor Petterson went on to say: "This centre will attempt to generate world class science and social science, and bring together teams with diverse but complementary skills across a range of disciplines that have the potential to break new ground and stimulate novel ways of thinking."

Here at BigGreenSmile we like new ways of thinking. Our boffins might not be tackling the globe, but they are doing their bit, coming up with the water powered calculator and other fun eco gadgets.

[Image: Elspeth and Evan]