Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

 
Above: Aerial view of Cranfield University.
Courtesy Cranfield University

Cranfield will co-ordinate the multiyear £30 million Aviation Non-CO2 Research Programme, delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute programme and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-led competitions. The overall programme is managed and jointly funded by the Department for Transport, the Department for Business and Trade and NERC / UK Research and Innovation.

The national programme supports both academic and industry research, and brings together climate scientists, aerospace and aviation experts from across the UK. This effort will deepen scientific understanding of how contrails, nitrogen oxides and other non CO₂ effects contribute to aviation’s climate footprint. The projects will also identify and develop practical mitigation options that can be applied before large scale fleet replacement or sustainable aviation fuels become widespread.

A central convening and integration role
Cranfield’s remit is to oversee and coordinate the Aviation Non-CO2 Research Programme, connecting and integrating findings, organising workshops and thematic meetings, ensuring alignment to maximise the value of outputs and to deliver actionable evidence to inform decision-making.

The University brings expertise and experience in environment, aeronautics, atmospheric science and aviation to the leadership role for this high-profile national activity, showcasing its expertise in sustainable aviation.

Professor of Atmospheric Informatics, Neil Harris, will lead the Cranfield University input and chair the Programme’s advisory group. He said: “A leader in sustainable aviation, Cranfield University has a key role in convening partners in this ambitious programme.

“As global attention increasingly focuses on aviation’s climate impacts, this programme will help to position the UK at the forefront of understanding and mitigating non CO₂ factors. By co-ordinating this ambitious multi year programme, Cranfield will help to accelerate evidence based approaches that can reduce aviation’s climate footprint in the near term.”

Find out more about the programme on the dedicated website: Aviation Non-CO2 Research Programme