Sophus zu Ermgassen nominated for NERC Impact Award

We’re proud to be working alongside Sophus zu Ermgassen, who has been nominated for a NERC Impact Award. His research has helped to balance development with nature recovery by informing England’s biodiversity net gain policy.

Sophus is a finalist in the NERC Impact Awards 2023, which shine a spotlight on the UK science at the heart of the responsible management of our planet. The awards celebrate NERC-funded scientists, as individuals or teams, whose work has had a big impact on the environment, economy or society.

Sophus’ research has raised public awareness about England’s biodiversity net gain policy, a strategy to develop land and contribute to the recovery of nature, and played a crucial role in shaping its design and implementation. His research has influenced policy changes, including £8 million in increased funding by the government to local authorities, helping to ensure the necessary measures are in place to improve environmental outcomes.

Watch this short clip where Sophus explains the importance of new governmental policy on Biodiversity Net Gain, and how his reserch has fed into policy currently being rolled out around the UK.

Find out more about the awards here

Good luck at the ceremony next week Sophus!