The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is proud to announce its new science framework, marking a major milestone in its evolution. Following an extensive restructure and strategic recruitment process, UKCEH has established five cutting-edge science areas, each led by newly appointed Associate Science Directors and Group Heads poised to shape the future of environmental research.
This restructure equips the organisation to deliver against its strategy ‘Environmental Science for a Better World’ launched at the Royal Society in November last year. This sets out our ambition for the next five years and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the increased demand for our expertise and the scaling up of our impact, recognising the environmental challenges our world faces.
UKCEH Director of Science, Dr Doug Wilson OBE, comments:
"The new science areas enhance our ability to conduct world-class science and reinforce our commitment to the vital work of the environmental research community, partners in the UK and internationally – in line with our 2030 strategy.
"Creating a dedicated National Capability and Digital Research function, as one of our five science areas, shows our commitment to providing accessible monitoring and modelling information in support of the environmental research and user communities, fostering collaboration and driving innovation."
He adds: “We welcome all the recent appointments across our science teams which will provide strategic direction, help grow the next generation of leaders and develop our people to sustain and enhance our scientific excellence and impact.”
With the recruitment process now complete and Associate Science Directors in post, UKCEH welcomes two external appointments:
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Previously Hazel was Head of Conservation Outcomes and Evidence at the Woodland Trust. Hazel holds a PhD in evolutionary conservation genetics from the University of Kent and brings extensive leadership experience across civil service, academia, and the charity sector. Hazel is committed to advancing biodiversity conservation through strategic development, innovative thinking, and empowering teams. She remains active in applied research as an Affiliate at the University of Kent. -
Glenn has joined UKCEH from the Environment Agency where he was Deputy Director for Research. Glenn has a strong background in hydrology and climate change and already has close ties with UKCEH and the broader environmental research community.
They join internal appointments:
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Dan's research background is in Molecular Ecology, for which he has >17 years of post-PhD experience as a researcher and a Group Leader at UKCEH. His research interests involve applying molecular methods to understand the structure, function and dynamics of biological communities. This includes developing environmental DNA (eDNA) as a method, the microbiology of freshwater and wastewater, and their role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. He leads a diverse research portfolio funded by UKRI and the UK water industry. -
Jeanette has worked at UKCEH for 27 years, specialising in soil ecology and biogeochemistry. Her research focuses on soil carbon storage, climate change, bioenergy crops, and greenhouse gas removal technologies such as biochar. Jeanette also leads £10M of research projects for BBSRC and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, including the £5M Biomass Connect platform. -
Claus's research interest and projects include nanoecotoxicology, microplastics, pesticides and biological pest control, comparative environmental genomics, bioavailability, and mixture toxicity. The overall focus being on how effects at the mechanistic levels of biology translate into effects for populations and how organisms survive as populations in polluted habitats.
Science Areas, Associate Science Directors and Group Heads
Biodiversity and Land Use
Associate Science Director: Dr Hazel Jackson
Group Heads
Community & Restoration Ecology: Dr Ben Woodcock
Biodiversity Monitoring & Analysis: Dr Nick Isaac
Population Ecology: Dr Bethan Purse
Ecology & Evolution: Dr Kate Searle
Land Use: Dr Susan Jarvis
Environmental Pressures and Responses
Associate Science Director: Dr Dan Read
Group Heads
Land, Soil & Coast: Bronwen Williams
Molecular Ecology: Dr Susheel Bhanu Busi
Aquatic Ecosystems: Dr Steve Thackeray
Analytic Chemistry: Dr Gloria Dos Santos Pereira
Environmental Pollution: Dr Elma Lahive
Land-Atmosphere Interactions
Associate Science Director: Professor Jeanette Whitaker
Group Heads
Peatlands, Pollution & People: Professor Laurence Jones
Atmosphere-Biosphere Interaction: Dr Julia Drewer
Emissions, Impacts & Solutions: Dr Ulli Dragosits
Air Quality, Impacts & Responses: Dr Matt Jones
Plant-Soil Interactions: Dr Dafydd Elias
National Capability and Digital Research
Associate Science Director: Dr Claus Svendsen
Group Heads
National Capability Delivery: Victoria Barlow
Digital Research: Susannah Rennie
Water and Climate Science
Associate Science Director: Dr Glenn Watts
Group Heads
Environmental Sensing: Dr Gareth Old
Water Resources & Drought: Jamie Hannaford
Hydrological Forecasting & Digital Systems: Dr Steven Cole
Water Quality and Catchment Processes: Dr Vicky Bell
Land & Climate System: Dr Doug Clark
Staff profiles can be accessed on the UKCEH website.