NERN FAQs 

1. What is NERN?
2. Why has UKERC launched yet another energy network?
3. Who is NERN for?
4. How do I join?
5. Do I join as an individual or as an organisation?
6. Is NERN just for academics?
7. What is the advantage in joining?
8. How will UKERC run the network?
9. What will happen to those networks that already exist?
10. Do I have to contribute to the Atlas to become a member?
11. What do you hope to achieve through NERN?
12. What is the relationship between NERN and the Atlas?
13. What will the extranet have on it?  Will it be open to all members?
14. Do I have to be a member to access the extranet?

What is NERN?

NERN aims to act as an umbrella network for energy researchers across all disciplines.

Energy is not a science.  It is a highly complex therefore multidisciplinary field.  Through NERN and the Research Atlas, UKERC aims to address this complexity by bringing about greater transparency and cohesiveness right across the energy field.

NERN will support not duplicate existing networks - while providing a mechanism to draw them and other interested individuals together.

In this way, NERN aims to increase cohesion among the energy research community and provide a means for contribution to the Research Atlas. 

NERN's objective is to bring existing networks and interested individuals together.

Our aim isn't to create another layer on an already complex and mutlidisciplinary research landscape; we've created NERN to increase the level of interaction and knowledge within the wider energy research community. 

Who is NERN for?

NERN is aimed at anyone involved in energy research who can make a contribution towards energy R&D.  If you are:

• an academic or industrial researcher or research manager, of any discipline, involved directly or indirectly in energy research; or
• working in energy policy; or
• an energy consultant; or
• working for an NGO with energy priorities; or
• in any way associated with energy research and priorities...

...then NERN is for you - join here today!

How do I join?

Membership of the NERN is free and is open to organisations and individuals NERN who are involved in energy research and can make a contribution towards energy R&D in the UK.

You can join online here

Either. You can nominate someone to be the conduit between the NERN and your organisation, or you can sign up as an individual member. 

Is NERN just for academics?

No - NERN is aimed at anyone involved in energy research who can make a contribution towards energy R&D – including researchers from the public or private sector, research managers, policy-makers and advisors, NGOs, etc.

If you are a student studying a relevant subject then you might also consider joining Sparks.  The UKERC Sparks Network is part of the NERN and is for all early career researchers (PhD students, early post-docs and research assistants) working on the energy sector.  You can contact Sparks here.

  
What is the advantage in joining?

• As part of a wide energy research community, members will have a greater insight into the context of their work
• Opportunities to network and form working relationships with researchers from all areas of energy research
• Members will have access to a dedicated extranet where they will also be able to post or access information about energy events, projects, news, appointments, etc.
• Receipt of regular emailed newsletter summarising above information
• Members will be invited to events designed to promote cross topic collaboration and information sharing

How will UKERC run the network?

UKERC will build and maintain the NERN extranet, an information resource which will offer members information on energy events and jobs, as well as news, new energy projects and programmes, etc. 

Members will be invited to UKERC events, will receive notification of Atlas plans and progress and will also receive a regular emailed newsletter summarising latest energy news and information.

The NERN community will be invaluable in populating the Atlas, so we will take every opportunity to support NERN members in collating and presenting their input.

  
What will happen to those networks that already exist?

The NERN will not disrupt or cannibalise existing networks. 

Our aim isn't to create another layer on an already fragmented research landscape; we've created the NERN to increase the level of interaction and knowledge within the wider energy research community as a whole.

Do I have to contribute to the Atlas to become a member?

No, you simply have to be making a material contribution towards energy R&D in the UK. 

  
What do you hope to achieve through the NERN?

We aim to achieve one of our key objectives: to maintain the means to enable cohesive UK research in energy. 

  
What is the relationship between the NERN and the Atlas?

Both functions work independently, but are interrelated as the community which will make up the NERN will most likely make key contributions to the Atlas. 

  
What will the extranet have on it?  Will it be open to all members?

From early 2008, the extranet will contain content such as:

• Thought pieces by energy luminaries
• News on job opportunities and appointments
• Energy events
• Atlas updates
• Useful links

The extranet will be open to all members, although it will be possible to cordon off areas for private access.

Do I have to be a member to access the extranet?

Eventually the answer will be yes! It is planned that access will be restricted to members only. The good news is that membership of NERN is free and is open to organisations and individuals who are making a material contribution towards energy R&D in the UK.  

You can join online here