2009 Report to Government on National Research and

dispersion modelling <strong>to</strong> geological disposal. The group will be used <strong>to</strong> inform the
development of the next round of NERC’s Theme Action Plans during <strong>2009</strong>,
which will set out the actions <strong>to</strong> be taken <strong>to</strong> deliver the NERC science strategy.
3.57 The Technologies theme develops capabilities <strong>to</strong> detect hazardous species in the
environment via novel instruments and sensors. The theme is mostly concerned
with pathogens and <strong>to</strong>xins; radionuclides are not specifically mentioned.
3.58 NERC has four main avenues for the direct funding of radioactive waste
management R&D:
• responsive mode funding of research that falls within its remit under the <strong>to</strong>pic
of ‘environmental radioactivity’
• directed thematic grant programmes (managed calls)
• British Geological Survey (BGS) research centre funding
• Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) research centre funding.
3.59 The <strong>to</strong>tal direct and dedicated support via NERC responsive mode funding over
the period from 1998-2012 for nuclear <strong>to</strong>pics, including geological disposal,
amounts <strong>to</strong> just over £1.4M. The research falls in<strong>to</strong> three <strong>to</strong>pic areas: ‘abiotic’
considerations on waste immobilisation and geosphere character; organic
complexation of uranium and related elements; and biogeochemical interactions
and radionuclide mobility in near-surface environments.
3.60 On behalf of MoD, NERC has managed a depleted uranium (DU) thematic
research programme, which awarded £928K of funding over the period 2004-
2008 in support of research aimed at characterising and understanding DU
behaviour in the environment. The results are of relevance <strong>to</strong> the
decommissioning and surface soil contamination aspects of NDA and nuclear
site licensee work, but are of very limited applicability <strong>to</strong> the long-term
management of radioactive wastes.
3.61 BGS provides NERC’s main contribution <strong>to</strong> research that is relevant <strong>to</strong> the
MRWS programme. Founded in 1835, BGS is the world's longest-established
national geological survey and the UK's national centre for earth science
information and expertise. It is a NERC Research Centre, deriving approximately
half of its annual income (£40M) from NERC. The remainder comes from
commissioned research from the public and private sec<strong>to</strong>rs. In line with this
mixed-funding model, the BGS carries out research in<strong>to</strong> geological disposal as
part of its NERC-funded science programme and also in the context of
commissioned research funded by third parties. Three BGS staff who work on
radioactive waste disposal issues, full time, form the core of its Radioactive
Waste Team. These are complemented by a further 37 BGS scientists who
currently work on projects relating <strong>to</strong> radioactive waste disposal on a part-time
basis, leading <strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>tal BGS commitment of 13 man years of effort per year. This
compares with an estimate of 25 man years of radioactive-waste-related
research in 1995, with about 20 man years at that time on the service and advice
component of work.
CoRWM Document 2543, Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>2009</strong> Page 40 of 151