The UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC)

The UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) has been initiated by Prof. Stuart  Haszeldine at the University of Edinburgh, with "Science and Innovation" funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Key posts leading research in  soil science, pyrolysis engineering, and socio-economics & policy have been filled, and recruitment of associated post-docs and PhD students begins shortly. The objective of UKBRC is to generate scientific evidence that improves understanding of biochar function, addresses key uncertainties, informs policy and regulation, and underpin commercial and community initiatives around biochar. Around these core activities and with two initial partners - Rothamsted Research and Newcastle University - UKBRC seeks to build an expanding research programme, engage other research groups nationally and internationally, and develop links with similar programmes in other countries. The remit of UKBRC's activity will be guided by a diverse UK stakeholder group, and an international scientific review panel.

The UKBRC recently had a launch event which was a workshop primarily for the UK research community in which drivers for, and risks and barriers to the adoption of, pyrolysis-biochar were debated and research priorities discussed. Over 100 delegates attended the meeting from across the UK, with some international participation.

UKBRC can be contacted at the following email address: ukbrc@ed.ac.uk