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In the past five years, there has been a surge of interest in the idea of the 'nexus’, as a way of thinking about the interdependencies, tensions and trade-offs between food, water and energy security, in the broader context of environmental change.

To better co-ordinate UK research efforts in this area, the ESRC has launched The Nexus Network. The network will be led by SPRU, in partnership with the University of East Anglia and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and directed by James Wilsdon, Professor of Science & Democracy in SPRU.

The Nexus Network will foster debate, innovative research and practical collaborations across the linked domains of food, energy, water and the environment. Participation in the network is open to researchers from all disciplines, and to decision makers in government, business and civil society.

BMEc researchers with an interest in these debates are encouraged to join The Nexus Network, by signing up at thenexusnetwork.org.uk/join. The network has also committed £500,000 to provide grants for pilot projects, blue-sky ideas, working papers and placements. An initial call for proposals has been issued, for a series of up to ten ‘think pieces’ or working papers. For more information, see thenexusnetwork.org.uk/funding-available.