Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research
ACER Group
The Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group (ACER) is an independent forum, convened by NFCC, to help coordinate and maximise the benefits of academic research with relevance for fire and rescue services (FRS), to contribute to improved public and firefighter safety.
It is chaired by Professor Rowena Hill from Nottingham Trent University, alongside vice chair Stewart Nicholson, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tyne and Wear FRS.
Why has ACER been set up?
ACER has been established to:
- Strengthen national links between the fire and rescue services through the conduit of NFCC and academia.
- Provide an ethical approach to research partnerships and potential research funding.
- Improve the gathering, reviewing and analysis of research findings, and set them into context for NFCC and/or FRS.
To support the work of ACER, the group have developed a Research Strategy and Areas of Research Interest document.
You can read these by selecting the icons below:
Research Strategy
This strategy sets out how we can build a stronger culture of research, harnessing collaboration with academics and partners to deliver high-quality, co-ordinated studies that shape policy, improve practice, and drive sector-wide innovation.
Areas of Research
Discover the priority research themes – shaping the future of fire and rescue by connecting real-world challenges with academic expertise and innovation.
Terms of Reference
This document explains how the Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research (ACER) group works – setting out its purpose, membership, and ways of working to connect fire and rescue services with academic expertise, strengthen research partnerships, and turn evidence into practical improvements across the sector.
Research Enquiries
Join the ACER network
Connect with researchers and fire and rescue professionals to shape the future of evidence-based practice.
Get in touch
