The current vision of e-Science, in which scientists access and share data on a global scale supported by a grid of high performance computing and networking, was first proposed in the mid 1990s. It has developed rapidly since then. However, some critical bottlenecks need to be addressed if e-Science is to realise its full potential. One of these is the user interface. The ability to deliver information to scientists needs to be matched by powerful new interfaces that allow them to manipulate and share this data in new ways, from any location whether in the lab or in the field. Another bottleneck is data acquisition. Current labour intensive approaches to observation and measurement need to be enhanced with automated capture and sensing technologies that deliver more detailed, timely and continuous data.

Equator's e-Science projects combine distinctive EQUATOR devices, technologies and conceptual approaches with grid-based technologies to address these limitations in current e-Science infrastructures. They bring together researchers in a variety of disciplines as part of the national e-Science programme.

Within environmental science there are two application areas that involve collaborative visualisation of scientific data, mobile access to data and capture of data from sensors deployed in the physical world. One focuses on the urban polution monitoring while the other involves studying the carbon cycles in fresh-water lakes in one of the most hostile environments on the planet, the Antarctic.

In partnership with the Medical Images And Signals (MIAS) IRC are developing technologies to extend the reach of the grid making it facilities directly available to allow mobile patients to be continuously monitored and analysed using wearable medical sensors. These devices monitor the health of their wearer and send a series of medical signals to the grid using wireless technology.

• Notes from the Environmental E-Science wrap-up meeting