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Research

Research

A multi-million pound programme of strategic research delivered over five years providing science and evidence to support policymakers and its partners. Informed by strong partnerships and the needs of a broad range of stakeholders. Science at the heart of society contributing to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland and beyond.

Plant and Animal Health

Protecting Plant and Animal Health to underpin our globally competitive economy and ambition to be a Good Food Nation

Sustainable Food Supply System

Leading the way to a Sustainable Food System and Supply contributing to the economy, livelihoods and the health of Scotland

Human Impacts on the Environment

Supporting the large-scale and coordinated transition to net zero and reduction of Human Impacts on the Environment

Natural Resources

Protecting, valuing and optimising the multiple benefits we recieve from our vital Natural Resources

Rural Futures

Committed to empowered, inclusive and resilient Rural Futures for Scotland’s rural and island communities

Ongoing research (2022-2027)

Displaying 1 - 10 of 19
Achieving multi-purpose nature-based solutions

This project is assessing and enhancing water-related ecosystem services of Nature-Based Solutions in catchments. We explore how NBS can work across multiple sectors and scales to achieve transformative change.

  • Water
  • 2022-2027
Climate change impacts on natural capital

This project aims to develop a Risk and Opportunities Assessement Framewowork to asses Natural Capital assets and impacts of climate change, by integrating multiple (qantitative and qualitative) data, to identify risk asset types and consequences on capacity for Nature-based Solutions.

  • Natural Capital
  • 2022-2027
Development and implementation of tools, strategies, and stakeholder engagement to understand threats and improve disease management in practice

The project is mitigating threats posed to key crops by new, emerging and endemic pests and pathogens, to protect Scotland’s industries and delivering integrated and sustainable crop protection strategies for Scottish growers.

  • Plant Disease
  • 2022-2027
Extending food production to Scotland’s underutilised lands
Edible plants growing in the wild

This project evaluates the potential of Scotland’s underutilised lands to contribute towards a sustainable food system and provide economic motivation to protect our natural capital. The focus is on wild species that can contribute towards sustainable food production, while meeting environment and biodiversity targets. Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders provides a RoadMap that will meet cross-sector needs.

  • Crop Improvement
  • 2022-2027
Galvanising change via natural capital

The aim of this project is to produce constructive insights about the most productive venues (territorially and sectorally) and approaches (how and with and for whom) for using natural capital concepts and data to galvanise change for sustainability.

  • Natural Capital
  • 2022-2027
Reciprocal care for nature and wellbeing
Two young women talking together on a bench in an urban park

This project explores how the capacity to engage with and care for nature can be cultivated. We consider environmental settings, users, mechanisms for benefit (green prescribing, outdoor learning) and investment.

  • Use of Outdoors & Greenspace
  • 2022-2027
Synthesis of natural capital and valuation outcomes

This project identifies emerging research on natural capital metrics and values from across Scottish Government research in areas including greenspace, water, soils, and biodiversity. Remaining, priority, valuation gaps are being filled and natural capital risks and opportunities will be mapped. 

  • Natural Capital
  • 2022-2027
Understanding the value of Scotland’s agricultural soil natural capital

This project focuses on the ecosystem services supplied by Scotland’s agricultural soils. These services are linked to emerging soil health indicators and being valued. The outcomes of the project are informing natural capital accounts and identifying the contribution of soils to Scotland’s economy and national wellbeing.

  • Natural Capital
  • 2022-2027
Alternative approaches to sustainable land management

Our overall aim is to investigate the potential productivity and environmental impacts of the introduction of alternative land management practices including measures introduced as part of CAP Greening. We will investigate both technological and knowledge based solutions, involving participatory approaches with farmers and land managers, in order to deliver profitability and step changes in environmental performance.

The research builds on previous work within the RESAS Strategic Programme and on collaborations with UK and International partners.

  • Improving Agricultural Practice
  • 2016-2022
Ecosystem services provision

Ecosystem services provision:  To develop an in-depth understanding by 2021 of the impacts of selected management interventions (including restoration) on Ecosystem Service (ES) flows and of the associated trajectories of change. This will be linked to decision making and reporting towards international commitments at the national level, and help develop our impact and collaborations in the international scientific community.

  • Natural Capital
  • 2016-2022

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