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Rural depopulation is a topic which seems to have slipped down the policy agenda in Scotland in recent years. The popular narrative about the Highlands and Islands has become more positive – highlighting the growth of Inverness and its immediate hinterland, opportunities for renewable energy, or tourism and leisure based on the region’s rich natural environment.
Take a look our visualization of the network of researchers in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme (SRP) as an illustration of just how complicated things can get! The image shows the complex connections between the researchers involved in the SRP (the bigger the node or circle - the bigger the level of interaction and lines represent linkages).
The work carried out by SEFARI which relates to natural capital is varied and detailed, and encompasses soil, fresh water and biodiversity, together with the ecosystem services (including cultural services such as recreation, heritage, spiritual, amenity, and health) which they support. The vision for this work, and those carrying it out, is for recognition worldwide as leading authorities in the understanding and management of natural resources, and in the sustainable use of these resources in a manner that is resilient to future pressures.
Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.
Across a range of episodes, researchers from SEFARI institutes have shared how their work is tackling real-world challenges. In the latest episode, Dame Professor Lorna Dawson, explores how soil science has been used in criminal investigations, while also highlighting its role in addressing rural crime.
Orkney’s farmers are innovative, productive and central to the islands’ economy, but research activity has not always been shaped by local priorities. This project mapped current agricultural research in Orkney and worked with island stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and future needs. It sets out a practical route towards a locally driven, place-based model of research that strengthens trust, improves uptake of new technologies and new opportunities, and ensures agricultural research delivers lasting impact for Orkney’s communities.
Jenny is research and communications manager at SEFARI Gateway, the Scottish Government’s Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.
After her undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford she completed postgraduate studies in newspaper journalism at the University of Cardiff and then spent a decade as a newspaper reporter, including five years as The Scotsman’s environment correspondent. Before joining SEFARI Gateway she spent eight years running her own business in the agritourism sector from her small farm in Aberdeenshire.
Accompanying the rise of community landownership in Scotland, there has been an increase in research requests placed on specific communities. Our evidence suggests that such requests are becoming unmanageable, especially when respondents see very little benefit from research engagement.