You are here

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 - 5 of 5
Healthy soils for a green recovery

A healthy soil can provide us with nutritious food, clean water, provide habits for biodiversity, and can slow the impacts of climate change. This project will strengthen our understanding and help protect soils, improve soil health, and identify the roles and contributions of Scotland’s soils in delivering key beneficial services (e.g. food production and other wider benefits).

  • Soils
  • 2022-2027
Novel insights on Scotland’s rural and island economies

The unique characteristics, challenges, and aspirations of the local business base, and opportunities for community wealth building in rural and island communities are examined. We focus on understanding the role of economic infrastructure in prosperity and consider how future changes to agricultural support may impact the rural and island regions of Scotland. 

  • Rural Economy
  • 2022-2027
Realising change: working with communities to inform a resilient recovery process in remote, rural and island communities

This project seeks to both understand and facilitate change in remote, rural and island communities working with stakeholders at local, regional and national levels using a combination of qualitative, quantitative and modelling approaches. 

  • Rural Communities
  • 2022-2027
Scotland’s Land Reform Futures

The Scotland’s Land Reform Futures project supports Scottish Government policy development regarding community land ownership and engagement in land use decision-making, and increases our understanding of roles of land ownership and land reform in achieving net zero emissions and reversing biodiversity decline. It advances social theory on community empowerment, social justice, and the potential for progressive property rights in Scotland.

  • Land Reform
  • 2022-2027
The benefits of a rural green recovery: pinpointing opportunities, assets and support needs

This project uses mixed data and methods, including participatory and experimental approaches and community engagement, to create an advanced model of Scotland’s rural economy, and provides insights into how the benefits of plausible and aspirational economic scenarios could overlap with community- and place-based assets. It assesses progress towards a green recovery and just transition.

  • Rural Economy
  • 2022-2027