Science, technology and the environment activity
Mountain studies
At our Centre for Mountain Studies, based at Perth College UHI, an international group of scientists is undertaking research in Scotland, Europe, and at the global level. A major focus is on policies for sustainable mountain development, and providing the evidence base for these. The centre hosts the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Mountain Development and its world-class research underpins the MSc Managing Sustainable Mountain Development.
Marine research
Marine environment research is the focus for the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI (SAMS UHI) in Oban, where 90% of research was judged to be 'internationally recognised' in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). SAMS UHI scientists are working on a range of projects within four departments: ecology; biogeochemistry and earth science; microbial and molecular; and physics, sea ice and technology.
NAFC Marine Centre UHI is conducting research in fisheries science to contribute to the assessment, management and sustainable harvesting of important marine species.
Environmental research
The Environmental Research Institute (ERI), based at North Highland College UHI in Thurso, is involved in research to address environmental issues and advance understanding of the sustainable use of the earth's natural resources. ERI's research priorities include: renewable energy; climate change; ecology; biogeochemistry; emerging contaminants; biotechnology; and bio resources.
Agronomy
The Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI provides a research facility for the development of plants and plant-based products, focusing particularly on the Highlands, Western Isles and Northern Isles. The institute has a wide portfolio of research covering: cereals; biomass for fuel crops; plants for high value extracts; fruits and berries; and biodiversity.
Remote and rural studies
Researchers at the UHI Centre for Remote and Rural Studies are addressing the social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges facing remote and rural regions across the globe.
Research projects
AMRECS
Advancing Marine Renewable Energy Research Capacity in Scotland
The Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College UHI, is a partner in this collaborative project lead by Heriot-Watt University and funded by the Scottish Funding Council SRDG scheme.
Clim-ATIC
Climate Change - Adapting to the Impacts, by Communities in Northern Peripheral Regions (Clim-ATIC), is a multi-partner collaborative project lead by Perth College UHI and funded by the Northern Periphery Programme.
EECSAF
An investigation into The Effectiveness of Ecolabelling and Certification in Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries (EECSAF) has recently been completed at Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
ER4SeR
Energy Recovery for Server Rooms
This exploration study on an aspect of ‘green’ ICT,is funded by Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). For further information, contact Jem Taylor in the UHI Learning and Information Services Department.
SAGES & MASTS
Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES) and Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland (MASTS): Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI (SAMS UHI) is a partner institution in these two major research pooling investments funded by Scottish Funding Council SRDG scheme.
SUSPLAN
(PLANning for SUStainability)
Lews Castle College UHI is leading the work for the Western Isles of Scotland region in this multi-partner collaborative project funded by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme
Sustainability
Past, present and future
This project, being undertaken at Orkney College UHI, aims to facilitate interdisciplinary curriculum development of Education for Sustainable Development. It is funded by the Higher Education Academy. For further information, please contact Ingrid Mainland.
