Stirling highlights role of university research partnerships in Scotland's net zero future
The event brought together Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions to demonstrate how university research, innovation and expertise continue to deliver practical benefits for Scotland’s economy and communities
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Senior staff from the University of Stirling highlighted the vital role of university research and industry collaboration in driving Scotland's transition to net zero at a reception in the Scottish Parliament.
Professor Alistair Jump, Deputy Principal (Research) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Professor Andrew Tyler, Scotland Hydro Nation Chair, joined Scottish Water’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Nisarg Hirani, at Universities Scotland’s Universal Partnerships in Action reception - where they were joined by MSPs from across the political spectrum.
The event brought together Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions to demonstrate how university research, innovation and expertise continue to deliver practical benefits for Scotland’s economy and communities.
As a research-intensive university, Stirling works closely with industry to deliver world-class teaching and research, equip students with the skills to succeed, and drive positive change nationally and internationally.
Professor Alistair Jump said: "At the University of Stirling our world-leading research and innovation is enhanced by working with partners to address some of society’s most pressing challenges."
The Scotland Hydro Nation Chair at the University of Stirling.
Stirling's delegation focused on the work of the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair, a partnership between the University and Scottish Water launched in 2021 that is developing sustainable water-management solutions to support climate resilience and Scotland's net-zero ambitions.
The Hydro Nation Chair also works to advance nature-based solutions such as peatland restoration, biodiversity enhancement and carbon storage to support Scotland's aim to be a net zero nation by 2045.
Professor Jump continued: "Through collaborative initiatives such as the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair, we are translating our pioneering research into practical solutions that strengthen climate resilience, support sustainable growth and deliver real benefits for communities across Scotland."
Cutting-edge research
Hydro Nation Chair programme lead, Professor Andrew Tyler, added: “Climate change is already affecting communities across Scotland through challenges such as flooding, drought and pressures on our water environment. At the same time, water presents some of the most powerful solutions available to us. How we manage our rivers, lochs, reservoirs and wider catchments will play a vital role in strengthening resilience, restoring biodiversity and supporting the green economy and transition to a net zero future.
“By developing partnerships between academia and industry, such as our collaboration with Scottish Water, the University of Stirling is accelerating the impact from world-leading expertise in environmental intelligence, ecology, policy and innovation to help address the challenges we face for the benefit of all.
“By combining cutting-edge research with practical action, we are generating the evidence needed to support better decision-making, sustainable resource management and long-term environmental recovery."
The Scotland Hydro Nation Chair is a research and innovation programme hosted by the University of Stirling and funded by Scottish Water through the Scottish Funding Council, that brings Scotland’s water sector together to deliver sustainable water management, supporting the drive towards Net Zero.
