Two research projects led by the University of Aberdeen in partnership with St Andrews, Dundee and Heriot-Watt are among eight to have secured funding to tackle the challenges Scotland faces in the transition to a net zero future.
Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) is a collaboration of Scottish Universities committed to finding interdisciplinary solutions that go beyond net zero. SBNZ harnesses this strength to drive innovation, foster research collaboration, engage communities and inform policymaking.
SBNZ launched its inaugural seed fund on 10 June, inviting researchers from participating institutions to apply for funding of up to £15,000 for projects aligned with the priority themes: food, finance, built environment, natural systems, energy and transport. The fund aims to catalyse high-impact and collaborative research from experts within Scotland’s universities and beyond.
The first SBNZ-funded project will see Dr Yeshui Zhang from the University of Aberdeen partner with St Andrews University and a Scottish SME to study hydrogen energy production from plastic waste. This project aims to reduce waste from plastics and advance the development of a circular energy economy.
The second will look at developing a Beyond Net Zero performance framework for circular economy practice in Scotland. It will include lessons learned from the case of CE policy and practice in the Netherlands. This research brings together Professor Audrey Paterson from the University of Aberdeen with colleagues from the University of Dundee and Heriot-Watt University.
Professor Nicholas Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen, said: “The SBNZ seed fund was designed to support collaborative research projects between two or more Scottish universities, with a focus on building partnerships with external organisations such as community groups, government bodies and the private sector.
“These projects represent the innovative approaches and collaborative spirit that are crucial in tackling the complex environmental challenges facing Scotland as we move towards and into a net zero future.”
Find out more here.