Research Spotlight

Andrew Free is a multidisciplinary microbiologist at the University of Edinburgh and an expert on the hidden applications of microorganisms. He is currently investigating how microbes could be used to clear pollutants like oil from the environment.

Mine sites are heavily polluted with acid compounds and metals. Dr Michael McDonald's research identified the microorganisms present in these sites and investigated how they are able to survive despite such extreme conditions. Such microorganisms have potential in bioremediation and metal extraction.

Anushka Rajagopalan, a member of the Changing Oceans research group, is investigating cold-water corals in her Master's project. Her work displays how ‘business as usual’ is not only not sustainable, it is detrimental and could lead to the extinction of coral reefs, the foundational framework of the ocean, by the end of this century.