Addressing our aims requires working in partnership - find out about our collaborations and who to contact here. Business or Industry EarthwaveEarthwave is a data science company that utilises satellite data and advanced technologies like AI to study and understand the effects of climate change. We focus on monitoring global ice, quantifying environmental changes, and making satellite data more accessible.We specialise in: data analysis algorithm developmentdata visualizationsystem engineeringusing earth observation data and ground-based sensors. EcoOnlineEcoOnline through its partnership with Ecometrica specialises is sustainability reporting and climate accounting tools. Ecoonline provides solutions to help organizations measure, report, and manage their environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions and other ESG metrics.The Ecometrica platform is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that allows users to input data, generate reports, and visualize information related to their environmental performance. Space Intelligence Space Intelligence is a fast-growing, NatureTech company on a mission to enable zero deforestation and degradation and support mass forest restoration by producing the highest-quality nature mapping data and insights products.We process large volumes of satellite data and analyse it within a machine learning framework to produce valuable nature mapping products for our clients.We have expertise in: remote sensing; geospatial ML and AI; large scale geospatial data processing; tropical Forest Ecology; landcover and Biomass Mapping; geospatial data for Carbon Markets Telespazio Telespazio UK based in Luton, is part of Telespazio, a joint-venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%) and is headquartered in Rome. It is one of the major players worldwide in satellite solutions and services, and has a wide international network of space centres and teleports.Telespazio is at the forefront in many sectors: from the design and development of space systems to the management of launch services and satellites in-orbit control, from Earth observation services to communications, from navigation and satellite tracking to scientific programmes. It is involved in the majority of European Space Agency programmes, including space exploration, Earth observation, satellite navigation, launchers and human space flight.In recent years, Telespazio UK has built a European space industry leadership position in the provision of satellite observations for the climate change marketplace. Several key initiatives give Telespazio UK major involvement in the provision and use of satellite observations to help stakeholders monitor, mitigate and adapt to climate change.Telespazio specialises in: quality control; service support; climate services; InSAR; microwave remote sensing; QC.Research interests: SAR and LiDAR co-analysis; climate services; QC. Government Organisation or Department The British Geological Survey A research institute specialising in the development of methods in mathematical modelling, statistics and bioinformatics, applied in ecology, epidemiology and agriculture. BioSS can offer expertise in development and application of mathematical modelling, statistics & bioinformatics and experience of muti- and trans-disciplinary projects.We are seeking projects that align to BGS’ Strategy in any of our 3 major science research themes. We also seek students who wish to work in the geoscience-digital space in any topic. We have the capacity to support both National and International geoscience.BGS University Funding Initiative is a mechanism through which BGS supports doctoral students:Open competition for additional top-up RTSG funds (total £4-7k)Programme coordinator is Dr Keely Mills (kmil@bgs.ac.uk) For more information or to link through to potential supervisors email BUFI@bgs.ac.uk Forest Research Our research and knowledge exchange activities continue to support the expansion and continued maintenance of resilient, diverse and sustainable multi-purpose forests and landscapes. We are the main research provider for the trees, woodland & forestry sector in UK. We support both policy & practice decision making. We involve many disciplines and collaborate with many partners in the UK, Europe and worldwide.Our vision is to be a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted and recognised provider of expertise, data, products and services for government and the tree, wood, forest and natural resources sectors.Priority areas for PhD studentshipsPlant Health (Pests & Diseases), Climate Impacts & Compound Risks (Risk & Resilience), GHG dynamics, Social Research, Economic Research, Biodiversity Decline & Nature Recovery, Natural Capital & Climate ChangePriority areas for collaborative research grantsClimate Impacts & Compound Risks (Risk & Resilience), Landscape Management for Nature Recovery and Biodiversity, Living Labs, Environmental Observation – Smart Biospheres The Met Office We provide world-leading weather and climate services. Our Science programme aims to deliver world-class science to deliver into services. Our research approach spans an ever-increasing range of science disciplines - from fundamental atmospheric physics to ecosystem behaviour. National Physical Laboratory NPL is the UK’s National Measurement Institute and part of the National Measurement System, which provides the UK with a national measurement infrastructure (supporting business and society) and delivers the UK Measurement Strategy on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).Emissions and atmospheric science covering areas from developing tools for industrial emissions estimation to understanding changing global atmospheric compositionGas and particle metrology covering the development of standards for supporting atmospheric monitoring and industrial applicationsEarth observation and climate covering areas of remote sensing, optical calibration and traceability of climate variablesNuclear science centred on the measurement of radioactivity in various industrial and research applications NatureScot NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We bring 30 years of experience, expertise and passion as we tackle the twin crises of nature's devastating decline and the climate emergency. Led by science and evidence, we are protecting Scotland’s wildlife and habitats and then restoring and regenerating our biodiversity. This is all driven by an understanding of the value to everyone of nature on land and at sea. This is our nature-positive purpose.Our work at NatureScot includes the natural, physical and social sciences. We have specialist staff who can supervise projects and have access to long-term scientific data sets as well as sites for scientific study. Our projects will support practical solutions to help reverse nature decline in Scotland. We will prioritise support for projects that will meet the evidence needs highlighted in our science and evidence needs document.Here are our current ideas for PhD Studentships:Investigating the genetic make-up and diversity of Scottish Peregrine Falcons, investigate causes and implications of massive sediment transport in the upper Ettrick catchment in 2022 and potential for similar events elsewhere, investigate changes in macrophyte growth in the Tweed catchment and implications for river ecology.The findings from all of these projects will help develop practical conservation management solutions. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Taxonomy and associated biodiversity research, learning and outreach across plants, fungi, algae and allied organisms. Research runs from biome and floristic (regional) levels, through whole-organism to microscopy and genomic work, with near-global coverage. We hold three National Collections: living plants; a herbarium of over 3 million specimens; and an extensive library and archive.RBGE is involved in many local and global collaborations and hosts/runs several large ongoing programmes, such as: The International Conifer Conservation Project, Centre for Middle-Eastern Plants, World Flora OnlineWe have expertise on: all aspects of wild-plant and crop-wild relative biodiversity; baseline taxonomic and floristic research (from identification to GIS); spatial analysis and modelling; phylo- and population-genetics identification (barcoding); genomics and evo-devo; historic DNA laboratory; field research; conservation research; practice and policy development; nature-Based Solutions; and specialists in ‘plant humanities’, as well as horticulture, curation and collections studies and management.Priority areas for PhD Studentships and Collaborative Research GrantsTaxonomyTropical DiversityGenetics and Conservation [of plants, fungi and associated organisms]Cryptogamic Plants and FungiMajor Floras and BiomesCrop Wild RelativesPlant Humanities and collections research NGO or 3rd Sector Organisation Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland A research institute specialising in development of methods in: mathematical modelling, statistics and bioinformatics , applied in ecology, epidemiology and agriculture. BioSS can offer expertise in development and application of mathematical modelling, statistics & bioinformatics and experience of muti- and trans-disciplinary projects. Looking for applications where our methods expertise is critical to advancing the science. Suggested topics/interests for research grants & PhD projects:modelling for systems approachessocial-ecological systems: agent-based modelling of behaviour estimation from data for process models e.g. epidemiology and population dynamicsstatistical modelling accounting for complex dependencies and observationsbioinformatics: annotation, transcriptomics, eDNA, metagenomicsphylodynamics for pathogens and invasive species? Dynamic Earth Science Centre and PlanetariumDynamic Earth is the UK’s leading Earth Sciences engagement charity. We create and deliver compelling exhibitions and learning programmes for school learners, families, adults and community groups which empower them with understanding and empathy for the Earth – reaching >250,000 people/year. We are a leading platform for connecting Earth and environmental scientists with non-specialist audiences through Meet the Scientist opportunities, welcoming >200 scientists/year to meet and engage with public audiences at our centre and online. We can offer opportunities for: Public Engagement Training – exploring how to effectively engage with non-specialist audiences and develop impactful activities with schools and families.Meet the Scientist Events – whereby we’ll support and platform you and your work with non-specialist audiences at our science centre, or online. Partnering with a national STEM Engagement Charity – on collaborative partnership work and funding applications to deliver impactful public engagement through outreach and exhibitions. We would be delighted to explore opportunities for collaborating on all aspects of public engagement and outreach with a broad range of Earth and environmental science areas. Get in touch: email Conor Ellis, Director of Science Learning and Engagement. British Trust for Ornithology What BTO can bring to collaborative multi-partner projects:High-quality long-term datasets on bird distribution, abundance, and demographyExpertise on a wide range of topics related to bird ecology, monitoring and analysisOpportunities to engage with a large community of dynamic and highly skilled volunteersIn collaborations involving partners with widely differing views, BTO’s non-campaigning stance can help to ensure that projects stay focused on evidence, using this as a basis for impactful consensusPriority areas for collaborative research, with or without PhD studentships, include the development of new approaches to monitoring (e.g. with drones or acoustic recorders), finding ways to make engagement with volunteers and the wider public more effective, cross-sectoral approaches to conservation, and modelling to inform conservation management and policy. BTO will prioritise opportunities for collaboration that are aimed at delivering real-world impacts for birds and people. Impacts could be relatively direct, (e.g. providing information needed to inform policy or management decisions) or less so (e.g. providing robust monitoring datasets that can be used to inform understanding of population change and drivers). Moredun Research Institute Established by Scottish farmers in 1920 to promote research and education in livestock disease: Parasitic, viral and bacterial pathogens of sheep, cattle, pigs, birds and fish. Design and testing of vaccines, diagnostics and sustainable disease control strategies. All aspects of host-pathogen interactions from the molecular to the population scale. The Moredun Research institute has around 30 Principal Investigators and around 110 scientific staff and graduate students, with expertise in parasitology, bacteriology, virology, immunology and molecular biologyThere is a dedicated proteomics facility, housing for small and large animal research, a research farm and a dedicated knowledge exchange and communications team. National Trust for ScotlandThe National Trust for Scotland is a conservation charity that protects Scotland's natural, cultural, and historic places, ensuring they are enjoyed by all and preserved for future generations.Our research is focused across:UplandsWoodlandsCoasts and CliffsSpecies conservation National Museum ScotlandNMS is a unique combination of world-class collections, programmes, places and people. Our multi-disciplinary collection is an important resource, historically, culturally and scientifically, which we seek to share as widely as possible through our mission to preserve, interpret and make accessible for all, the past and present of Scotland, other nations and cultures, and the natural world. We initiate and support engagement with under-represented groups, challenge inequalities and bring valuable different perspectives to our understanding of our collections, helping to create positive societal change.NMS natural scientists undertake research in a number of areas ranging from phylogenetics, biometrics, biodiversity informatics, biodiversity monitoring, biogeography and taxonomy, to tectonic geomorpology, gemmology, topographical mineralogy, volcanology, palaeoecology, palaeoentomology and palaeoneurology. They also use analytical facilities including SEM, XRD, XRF. Scottish Association for Marine Science SAMS undertakes research into:how the marine environment works,how and why, it is changing,and how we may be able to use it sustainably This information is used to communicate, educate and promote what we find to other researchers, public, and other stakeholders. We have expertise in 3 main areas: Ocean SystemsOcean currents, biogeochemistry, ecosystem function, Arctic Seas, Deep SeaDynamic Coasts Climate change research, marine conservation, society and the sea, industrial impacts, pollutionBlue Economyaquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine renewable energy, oil and gas, industrial impacts and social-ecological systems Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute We are focused on the generation and analysis of large datasets, primarily genomic, to address issues critical to the understanding of life, especially human health and genetics.Tree of Life is a programme (~=department) dedicated to the generation of genomic datasets from all of biodiversity – sequencing life for the future of life.We carry out: genome sequencing and assembly from fungi, protists, plants and animals, including data generation and assembly informatics; comparative genomics, phylogenomics, evolutionary genomics; bioinformatics and software development.We utilise reference genomes to understand major evolutionary transitions (e.g. from sea to land, freeliving to parasitism), innovations (e.g. flight, extremophily) and adaptations to environmental change. We look at the genomics of speciation. We carry out analysis of genome and chromosome evolutionary dynamics, especially non-Mendelian genetics.While we have core funding to generate many reference genomes, we are always looking to build funding collaborations to enhance this activity – sequencing species that illuminate particular evolutionary transitions or that can be used as foundational data for population and landscape genomics projects, as well as population and functional genomics. Scottish Wildlife Trust For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.Our Knowledge and Evidence team works to:Monitor our wildlife reserves through ecological surveys and habitat mapping.Manage a wide range of data: from habitat spatial data to species records and everything in between.Provide analysis, evaluation and visualisations (maps and dashboards) to inform reserve management and the direction of projects through our Living Landscapes, Living Seas and Major Projects.Promote open data at local and national levels through the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas Scotland and ArcGIS Online. Scotland’s Environment Protection AgencyWe’re on the front line of global action to tackle our climate and nature emergencies. As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.We’ve been given a unique and visionary Statutory Purpose: to protect and improve the environment in ways that, as far as possible, also create health and wellbeing benefits and sustainable economic growth.We help Scotland adapt to a changing climate by ensuring that our regulation helps operators to realise the opportunities of a net-zero, circular economy and be resilient to changes in our climate. We help to improve the quality of our environment for people and for nature by encouraging nature-based solutions and valuing multiple benefits.As Scotland’s strategic flood risk management authority, we help partners, places and people avoid, adapt and take action against flooding. We’re influential, monitoring, researching, reporting and speaking out on the state of Scotland’s environment and our data is at the heart of progressive policy. University School, Department or Centre SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)SRUC is a specialist tertiary institution delivering education, research, and consultancy with a focus on agriculture, food systems, rural innovation, and the natural economy. We combine world-class research, practical knowledge exchange, and education to create and deliver real-world impact – regionally rooted and globally relevant. We have expertise in: environmental and agricultural systems science – land use, soil health, water, and biodiversity; climate-smart livestock and low-emissions food production; circular economy and nature-based solutions for rural resilience; environmental data science – AI, modelling, remote sensing, and digital phenotyping; behavioural and policy research on land management and just transitions. We are also interested in co-designing interdisciplinary training and place-based projects across rural, upland, and coastal environments.Priority areas for PhD studentships: climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land use; biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions; livestock systems and GHG mitigation; rural environmental data science – modelling, AI, and sensing; behavioural and policy dimensions of environmental change; circular economy in agri-food and bio-based systems; and place-based environmental innovation in rural and coastal regionsPriority areas for collaborative research grants: interdisciplinary approaches to net zero in land-based sectors; digital and AI-driven tools for environmental monitoring and modelling; nature-based and circular solutions for climate adaptation; systems approaches to sustainable agri-food transitions; rural innovation and resilience in the face of environmental change; and community co-designed research for place-based environmental solutions. ECCIThe ECCI is a centre of excellence within the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh. The centre is an inclusive hub for researchers, policy makers, businesses, students and educators. As such the ECCI community includes agencies who work to tackle climate change and experienced climate practitioners working on externally funded challenge driven projects. Our community also includes students studying climate change and those that teach them. We are therefore a collective of experts who deliver research, policy, education and training.Our vision is a resilient, just and climate neutral Scotland, showing leadership in global climate action. School of Biological SciencesOur research ranges from fundamental cell and evolutionary biology through to biomedical and industrial applications. We aim to make exciting scientific discoveries and to ensure our research makes a difference in the world.We are one of the largest centres of biological science in the UK. We place a particularly strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, linking complementary approaches in theoretical and experimental science and working closely with physical sciences, engineering, medical and veterinary sciences. Please see individual Institute web pages for more information on the range and diversity of what we can offer in a supportive, collaborative environment.Research themes:The Biology of our Changing WorldThe Biology of Health and DiseaseEngineering Biology for Health and Wealth School of GeosciencesOur School seeks to understand the natural world and develop solutions to key societal challenges and inequalities in order to secure a more socially-just and environmentally sustainable world.Our expertise cuts across the past, present and future, from environment to society. Examples include: past climates, Paleontology, Geology, Ecology, Geochemistry, climate prediction, community adaptations, and heritage. This is all supported by state of the art research facilities, for ground, water and airborne observation and analysis, and various labs, workshops, and field sites.Our 3 Research Institutes:Global Change Institute Geography and the lived environment Earth and planetary sciences UoE School of Chemistry We offer a range of expertise on a range of topics: peat and water quality and monitoring; contaminant or persistent chemical monitoring; solar materials for energy and water treatment; energy storage materials; sustainable materials, e.g. polymers; natural product biosynthesis ; analytical method development (MS and NMR); computational simulations, e.g. Mineral surface chemistry and organic mineral interactions, including biochar.; remediation and mineral recovery, e.g. mines; and recycling water materials, e.g. phones.Research themes:Energy, Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryThe Chemistry Biology InterfaceWe offer access to high level analytical labs, tools and expertise, e.g. HPLC, GC, X-ray, High resolution mass spectrometry, NMR, Raman, IR, glass blowing etc.. More information on this. UoE School of EngineeringRelevant Institutes:Bioengineering (IBioE): vibrant and varied group whose interests include modelling, biosensing, biomedical signals and biomedical applications of engineering technologyImaging Data & Communications (IDCoM): research in communications and signal image processing is essential for driving technological advancements, improving efficiency, ensuring security and privacy, supporting emerging technologies, enabling cross-disciplinary applications, and fostering academic and industrial innovation.Energy Systems (IES): one of seven multi-disciplinary research institutes within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. Led by Professor Alasdair McDonald there are seven integrated research areas involving 26 academic staff, 28 research staff and around 70 postgraduate students.Infrastructure & Environment (IIE): carries out research on a diverse range of topics contributing to efficient, sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the built and natural environments. Environmental engineering: natural hazards; sustainable water management; waste treatment; and remote sensing. UoE School of MathematicsThe research environment is enhanced by the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences and by close collaboration with Heriot-Watt University through the Maxwell Institute which was founded in 2005 following significant funding from the Scottish Funding Council. Researchers in areas of applied mathematics benefit from the proximity of strong research groups elsewhere in the University and from collaborative opportunities with local companies and other users of research.For students considering PhD studies, our Graduate School is supervised by internationally-leading researchers spanning a wide spectrum of topics, making our School a world renowned centre of excellence in mathematics.Research themes:Statistics eg spatio-temporal modellingOperational research and optimisation eg energy systemsApplied and computational maths eg fluid and vortice dynamicsgeosciences, ecology, finance, genetics. UoE School of Physics and AstronomyThe School is one of the leading physics and astronomy departments in the UK. The School has more than 300 researchers, each belonging to one or more of its research institutes: the Institute for Astronomy (IfA); the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems (ICMCS) and the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics (IPNP).The School also has a number of research centres: the UK Centre for Astrobiology, the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, the Tait Institute, and the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions. These centres bring together researchers from different institutes, departments and universities to address multi-disciplinary problems.Our vibrant research activity is built upon world-class academic staff, postgraduate research fellows, a large, well-resourced Graduate School and high-class research support facilities and infrastructure.Research themes:Habitability and extreme environmentsAncient life on Earth and Mars UoE School of InformaticsResearch themes:Computer SystemsData Science and AIFoundations of ComputationLanguage, Interaction, and RoboticsExpertise you can offerAISystemsModelling and moreList of staff by research topic UoE The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesOur vision is to create a site for lifelong learning that champions data-driven decision-making as well as empathy, fosters courage as well as compassion, and promotes leadership as well as collaboration to transform the world for the survival and well-being of animals, people and the environment which sustains us all. Five PhD programmes which reflect our expertise: agriculture and food security; clinical Veterinary Sciences; functional genetics and development; genetics and genomics; and infection and immunityPriority Areas for PhD projects: sustainable food systems; food systems transformation; one health ; interdisciplinary focus.Relevant websites: Global Agriculture and Food SytemsRoslin Institute EPCCEPCC, part of the University of Edinburgh, is the UK's leading centre of Supercomputing and Data Science expertise: scale up of large data science and AI; provides access to large computer and data infrastructure; access to software engineering experts for research software.Looking for domain experts that need technical experts to scale their AI and data science research projects to the next levelPhD projects: large-scale and complex data science and AI; processing geospatial and satellite data.; parallel and distributed computing to scale to large data and software.Priority areas for collaborative research grants: access to large-scale infrastructure for huge and complex data science and AI research projects.; access to experts to make use of high-end hardware and software such as Cerebras AI, GPUs, S3, Spark, etc.; access to staff for software development and engineering for research software.; and access to Safe Havens and Trusted Research Environments to process personal-identifiable data. The Edinburgh International Data Facility EIDF is a set of compute, data and customer services optimised for data analytics and science. EIDF employs a “building block” approach to give it the flexibility required to meet our users’ needs. Businesses, universities, and public sector organisations make use of the EIDF to undertake data-driven research and development. Other National Centre for Atmospheric ScienceThe National Centre for Atmospheric Science is a world-leading research centre, dedicated to the advancement of atmospheric science.Research themes:air pollution climate and global changeweather sciencedigital atmosphere.We provide the UK with state-of-the-art services for observing and modelling the atmosphere: research aircraft; advanced ground-based observational facilities; computer modelling and support; facilities for storing and analysing data; 250 members of staff embedded across UK universities and research institutes. National Centre for Earth Observation We are an internationally leading research centre, located in the UK and dedicated to long-term study and exploitation of satellite and remote sensing Earth Observation (EO) data for our planet’s health and sustainability. Atmosphere and land emissionsCarbon cycle: land atmosphere and waterClimate analysesFire in the Earth SystemEnergy and water cyclesData assimilation SUERCThe Centre delivers internationally-leading research, technology innovation, and training across the isotope sciences. Through our critical mass of state-of-the-art instrumentation and highly skilled staff, we provide a focus for world-leading research that tackles strategic research questions in Earth, Environmental, Heritage, and Biomedical Sciences. Radiocarbon as chronometer and environmental tracer; geochronology from sampling to numbers: cosmogenic nuclides (3He, 10Be, 21Ne, 26Al, 36Cl), Ar/Ar, K/Ar, U-Pb, U-Th/He; stable Isotopes in geological and ecological materials; application and methodological improvement of in-situ 14C dating. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)UKCEH is a leading independent research institute dedicated to understanding and transforming how we interact with the natural world. With over 600 researchers, we tackle the urgent environmental challenges of our time, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.UKCEH offers expertise in environmental research spanning interactions across land, water and air. Our main science areas cover atmospheric chemistry, biodiversity, pollution, soils land use as well as water and climate science. Alongside this, we offer technical expertise and deliver national impact in analytics, data science, centres, monitoring schemes, field surveying, training delivery and education among other areas. Priority areas for PhD studentships: atmospheric chemistry; atmospheric science (and linked to human health).Priority areas for collaborative research grants: innovation in environmental sensing; applications to AI and machine learning; sustainable agriculture linked to biodiversity. This article was published on 2025-06-16
