Environment & climate change

Heriot-Watt University is pioneering a strongly multi-disciplinary approach to investigating the physical and ecological basis of the natural environment and the processes of change at work on it.

Multi-disciplinary approach

A wide range of specialist skills is required to understand the natural environment and the issue of climate change. At Heriot-Watt University, leading edge research by our biologists is underpinned by specialist techniques developed by our physicists and chemists, while our mathematicians and statisticians are building theoretical models to better understand the scientific data.

Practical solutions

We are investigating flood prevention solutions and design improvements to buildings; leading projects to tackle the capture of CO₂ at coal and gas powered electricity plants; and investigating cleaner ways of making chemicals which avoid any form of waste.

Biodiversity

Our Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology is leading pioneering research in this area and is a key member of a £17.4million research pool, the Marine Alliance for Science & Technology in Scotland.

Our Ocean Systems Laboratory is a leading research centre in underwater robotics which is contributing to marine science by enabling researchers to investigate the seabed over time and assess climate change and biodiversity issues in this critical environment.

Key initiatives