Research
At the University of St鈥疉ndrews, sustainability research sits at the heart of our response to the climate and nature emergencies. Across disciplines, our researchers are generating new knowledge, questioning established approaches, and working with partners to shape fairer, more sustainable futures.
From climate science and biodiversity to ethics, policy, culture and technology, sustainability research at St鈥疉ndrews reflects the complexity of the challenges we face. Our work spans local, national and global contexts and contributes evidence, insight and innovation that informs decision鈥憁aking beyond academia.
This research activity directly supports delivery of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and aligns with the principles of the UK Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research, demonstrating our commitment to conducting research responsibly, reducing environmental impacts, and maximising positive societal outcomes.
Sustainable laboratories and LEAF accreditation
The University of St鈥疉ndrews has adopted the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) as a key mechanism for improving the environmental performance of laboratories.
LEAF is a sector鈥憀eading framework developed by University College London that supports laboratories to take practical actions to reduce energy use, manage waste more effectively and adopt sustainable working practices. Laboratories are assessed against a structured set of criteria and can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation depending on the actions taken.
LEAF accreditation:
- Provides recognised, externally validated assurance of sustainable laboratory practice
- Supports compliance with funder requirements, including those of the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK
- Encourages collaboration and knowledge鈥憇haring across Schools
- Actively involves students and early鈥慶areer researchers in sustainability leadership within laboratories
The University continues to support and expand participation in LEAF as part of its wider commitment to environmentally sustainable research.
Responsible research for a sustainable future
St鈥疉ndrews takes a broad and inclusive view of sustainability research, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our researchers explore environmental sustainability in its widest sense, including:
- Climate change and inequality
- Biodiversity, ecosystems and nature recovery
- Energy systems and energy ethics
- Environmental humanities and cultures of sustainability
- Development, governance and political ecology
- Human impacts on ecosystems and populations
In line with the Environmental Concordat, we are committed to embedding environmental responsibility across the research lifecycle.
Research connected to place and practice
A distinctive feature of sustainability research at St鈥疉ndrews is its strong connection to place鈥慴ased and applied research.
The is a long鈥憈erm collaboration focused on nature鈥慴ased climate mitigation, research and teaching. Together, we are developing a living laboratory at Corrour that advances:
- Landscape鈥憇cale ecological restoration
- Woodland regeneration and peatland restoration
- High鈥慽ntegrity nature鈥慴ased carbon solutions
Corrour is a key contributor to the, a flagship initiative of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, supporting the University’s journey to net zero by 2035 while creating research, education and partnership opportunities.
Researchers from all disciplines are invited to propose projects that explore sustainability in its broadest sense, from natural sciences and technology to social sciences, arts, humanities and policy.
Learning through research
Students play an active role in sustainability research at St鈥疉ndrews through a range of opportunities that connect learning with real鈥憌orld challenges.
- Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) enable students from any discipline and level to work together on interdisciplinary sustainability projects as part of their degree.
- The St鈥疉ndrews Research Internship Scheme (StARIS) offers paid research internships, allowing students to develop research skills while contributing to projects addressing sustainability challenges and SDGs.
These opportunities support the development of research capability, systems thinking and practical experience, preparing students for sustainable careers and leadership.
Centres and interdisciplinary communities
Sustainability research at St鈥疉ndrews is strengthened by a vibrant ecosystem of centres, networks and interdisciplinary communities, including:
- – exploring the social, political and ethical dimensions of energy systems and transitions
- Third Generation Project – addressing global social justice challenges through decolonised, community鈥憀ed research
- Biodiversity Interdisciplinary Research Community Hub (BIRCH) – supporting transdisciplinary work on nature, biodiversity and ecosystem management
- Environmental Humanities Network – examining cultural, historical and ethical dimensions of environmental change
- – bringing together researchers across disciplines to co鈥憄roduce knowledge and practice responsible, partnership鈥慴ased sustainability research
Together, these communities reflect the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible research practice and meaningful engagement beyond academia.
Research with impact
Through our sustainability research, the University of St鈥疉ndrews aims not only to advance knowledge, but to contribute to real鈥憌orld change. By aligning research excellence with environmental responsibility and societal need, we seek to play a leading role in shaping sustainable futures locally and globally.