Research Innovation Enterprise

Universities unite to collaboratively combat the climate crisis

Call for academic themes leads with research interests in finance or food to get involved.

Earlier this year, Edinburgh Napier University became an active member of Scotland Beyond Net Zero, an ambitious new climate and sustainability partnership aiming to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a post-net-zero future.

About Scotland Beyond Net Zero

Scotland Beyond Net Zero brings together climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities, harnessing research, data, and innovation to reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint and support the country in achieving Net Zero by 2045.

This partnership marks the latest commitment to sustainability from Edinburgh Napier University. The University’s core strategy includes a commitment to achieving net zero carbon in its operations by 2030, minimising its wider and legacy carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable practices within and beyond its campuses.

Call for Theme Leads

Scotland Beyond Net Zero is currently seeking academics from across their network of universities to lead research, partnerships and collaboration across two key themes:

  1. Food
  2. Finance

The Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) Theme Leads, in either food or finance, will provide leadership on academic and external partner engagement, and research and innovation in the relevant theme. This will include leading activities across SBNZ member universities on the theme of food or finance in relation to climate and net zero, acting as a champion for SBNZ and helping develop research and engagement activity in the chosen theme.

Please note, this is a voluntary position, with a suggested time commitment of two volunteer days per month. Find out more about the role by visiting the SBNZ website.

How to apply: Email a CV, and a short statement which sets out your suitability for the role to sbnz@ed.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: 25 November 2024

Edinburgh Napier University’s Work in Sustainability to date:

  • Edinburgh Napier University’s sustainability goals include the work of academic, research, professional, and community-based expertise, to lead and encourage climate action
  • Edinburgh Napier was named the top university in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics by the People and Planet University League in 2021 and 2022
  • Edinburgh Napier was recently recognised by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 for its progress in several key areas of sustainable development
  • Following an evaluation against the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Edinburgh Napier scored 76.1 out of 100, achieving an overall rank of 301-400 out of 1,963 participating institutions.

Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Principal of Research & Innovation, said:

“We have a strong history of enhancing environmental sustainability within and beyond the University, and have embedded fundamental and far-reaching environmental sustainability commitments within our core University Strategy.

“As an academic, research, professional, and community-focused organisation, we acknowledge our collective accountability and responsibility to mitigate existing and future impacts while recognising our historical impact.

“The collaborative partnership at the heart of Scotland Beyond Net Zero will help us drive results, facilitate meaningful action, and ensure Scotland plays a valuable role in tackling the impact of climate change, both at regional and global levels.”