Three collaborative projects involving researchers from the University of Aberdeen have secured support through the latest Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) Seed Fund, helping to advance innovative approaches to climate and sustainability challenges in Scotland.
The projects span three key areas of net zero research – renewable energy, sustainable diets and the circular economy – and bring together expertise from universities, policymakers and external partners to address some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges facing Scotland.
Scotland Beyond Net Zero is a coalition of climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities that aims to accelerate the country's transition to a more sustainable future through research, innovation and collaboration. The SBNZ Seed Fund supports interdisciplinary projects that align with themes including food, energy, transport, natural systems, finance and the built environment, while encouraging partnership working across institutions and sectors.
In the Energy category, the ‘Warming Up Aberdeen’ geothermal heating project has been awarded funding.
Led by Professor Clare Bond and Dr David Cornwell from the University of Aberdeen, alongside Professor Phil Hassard from Robert Gordon University, the research team will investigate how the region's geology could help deliver low-carbon heating. The project builds on existing city-wide initiatives and will generate new subsurface data and drilling models aimed at reducing risk and improving confidence for future geothermal developments.
Funding has also been awarded in the Sustainable Diets category for the project ‘Fairness, Feasibility and Acceptability of Dietary Transition Policies in Scotland’.
The research, which is led by Dr David McBey of the University of Aberdeen and Dr Stuart King of the University of Edinburgh, will examine how people across Scotland perceive potential policy measures designed to reduce consumption of red and processed meat, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Working alongside policy stakeholders, researchers will conduct a survey of 2,000 Scottish adults to explore which interventions are considered fair, practical and acceptable. The project combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights and novel LLM analysis techniques, drawing on expertise from the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute and the University of Edinburgh.
Finally, in the Circular Economy category, funding has been secured for a project exploring sustainable funeral provision.
Led by Professor Vikki Entwistle and Dr Arnar Árnason from the University of Aberdeen, and Dr Racheal Adedokun from Robert Gordon University, the research will bring together stakeholders to develop a future research agenda focused on reducing the environmental impact of funeral practices while ensuring funeral provision remains respectful, inclusive and responsive to diverse cultural, religious and personal values.
Professor Ben Tatler, Vice-Principal for Research at the University of Aberdeen, said: "These awards demonstrate the breadth and quality of the University's contribution to addressing Scotland's climate and sustainability challenges. From unlocking the potential of geothermal energy beneath our feet, to supporting more sustainable food systems and exploring innovative approaches within the circular economy, they bring together researchers, policymakers and communities to deliver impactful, interdisciplinary solutions.
"We are delighted to see our researchers playing leading roles in collaborative partnerships through Scotland Beyond Net Zero, helping to generate the evidence, innovation and engagement needed to support a just transition to a more sustainable future."
The three projects highlight the University of Aberdeen's commitment to delivering research that addresses real-world challenges while supporting Scotland's ambitions to achieve net zero and build a more resilient, sustainable society.