Our research

Communities and youth futures

We focus on increasing intergenerational understanding to foster resilient and thriving communities across the Highlands and Islands and internationally. This theme focuses on the experiences, aspirations and rights of children and young people whilst also respecting broader human rights and the traditions, social norms and wisdom of older generations.

The concept of intergenerational justice within this theme helps us to learn from the past whilst understanding how communities and youth futures are shaped by issues such as education, employment, rural depopulation and strategies for sustainable development

Working with public and third sector partners across the region and internationally, our research employs creative and participatory research.

Nature and wellbeing

Working across disciplines and partnerships with community groups, public sector and local businesses, we understand the relationships between people and nature so that immediate needs in communities are balanced with long term wellbeing of future generations.

Our research across environmental social sciences, creative practice and psychology explores the connections between the natural world and human wellbeing with a focus on the unique landscapes.

Research investigates issues around access to nature, biodiversity and human-wildlife conflicts and contributions, environmental stewardship across land management and practices and the indicators of progress that incorporate community values and sustainability as prioritised by local communities. It also explores past, present and future systems and relationships that can support and improve physical, mental and social wellbeing and quality of life.

Enterprising ecosystems

Our aim is to support innovative, community based and relevant enterprises that align with our mission of sustainability. We aim to promote entrepreneurial thinking and models of entrepreneurship that support vibrant local economies whilst respecting social equalities and inclusion, cultural heritage, local and global environments.

Our entrepreneurship team, CREATE, inspires, encourages and supports students, staff and the business community to develop the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to realist their potential through enterprise. We achieve this through events, competitions, start-up support services, skills development programmes and support to educators.