Scotland is an attractive location for scientists and researchers. There are more research professionals per capita in Scotland that the rest of the UK.
News from Scotland
Scotland can be considered the most active country of the UK in scientific research and development. The country boasts a strong source of knowledge in this industry ranging from the many universities undertaking world leading research.
Public funding for university research in Scotland is delivered by a dual support system comprising:
- a block grant given by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC)
- competitively awarded grants from the UK-wide Research Councils
There are 19 universities in Scotland, three of which have achieved a top 200 ranking in the world in the Times Higher Education listings for 2024.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework – which measures the quality of research in UK universities – 84% of research in Scotland’s universities was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council, British Council Scotland, Scottish Development International, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh have developed an active partnership approach to international collaboration through the Connected Scotland initiative. This involves identifying priority countries for collaborative engagement based on Scotland wide priorities and collective assets. To date, initiatives have involved using Scotland’s Research Pools to engage with Hong Kong, Brazil and a cross sector mission to Indonesia. In the case of Hong Kong this has resulted in a jointly funded post graduate scholarship scheme in the areas of Energy and Life Sciences. China, Malaysia and India are the next group of priority countries for Connected Scotland.
National Innovation Strategy 2023 to 2033
The Government's National innovation strategy 2023 to 2033 outlines a vision for Scotland to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world. The ten-year strategy document details plans to deliver on that ambition. Innovation is highlighted as a key tool to make Scotland a fairer, more equal, wealthier and greener country.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is committed to long-term infrastructure investments in the national innovation centre programme. The investments aim to create transformational collaborations between universities; colleges; and the public and private sector.
Scotland has a very good reputation for the transfer of knowledge from the research base to industrial and commercial applications. Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national and international economic development agency. It helps helps innovators start their own business and social enterprises.
Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scottish Enterprise.
Useful links
Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
James Hutton Research Institute
Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health