Environmental Research Institute

14/09/2026

A generator failure at Dunnet Head led to an unexpected solution for PhD researcher Amy Jones and her seabird research team.

While carrying out radar surveys to monitor seabird activity, the team switched to portable solar panels to power the radar equipment, computers and displays inside their fieldwork vehicle.

The setup allowed the research to continue while reducing fuel use, generator emissions and noise at the field site.

It’s a useful example of how adapting the way we work can make field research more sustainable, even in remote locations.

Read the full story: https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/news/uhi-north-west-and-hebridesturnsa-generator-failure-into-a-solar-powered-success.html

11/09/2026

A new study will investigate one of the UK’s smallest and most elusive seabirds, the European storm petrel, which weighs the equivalent of just three £1 coins.

Led by Atlantic58 Ltd and involving UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Environmental Research Institute, the project will take researchers to the Summer Isles near Ullapool to explore how these secretive birds can be better monitored and protected.

Read the full story in the comments ⬇️

09/07/2026

We're hiring! 📢 Two great opportunities to join our team at ERI:

🌿 Research Assistant - Peatlands
📍 Thurso | 28 hrs/week (sick cover)
Support fieldwork and research in the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🔬 Laboratory Technician
📍 Thurso | 35 hrs/week, permanent
Provide technical support across our research, teaching and commercial lab activities.

Full details, job descriptions and how to apply: https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/vacancies

08/07/2026

📢 We are recruiting! 📢

The Environmental Research Institute (ERI), part of UHI North, West and Hebrides and the University of the Highlands and Islands, is expanding its research team and we are currently recruiting for three Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) / Research Fellow positions.

Based in the North of Scotland, ERI undertakes research and knowledge exchange that addresses some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Our work spans:

💧 Pollution
🌱 Peatlands
⚡ Energy
🤝 Society

These new appointments will strengthen our existing areas of excellence while helping us develop new opportunities across sustainability, the circular economy, and One Health.

We are looking for talented and motivated researchers who want to build their careers within a supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment, while working closely with industry, communities, policymakers, and academic partners across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing research institute with regional impact and international reach.

For further information and application details, please see:
https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/staff/vacancies/eri-postdoctoral-research-associates-pdra-or-research-fellows-x3.html?utm_source=InHouse&utm_medium=UHIWebsite&utm_campaign=VacancyClickOut

Please share this post with your networks, colleagues, collaborators, former students, and anyone who may be interested.

We look forward to welcoming new colleagues to ERI and continuing to grow our research community.

22/05/2026

Congratulations to Professor Stuart Gibb, who has won the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member award at The Herald Education Awards for Further and Higher Education 2026. 🏆

The award recognises Stuart’s impact across education, environmental research and community collaboration across the Highlands and Islands.

We’re incredibly proud to see his work recognised on a national stage.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4f2bYX3

01/04/2026

One of our Environmental Research Institute team is taking on an incredible challenge this weekend!

Professor Roxane Andersen, a peatland scientist based in Caithness, is planning a 110 km south–north traverse across the Flow Country in a single day. Her research focuses on understanding how peatlands respond to land use and climate change, right here in the north of Scotland.

The Flow Country, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most extensive and intact blanket bogs in the world. Roxane’s challenge aims to help raise awareness of this globally important landscape.

Follow her journey on the day here: https://live.kongtracking.com/R100RFC2026/

Best of luck, Roxane!

27/01/2026

Work to restore Scotland’s peatlands is accelerating to help meet climate change targets. This collection of short courses is aimed at supporting anyone working or looking to work in the peatland restoration industry.

06/01/2026

Introduction to Peatland Restoration

This free, two-day course provides an introduction to peatland ecology and the principles behind restoration techniques currently being used across Scotland.

📍 Armadale Village Hall
📅 2 – 3 February
⏰ 9:30am – 4pm

The course blends classroom sessions in Armadale with discussions on a nearby peatland where restoration work is taking place, giving real-world context to the learning.

Topics include peatland formation and function, common restoration measures such as drain blocking and reprofiling, protected species and licencing, spatial data capture, monitoring restoration outcomes, and health and safety on peatland sites.

Funded through NatureScot Peatland ACTION. Book now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975984693410?aff=oddtdtcreator

This 2 day course will give you an overview on the make up and ecology of Peatlands and the theory behind restoration techniques needed.

22/12/2025

Our free Peatland Short Courses support people who are working in, or looking to enter, the peatland restoration sector.

Courses include:
➕ Introduction to peatland restoration
➕ Protected species on peatlands
➕ Introduction to GIS for peatland restoration

Courses are funded through NatureScot Peatland ACTION.

Places are limited. View all courses and book: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/peatland-short-courses-4801003

Work to restore Scotland’s peatlands is accelerating to help meet climate change targets. This collection of short courses is aimed at supporting anyone working or looking to work in the peatland restoration industry.

17/12/2025

Peatland restoration activity is increasing across Scotland, with growing demand for practical skills and experience.

We’re pleased to be running our Peatland Short Courses again, offering short, focused training for anyone interested in peatland restoration work.

Our work was recently recognised with the Innovation and Research Award at the 2025 CDN College Awards for the For Peat’s Sake project, delivered in collaboration with ERI and NatureScot Peatland ACTION and focused on connecting research with real-world training.

Explore courses and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/peatland-short-courses-4801003