Two University of Dundee projects have been awarded seed funding through Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) — a national programme connecting university researchers with policymakers, public organisations, and local communities. The SBNZ Seed Fund supports work that goes further than standard net zero targets, also addressing climate justice, nature recovery and biodiversity, and how communities can thrive in a sustainable future.
Both successful projects are joint partnerships with the University of St Andrews.
🟢 Blending Finance for Nature Restoration
Lead researchers: Professor Colin Dey (University of Dundee) and Dr Shona Russell (University of St Andrews)
Working alongside Bioregioning Tayside in the River Isla area, this project will look at how public, private, and charitable funding sources can be combined to support ecological restoration and strengthen community wellbeing. The team aims to develop approaches that are both environmentally beneficial and socially fair.
🟢 Community Resilience Through Open-Source Communications
Lead researchers: Dr Martin Skelly (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Dundee) and Dr Loraine Clarke (University of St Andrews)
Partnering with communities in Meigle and Ardler, this project will test and develop independent communication networks built on open-source technology. Designed to keep working during floods, power cuts, or mobile network failures, these systems will help local areas stay connected and better prepared for climate-related disruption.
🗣️ Project Leaders Welcome the Awards
Professor Lorraine van Blerk, Vice Principal for Research and Innovation at the University of Dundee, said:
“We are very pleased to see our researchers’ work supported by Scotland Beyond Net Zero. This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate across Scottish institutions on vital issues — helping communities build resilience and shaping better policy for the future.”
ℹ️ About Scotland Beyond Net Zero
SBNZ brings together Scottish universities to pool research expertise and develop solutions that go beyond basic net zero goals. Its work is organised around six key themes: Built Environment, Energy, Finance, Food, Natural Systems, and Transport.
The Seed Fund provides grants of up to £15,000 per project, shared between collaborating university partners. Now in its third year, the 2026 round supports more projects across more institutions than ever before.
Professor Chris Pearce, Vice Principal at the University of Glasgow and Chair of the SBNZ Governing Board, commented:
“This year we have expanded our investment and reach. These projects show the breadth and quality of sustainability research across Scotland. We look forward to seeing real, lasting benefits for both communities and the environment.”