Scotland’s International Environment Centre Annual Review 2024-25

Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC) was established with a clear mission: to build a global exemplar of a net zero regional economy through innovation and strategic partnerships. We achieve this by enabling impactful research and development that attracts inward investment while fostering the skills and solutions essential for a thriving green economy.

Now in our fourth year, SIEC continues to drive transformative culture change and develop the systems and solutions that underpin a just transition to net zero. At the heart of our work lies the Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA), which powers the groundbreaking Satellite Emergency Mapping System (SEMS). This pioneering technology is revolutionising Scotland's emergency response capabilities for floods, wildfires, landslides, and oil spills.

Our infrastructure continues to expand, with environmental data now being enriched by social insights through a £5 million partnership exploring how Scotland's water resources can deliver enhanced outcomes across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Through the Scotland Beyond Net Zero partnership, we collaborate with higher education institutions nationwide to catalyse research, empower communities, and translate knowledge into practice.

Internationally, SIEC expertise is establishing a pioneering environmental observatory of the Black Sea. This initiative – along with an international working group led by former First Minister and University of Stirling Chancellor Lord McConnell - supports the transition to a thriving blue economy and demonstrates our commitment to applying UK science and research for global impact.

Locally, we continue empowering Forth Valley businesses through comprehensive net zero support for small enterprises. Our expanding Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are building environmental innovation capability both regionally and nationally by forging strategic industry partnerships, embedding sustainable practices, and creating regional talent pools for clean growth. In 2024-25 alone, we supported 20 entrepreneurs in developing cutting-edge environmental and low-carbon solutions, while engaging many businesses in active research and development.

Our community impact extends beyond business. In May 2024, Stirling High School pupils received parliamentary commendation for their innovative thinking, winning both the SIEC Young Pathfinders Climate Competition Award and Sustainable Art Challenge - highlighting the growing success of the youth engagement programme. In September, we were delighted to welcome Cllr Fiona Law, Clackmannanshire Council’s Spokesperson for Environment and Net Zero spokesperson, to welcome the 2024-25 Pathfinders cohort as they begin their own learning journey. SIEC has now delivered 118 skills and training courses in net zero subjects, with 32 specifically designed for under-represented groups, while the Forth Climate Forest has gained endorsement from both the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Scottish Parliament for its integrated, community-focused approach.

This constellation of activities contributed to the University of Stirling's recognition in June 2025 as a top 200 global institution for its contribution to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

While the path to net zero presents significant challenges, SIEC's achievements since its launch demonstrate we are reaching crucial milestones toward our shared ambitions. Together, we will continue advancing this vital journey toward our sustainable future.

Professor Paul A. Townsend

Deputy Principal Research and Innovation
Interim Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Business Engagement
University of Stirling

Forth Environmental Resilience Array: Developing catchment-wide data modelling to enable low carbon opportunities.

Young Pathfinders: Equipping the next generation to thrive in a climate-changed world.

Net zero support for business: Supporting businesses in the region to set and achieve their Net Zero goals.

Scotland’s Hydro Nation Chair: Bringing Scotland’s water sector together to drive #NetZero.

Forth Climate Forest: Supporting ecology, sustainability and wellbeing through planting 16.4 million. new trees.

FORTH20 Policy Innovation Partnership: Optimising water resources for people and nature

DOORS: Working with partners across Europe to support regeneration of the Black Sea and its coastal communities.

DANUBIUS Implementation Phase: Demonstrating how modelling river-sea continuums can support adaptation and resilience to climate change.

MOT4Rivers: Exploring how pollution and climate change are impacting freshwater ecosystems

MERLIN: Transforming ecosystem restoration through mainstreaming nature-based solutions