Research
At the University of St Andrews, sustainability research addresses some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Our researchers work across disciplines to generate knowledge, inform policy, develop innovative solutions and support a just transition to a sustainable future.
Our approach combines two complementary ambitions:
- Researching environmental sustainability by advancing understanding of climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, energy, governance and social transformation.
- Conducting research sustainably by reducing the environmental impact of research activities and embedding responsible practices across the research lifecycle.
Research for a sustainable future
St Andrews takes a broad and inclusive view of sustainability research, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our researchers explore environmental sustainability in its widest sense, including:
- Climate change and inequality
- Biodiversity, ecosystems and nature recovery
- Energy systems and energy ethics
- Environmental humanities and cultures of sustainability
- Development, governance and political ecology
- Human impacts on ecosystems and populations
Learning through research
Students play an active role in sustainability research at St Andrews through a range of opportunities that connect learning with real‑world challenges.
- Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) enable students from any discipline and level to work together on interdisciplinary sustainability projects as part of their degree.
- The St Andrews Research Internship Scheme (StARIS) offers paid research internships, allowing students to develop research skills while contributing to projects addressing sustainability challenges and SDGs.
These opportunities support the development of research capability, systems thinking and practical experience, preparing students for sustainable careers and leadership.
Centres and interdisciplinary communities
Sustainability research at St Andrews is strengthened by a vibrant ecosystem of centres, networks and interdisciplinary communities, including:
- Centre for Energy Ethics (CEE) – exploring the social, political and ethical dimensions of energy systems and transitions
- Third Generation Project – addressing global social justice challenges through decolonised, community‑led research
- Biodiversity Interdisciplinary Research Community Hub (BIRCH) – supporting transdisciplinary work on nature, biodiversity and ecosystem management
- Environmental Humanities Network – examining cultural, historical and ethical dimensions of environmental change
- St Andrews Centre for Critical Sustainabilities (StACCS) – bringing together researchers across disciplines to co‑produce knowledge and practice responsible, partnership‑based sustainability research
Together, these communities reflect the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible research practice and meaningful engagement beyond academia.
Research with impact
Through our sustainability research, the University of St Andrews aims not only to advance knowledge, but to contribute to real‑world change. By aligning research excellence with environmental responsibility and societal need, we seek to play a leading role in shaping sustainable futures locally and globally.
Conducting research sustainably
The University is committed to conducting research responsibly, demonstrated via our aligment with the UK Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research. In line with the Environmental Concordat, we are committed to embedding environmental responsibility across the research lifecycle.
The University has also adopted the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) as a key mechanism for improving the environmental performance of laboratories.
LEAF is a sector‑leading framework developed by University College London that supports laboratories to take practical actions to reduce energy use, manage waste more effectively and adopt sustainable working practices. Laboratories are assessed against a structured set of criteria and can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation depending on the actions taken.
The University continues to support and expand participation in LEAF as part of its wider commitment to environmentally sustainable research.
Resources for Researchers
The University has produced a guide to support researchers undertake their research in as environmentally responsible way as possible. This guide will continue to be updated as work progresses across the institution.