Research

A unique location for research

Surrounded by a rich variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, the SCENE field station gives researchers unique research opportunities for studying a broad range of species and ecological communities.

The area as a whole is recognized as being of international conservation value and many of its habitats carry the highest possible designations.  The local fauna and flora includes a number of threatened species that would profit from a better understanding of their ecology and management needs.

SCENE is part of the University of Glasgow's College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, which comprises the largest single group of life scientists in Europe. Current work at SCENE underpins an active research portfolio across the entire spectrum from the fundamental to the highly applied. Our laboratory facilities, climatized rooms, aquaria and experimental streams enable rigorous experimental tests alongside field observations, all conducted at the same location. These features attract scientists of the highest quality, from throughout Scotland and around the world, to work and collaborate on a wide range of environmental research questions.

An international reputation

SCENE supports a wide range of research from ornithology and fish biology to aquatic ecosystems, physiological, theoretical and molecular ecology.

Since 2008, research carried out at SCENE has resulted in over 100 research publications in peer-reviewed, international journals. The studies have been supported by research grants in excess of £5 million from a diverse range of funders.

Research areas supported by SCENE include a range of organismal groups (ornithology, fish biology, herpetology, plant biology), and span a wide range of disciplines, including disease ecology, physiological ecology, theoretical ecology, community & population ecology, molecular ecology, life history ecology and evolutionary genetics. In addition to being of international significance,current research projects often also have a local, Scottish impact such as studies on the impacts of recreational boating on the local environment.

State of the art facilities

Our new facilities are expanding our research capabilities to continue to understand and protect our environment and work towards the global challenge of reconciling exploitation and conservation.

With new, expanded facilities to enhance SCENE’s capabilities, we are in an outstanding position to support a current generation of researchers tackling both basic and applied questions and seeking solutions to global challenges from biodiversity loss to pollution and environmental change.

SCENE’s new research, wing costing £3.6m, opened in 2007, as the first part of a £7m re-development to enhance both our research and teaching capabilities. With improved amenities such as molecular labs, sample storage facilities and additional accommodation for staff, this has significantly increased research capacity at SCENE. Together with the new teaching wing under construction, we are creating a premier setting for promoting the scientific understanding of our environment, how it works and how we can best protect it.