Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools – Guidance and Disclosure

Applicants must confirm compliance with institutional AI policies, disclose any AI tools used, describe their intended use, and outline how risks (e.g. bias, data protection, accuracy) will be mitigated. All AI use must be appropriately acknowledged in the application and project outputs.

Applicants who intend to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as part of a project must provide the following information:

  1. Compliance with Institutional Policies
    Researchers must consult and adhere to their institutional or university policies governing the use of AI, including data protection, ethics, and research integrity requirements.
  2. Transparency and Acknowledgement
    The use of AI tools must be clearly acknowledged within the application and in all resulting project outputs (e.g. publications, reports, presentations), in line with recognised academic and professional standards.
  3. Details of AI Tools
    • Name(s) of AI tool(s) proposed for use (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.)
    • Provider/vendor, if applicable
  4. Proposed Use
    Provide a brief description of how the AI tool(s) will be used within the project (e.g. literature review support, data analysis assistance, drafting content).
  5. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
    Outline any potential risks associated with the use of AI (e.g. data privacy, bias, inaccuracies, intellectual property concerns) and describe how these risks will be identified, managed, and mitigated.

Workshop insights for Scotland’s transition to greater surface water reuse

Scotland’s critical water infrastructure faces growing pressure from urban expansion and rising water demands compounded by climate change. These challenges highlight the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of our water resources. Learning from diverse perspectives and practical examples is essential as Scotland moves from traditional surface water collection and treatment systems toward greater surface water reuse. 

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Scotland’s Flood Forecasting

Flooding is one of the most serious climate-related risks facing Scotland, with events expected to become more frequent and severe. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) plays a vital role in forecasting floods, issuing warnings, and helping communities prepare. Exciting new research led by the University of Strathclyde and funded by CREW explored how cutting-edge technologies could strengthen these efforts.

Water and Society

Aerial view of Elie and Earlsferry. Photo credit: Posnov. Source: Getty Images

Tags

CREW is governed according to key policy areas in Scotland’s water sector including flooding, water scarcity, coastal erosion, catchment management, rural sustainability, water quality and health, and resource recovery. Cross-cutting activities focus on adapting to climate change, land use and urbanisation, promoting the circular economy, a post-COVID green recovery, the move to net zero and a just transition for communities.

All our work has an overarching consideration of maximising the benefits of research to society and the environment.

Who can request CREW work?

CREW projects originate from our water policy, regulatory and industry partners as need arises. The organisations that can request work through CREW are: Scottish Government, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Drinking Water Quality Regulator, Scottish Water, NatureScot, Scottish Canals, Food Standards Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland, Consumer Scotland and Public Health Scotland.

Water Scarcity in Scotland: Future Impact for Distilleries and Agriculture

A recent CREW project led by The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen, and the British Geological Survey, highlighted a pressing issue for Scotland: the increasing likelihood and duration of water scarcity events due to climate change. This project, focused on the impact of these changes on three critical sectors—crop production, livestock farming, and distilleries.

Water Quality and Health

Water running over rocks, Glen Etive. Photo credit: Jeremy Walker. Source: Getty Images

Tags

CREW’s Water Quality and Health theme focusses on providing high quality science knowledge regarding:

  • Water, wastewater and drainage
  • Human and environmental health
  • Epidemiology
  • Contaminants in the environment

The projects undertaken within this theme support policy and regulation areas including:

  • Drinking Water Directive
  • Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
  • Water Framework Directive
  • One Health Framework

Recent research published within this thematic area includes:

Sustainable Communities

Sustainable Rural Communities
Rural communities face particular challenges for access to affordable energy, treatment and disposal of waste and the provision of drinking water supplies. The Sustainable Rural Community concept envisions a paradigm shift in delivery of these services and aims to deliver a closed loop system that would be carbon and energy neutral, cost-effective and resilient.
Subscribe to