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Our Work

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The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) supports the Scottish Government and delivery partners to inform and steer water policy, by delivering objective and robust research and expert opinion. Aligned to our vision to get the right information, to the right people, in the right way at the right time, CREW provides high quality policy relevant research, recommendations, and guidance to its stakeholders. 

Background

Established in 2011, CREW supports Scotland’s legislative Hydro Nation agenda and contributes to the delivery of the Strategy for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research 2022-2027 via the Strategic Research Programme (SRP). The Centre contributes to a range of Scottish/UK/EU policy development and implementation strategies, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 6, for the provision of clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Policy areas

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. >

Themes

CREW’s themes are responsive and linked to contemporary and emerging issues and the disciplines required to deliver knowledge to support policy. The themes for 2022-27 are pictured below, with links to individual theme pages.

 

Water and Society

Hydrological Extremes, Coasts and Risk Management

Hydrological Extremes, Coasts and Risk Management

Our Hydrological Extremes, Coasts and Risk Management theme aims to improve the understanding of climate-water interactions from source to sea.

Our research supports key policies, including Scotland’s Climate Change Plan and the Flood Risk Management Act. 

Land and Water Resource Management

Land and Water Resource Management

Our Land and Water Resource Management theme aims to support the recognition and quality of the ecosystem services on which society depends.

Our research supports key policies, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the River Basin Management Planning (RBMP 3).

Water Quality and Health

Water Quality and Health

Our Water Quality and Health theme aims to improve the understanding of the interrelationships between water quality and human/environmental health.

Our research supports key policies, including the Drinking Water Directive and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

All our work has an overarching consideration of Water and Society. Key considerations include sustainable water use, societal perceptions of water issues, water resilient places and technologies. CREW themes are responsive and linked to contemporary and emerging issues and the disciplines required to deliver knowledge supporting policy.

Our previous areas of research funded between 2016 and 2022 are still available to view.