Research, development and innovation in chemical sciences

Research and development in chemical sciences here in Scotland is flourishing. With world-class universities pioneering everything from drug development to fight disease to developing new types of cleaner fuel, Scotland is currently the place to be.

• The strengths of chemical research in Scottish universities include:
• Close relationships with major companies in key industrial sectors;
• Much of the research is ‘applied’ in that it is designed to address specific industrial issues;
• Public sector support for academic research, for example the ITI's (Intermediary Technology Institutes);
• Strong relationships with other academic partners, for example medical schools and agricultural colleges;
• Multi-disciplinary teams provide a holistic approach to projects.

Support for technology commercialisation

• Proof of Concept Programme
  The programme supports pre-commercialisation of leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland's universities, research institutes and NHS Boards. It helps researchers export their ideas and inventions from the lab to the global marketplace.

Current research projects

Scotland’s universities boast top-rated facilities in chemistry and related subjects. Leading universities include:

• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Heriot Watt University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Abertay
• University of Dundee
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of Paisley
• University of St Andrews
• University of Strathclyde

Two current research projects underway at Scottish universities include:

• Researchers at University of Strathclyde have developed Leucovorin as an anti-cancer drug.
• Researchers at University of St Andrews are developing solid oxide fuel cell materials. The group has collaborations with companies such as Tioxide, BG plc, Rolls Royce, Japan Storage Batteries and Nissan. For more information visit the University of St Andrews School of Chemistry.

Below you can find a quick guide to research fields and the Scottish universities that specialise in them:

• Materials chemistry – University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University and University of St Andrews.
• Synthesis – University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University (especially medicinally important compounds) and University of St Andrews.
• Process technologies and optimisation – Robert Gordon University, University of Edinburgh.
• Catalysis – University of Aberdeen and University of Glasgow.
• Environmental speciation and remediation – University of Aberdeen
• Medicinal chemistry – University of Aberdeen

ScotCHEM

ScotCHEM is a major new collaborative venture for the pooling and enhancement of resources for chemistry research in Scotland, bringing together the major players in research in chemical sciences. Visit www.scotchem.ac.uk for more infomation.

ScotCHEM encompasses two funded “pairing” initiatives:

• WestCHEM
  Comprising of Glasgow and Strathclyde universities. Research focuses on functional materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, structural chemistry, analytical and biological chemistry, chemical proteomics and heterogeneous catalysis.
  Visit www.westchem.ac.uk for more information.
• EaStCHEM
  Bringing together Edinburgh and St Andrews universities. Research specialities include biophysical chemistry, chemical biology, organic synthesis, structural chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry/chemical physics.
  Visit www.eastchem.ac.uk for more information.

A separate Heriot-Watt initiative is also funded, and Dundee and Aberdeen Universities are also involved and will benefit from the development of enhanced research networks and improved access to major research resources.

*Image courtesy of FUJIFILM Imaging Colorants.