ERI is committed to making its research accessible to a wide audience to ensure people understand the importance of science in their lives. We seek to promote environmental research locally, nationally and internationally through a tailored programme of outreach, using the skills of staff to ensure our research is valued and accessible. Our aim is to provide opportunities for students of all ages to gain knowledge and understanding through science-based activity.
Outreach activity and community engagement is undertaken through synergies with other activities and a commitment to ensuring our research is widely understood. Through social media and scientific communication our staff and students provide information which brings many benefits to the local community. Along with schools activity, we produce regular publications; provide briefings to government; give public presentations; contribute to debates on contemporary environmental issues and undertake family-orientated outreach activity.
Events and Seminars
Our monthly seminar series is held in Castle Street and is open to everyone. Invited speakers (from across the globe) provide information on a range of topics and encourage local debate on key environmental issues which have the potential to impinge upon community life. Seminars are advertised on this website, Caithness.org and ‘flyers’ circulated around the community via electronic mailing list.
Our conferences and workshops bring investment and international experience to the north. These events are significant in building the profile of the ERI, UHI, and the region as a whole and importantly, afford opportunity for local engagement.
Newsletters
Our seasonal newsletter (ERI elements) provides a quarterly update on research activity and is highly regarded as a useful tool for raising awareness about the outstanding natural environments that are present in the north. All newsletters are archived and available to download here.
The Flow Country Research Hub Newsletter (coordinated by the ERI) promotes peatland research in the north to an international audience. This news letter is archived and can be downloaded here.
Schools activity
ERI is actively involved in the promotion of careers in science. By supporting the school curricula (e.g. science tasters) and initiatives such a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and AspireNorth we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and encourage the uptake of these subjects at school
By working with teachers to support the provision of high quality education, ERI aims to help local young people to achieve their full academic potential. We provide work experience and Nuffield projects for senior high school pupils, both of which help to build confidence, provide a boost to university applications and have a significant influence on career choice.
Student placement
Our placement programme provides opportunity for undergraduates and international students (ERASMUS mobility) to gain laboratory and fieldwork skills (essential for securing work). These placements may contribute to their final year dissertation and vary from 3 months to a year (depending on degree requirements).