Research at the ERI currently focuses on four primary themes:

Peatlands: Studying peatland resilience across scales and disciplines
The team works in the Flow Country peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. This is the largest blanket bog system in Europe and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is changing fast due to restoration, development, and more frequent climate extremes. Our work provides evidence to shape policy and practice for a resilient peatland future. We support wider research access and coordinate the Flow Country Research Hub.

Peatland resilience in a changing world
Fate of organic matter
Sustainable land use and thriving communities

Pollution: Investigating environmental contamination and developing sustainable solutions
We assess the occurrence, behaviour, and effects of contaminants including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and metals. We evaluate risks to biodiversity at multiple levels and support decision makers through the One Health agenda. We lead the UHI WaterHub to address drinking water and wastewater challenges in rural regions.
Sustainable water quality management and wastewater treatment
Monitoring and assessing impacts of pollutants 
Minimising pollution in rural sectors
Preventing harm from priority pollutants 

Energy: Renewable energy and the environment
We study how renewable energy development interacts with the environment and communities. Our work supports Scotland’s energy goals and helps shape sustainable approaches for wind, wave, and tidal systems. We combine measurements, experiments, modelling, and remote sensing across ecology, oceanography, and socioeconomics.
Renewable energy and the environment 
Oceanographic and hydrodynamic understanding
Innovative sensors, platforms, and measurement techniques
Energy systems

Society: Connecting environment, economy, and wellbeing through place-based innovation. This theme focuses on rural, remote, coastal, and island communities where environmental and social systems are closely linked. We support inclusive growth and resilience across the Highlands and Islands and contribute to Scotland’s fair transition.
Circular economy

One Health 
Transition to net zero
Sustainable and regenerative land use