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Industrial decarbonisation presents Scotland with a major opportunity to reshape its economy for the future. To succeed, the transition must be: Strategically planned, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable

A report exploring community‑rooted research and why valuing lived experience and local knowledge is essential to effective policymaking.

The RSE has responsed to the consultation on the future of council tax in Scotland. It is vital that the Scottish Government and COSLA follow through on their commitment to reforming council tax.

The Policy in practice: How Scotland can get it right report brings together the work of three RSE-convened workgroups focused on the economy, the environment, and social inclusion and cohesion. It looks not only at what Scotland might choose to prioritise, but also at how policy can be done differently – how decisions are made, how trade-offs are handled, and how people can be more meaningfully involved in shaping change

This report introduces a framework for the motivations behind research‑policy exchange and for designing structures that support polciymaking.

The RSE responds to Environmental Standards Scotland’s draft strategy for 2026–2031, supporting its independent scrutiny role while calling for a stronger proactive approach. The RSE highlights the importance of horizon scanning, broader policy oversight, transparent processes, and adequate resourcing to ensure effective environmental governance in Scotland.

The RSE supports Scottish Water’s draft long-term strategy, which sets a positive vision for Scotland’s water sector while acknowledging challenges from climate change, ageing infrastructure, and demographic change.

This report captures insights from a conference, providing policymakers with a resource as they navigate the choices that will shape the system’s long-term potential.

Drawing on expert insights from the Office for National Statistics and the Scottish Leaders Forum, the report examines the challenges of developing meaningful metrics, the impact of regional differences, and how better data can drive more effective public service reform.

The Bill represents a key step toward embedding nature recovery targets in law, placing new responsibilities on the Scottish Government to deliver on its environmental commitments. The RSE’s response emphasises the importance of clear delivery plans, accountability, and alignment with broader land use and policy frameworks to ensure Scotland can effectively tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

The RSE responds to the Scottish Government’s Environment Strategy, supporting its ambitions but calling for a more integrated, systems-based approach. Highlighting the need for clearer monitoring and delivery plans, stronger links with agriculture and forestry policy, and better coordination with related environmental strategies.

A roundtable summary on how mathematical and data education must change to meet the shifting needs of the Scottish industrial landscape.

This report outlines the urgency of coordinated, long-term, and community-informed action to address the systemic challenges impacting children’s health and well-being.

The RSE responds to the inquiry into the trading relationship between the EU and UK. This submission will focus on issues relating to AI.

With key partners like Prosper and leading experts, we’ve been asking why has productivity stalled and what can we do about it – at the business and governmental level.

The report, ‘Gaps, overlaps, and challenges’, examine where the education reform agenda supports Scotland’s strategic goals and priorities.

The RSE’s is broadly in support of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill. However, further details are needed.

The RSE contributes expert analysis to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry on Scottish Government financing, reviewing the robustness of the Barnett formula, calling for multi-year funding settlements and better communication to elected officials on how the funding system operates.