Alliances for Research Challenges Launch: a celebration of collaboration across sectors

 

On the 23rd of October, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) hosted the launch of the Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The ARC initiatives are funded by the SFC and connect Scotland’s research excellence to Scotland’s national challenges, aiming to coordinate the research community across disciplines, institutions and sectors to leverage additional funding into our system, aligning with Scottish Government priorities.

Emilie Combet presents the Scottish Alliance for Food at the Royal Society of Edinburgh

 

The Scottish Alliance for Food is one of the four ARCs funded by SFC alongside the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes, and Livelihoods, the Brain Health Alliance, and the Quantum Technologies Alliance.

Presenting the vision for SCAF, Professor Emilie Combet, our Alliance Director and Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Glasgow, said that...

“Our world is rapidly changing, and is marked by the climate emergency, global health concerns, and economic disparities. Now is the key moment to catalyse research & translation to ensure that food systems emerge as part of the solution to these issues. Our vision for this challenge is future-focused, interdisciplinary research driving a reimagined food landscape, which is healthful, equitable and sustainable.”

The launch provided a unique platform for distinguished guests to discuss the ARCs, their pivotal role within the Scottish research and innovation ecosystem, and future plans. Attendees shared reflections on conversation topics, including equality, diversity, and inclusion, early career researcher support, funding challenges, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. You can view their responses via the links below.

Barriers to Research

Early Career Researcher Support

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SCAF will continue to collaborate with the other three ARCs to co-organise events and activities that will connect our nation’s research excellence with national challenges and transform the research landscape for the better in our respective fields.

 

You can learn more about the ARCs in this video from the SFC launch event.

First published: 24 October 2023

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