Science and research
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Using Discrete Event Simulation to explore "what-if" waiting list scenarios in NHS Scotland
This publication explores the usability of the discrete event simulation method for modelling NHS Scotland planned care waiting lists, given the data available. As an initial case study the focus was on ophthalmology, and in particular cataract surgery.
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Boosting university spin-outs
Capitalising on Scottish innovation, ideas and expertise.
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Research commercialisation - Proof of Concept Fund: guidance
The Scottish Proof of Concept Fund is open to researchers based at Scottish universities with innovative ideas and will provide support for early-to-mid stage commercialisation activities. The fund will be open for applications from 12 June to 4 July 2025.
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Realistic Medicine and Value Based Health and Care Casebook
The Realistic Medicine Casebook shows how teams across Scotland are putting Realistic Medicine into practice. It’s a practical guide offering inspiration and support for those adopting its principles and a celebration of progress in transforming care to deliver what matters to the people we care for
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Realistic Medicine: Survey Highlights
The 2025 Realistic Medicine Survey reveals professionals’ views on progress towards the 2025 vision, including support for practising Realistic Medicine, barriers encountered, and future priorities to deliver outcomes that matter to people and help create a more sustainable health and care system.
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International education strategy: annual report 2024 to 2025
Scotland's international education strategy annual report 2024-2025 is the first published report against the actions in the original strategy It summarises progress against the three themes and sets out priorities for the year ahead to be delivered in collaboration with colleges and universities.
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Health - redesign of urgent care: evaluation - technical report
Technical report to support the redesign of urgent care evaluation main report.
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Health - redesign of urgent care: evaluation - summary report
Summary report to support the redesign of urgent care evaluation main report.
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Health - redesign of urgent care: evaluation - main report
The Redesign of Urgent Care pathway aims to improve patients’ access to urgent care. The evaluation captured patient and staff experiences of the pathway and analysed key urgent care delivery metrics, enhancing our understanding of what is working well and areas for improvement.
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Pandemic Ready: Safeguarding Our Future Through Preparedness
Final report of the Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness. This responds to the commission by the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, for the Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness to provide advice to the Scottish Government on preparedness for future pandemics.
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Vaping and smoking among Scottish adolescents
This report presents results for Scotland from the ASH SmokeFree GB Youth survey to provide a picture of underage smoking and vaping behaviours
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2029 - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2024: technical report
This report provides information on the technical aspects of the 2024 Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey (SCPES), including development, implementation, analysis and reporting.
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Realistic Medicine - Taking Care: Chief Medical Officer for Scotland annual report 2023 to 2024
This is the Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith's fourth annual report, and the eighth report on Realistic Medicine. The overarching aim of Realistic Medicine is to deliver better value care for patients, and for our health and care system.
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Adults with Incapacity Amendment Act: consultation
This consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. The changes put the adult front and centre of the legislation, reflecting UNCRPD, deprivation of liberty case law and the recommendations of the Scottish Mental Health Law Review
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Learning: For All. For Life. A report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD)
This is the Report of the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD), which was led by Kate Still. The Independent Review began in December 2023 and was commissioned by the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Veterans.
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Learning: For All. For Life. A report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD) – Learners Summary
This is a Learners Summary of the Report of the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD). The review was led by Kate Still. It began in December 2023 and was commissioned by the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Veterans.
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Genomics in Scotland strategy: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment - stage 1 and 2
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) stage 1 and 2 for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future five-year national strategy (2024 to 2029).
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Genomics in Scotland strategy: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future - a five-year national strategy (2024-2029).
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Genomics in Scotland strategy: Fairer Scotland Duty summary
Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment (FSD) summary for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future - a five-year national strategy (2024-2029).
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Genomics in Scotland strategy: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future five-year national strategy (2024 to 2029).
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Genomics in Scotland strategy: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) results for the Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future - a five-year national strategy (2024-2029).
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Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 strategy: progress report
This sets out the policy framework for air quality in Scotland to 2026 and includes a comprehensive list of actions across ten policy areas. This third annual report summarises progress on actions since the last report in September 2023.
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Record high peatland restoration
Improving climate change resilience.
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Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining Our Strategic Approach: Equality Impact Assessment Record
The Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining our Strategic Approach was introduced by the Scottish Government to develop healthcare science in Scotland. This sets out a vision and ambitions for the profession, and also the key themes in which future work will be undertaken.
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Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining Our Strategic Approach: Island Communities Impact Assessment
The Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining our Strategic Approach was introduced by the Scottish Government to develop healthcare science in Scotland. This sets out a vision and ambitions for the profession, and also the key themes in which future work will be undertaken.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future Strategy: Implementation Plan Year One
Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future. Implementation Plan Year One 2024-2025.
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Genomic medicine strategy 2024 to 2029
Our strategy for transforming genomic medicine across Scotland from 2024 to 2029.
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Healthcare science: strategic approach
The approach we will take to develop healthcare science in Scotland. This sets out a vision and ambitions for the profession, and also the key themes in which future work will be undertaken.
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Scotland's international education strategy
Scotland’s International Education Strategy sets out a framework to cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in education, research and knowledge exchange, working with universities and colleges to attract students and staff from outside the UK.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
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National Care Service: Justice Social Work research
This report summarises research undertaken by IPSOS Scotland and Prof. Beth Weaver in 2023. It explores the views of Justice Social Work staff, partners and people experiencing the justice system about its strengths and weaknesses, and asks their views on potential inclusion within a future National Care Service (NCS).
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Ro-innleachd airson Saidheans Mara is Ùrghnàthachadh
’S e seo an Ro-innleachd ùr airson Saidheans Mara is Ùr-ghnàthachadh aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Tha i a’ cur amasan an cèill airson saidheans mara agus ùr-ghnàthachadh ann an Alba agus a’ stèidheachadh sia builean gus barrachd bhuannachdan fhaighinn bho ar n-obair saidheans, fianais agus dàta.
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Marine science and innovation strategy
Establishes the vision for marine science and innovation in Scotland and six outcomes to strengthen the impact of marine science, evidence and data.
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Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024
Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.
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Taking Stock: report on progress towards a cyber resilient Scotland
Our vision is for Scotland to be a cyber resilient nation. This report reviews strategic activities since 2015 to improve the cyber resilience of Scotland’s citizens and our public, private and third sectors, while also setting out priorities for the future.
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National innovation strategy: equality impact assessment
Summary of results for the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) undertaken to consider the impacts on equality of the national innovation strategy.
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Non-methane volatile organic compound emissions from malt whisky maturation: final report
Review of the human health and environmental impacts of non-methane volatile organic compound emissions from malt whisky maturation facilities prepared for the Scottish Government by Aether.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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Post-school education and skills
Key reforms and actions announced.
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Inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs
FM announces blueprint to drive innovation in universities and colleges.
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Young People in Scotland Survey 2021: attitudes to violence against women and girls
Pupils across 50 state secondary schools were surveyed on their attitudes towards topics relating to violence against women and girls. The report examines how attitudes have changed since the first publication in 2014 and discusses differences in views across a range of equality characteristics.
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Climate change monitoring report 2023
The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
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Vaping - understanding prevalence and trends among adults and children: research
Analysis of data on vaping from twelve surveys conducted at UK or regional level, with a focus on current use, ever tried, dual use and differences by socio-economic status.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Demand optimisation in laboratory medicine phase V: final report June 2022
Demand optimisation is defined as the process by which diagnostic test use is optimised to maximise clinical utility, which in turn optimises clinical care and drives more efficient use of associated scarce NHS resources. Report from the National Demand Optimisation Group (NDOG).
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Experiencing Life Events and Childhood Subjective Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Analysis of Growing Up in Scotland
The findings of this report are not valid due to an error in the analysis. If you require further information, please email the Growing Up in Scotland mailbox at: GUS@gov.scot.
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Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future
This publication sets out our intention for genomic medicine in Scotland.
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Young Person's Guarantee: update report March 2023
The report highlights progress over the 2 years of the Young Person’s Guarantee and also sets out the direction of travel going forward.
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Health and social care: data strategy
Scotland’s first data strategy for health and social care, setting out how we will work together in transforming the way that people access their own data to improve health and wellbeing; and how care is delivered through improvements to our systems.
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Health and social care: data strategy - executive summary
Executive summary of the data strategy for health and social care.
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Investing in science and engineering
Science festivals and STEM initiatives benefit from £320,000 investment.
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Supporting Scotland’s space ambitions
International experts form new committee.
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Supporting Scottish exports
Growing the life sciences sector.
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European research funding should be protected
Minister fears losing opportunities to find new markets.
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Sharing knowledge and innovation to tackle climate change
Projects awarded funding in most recent round of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.
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Funding for Precision Medicine research
Four projects to look at improving the targeting of serious illness treatments.
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Aerospace innovation centre opens in Prestwick
New research and development facility for more efficient manufacturing.
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US firm's major investment in Scottish site
More than 150 jobs to be created in Livingston.
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Strengthening links with Europe
£3 million research fund announced.
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New Chief Scientific Adviser announced
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick OBE appointed.
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STEM teacher education bursary: eligibility criteria
Details of the eligibility criteria for the STEM teacher education bursary.
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STEM strategy for education and training: third annual report
Third annual report on progress of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education and training strategy setting out a range of actions that have been taken, despite the restrictions due to COVID-19, in support of STEM education and training provision.
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Boost for Scottish youth work
New fund to help education recovery from COVID-19.
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Cash boost for joint Scottish-Asian research
New Fund to focus on economic, social recovery from COVID-19.
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Funding boost for science centres
Extra £2m to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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£75 million boost for Scottish university research
One-off Government payment to help mitigate financial effects of COVID-19.
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Rapid coronavirus research
More than 50 Scottish studies to tackle virus and its impact.
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Help to tackle coronavirus
Laboratories providing scientific equipment and expertise.
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New expert group to study spread of COVID-19
Scottish panel of scientists established to provide extra analysis.
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Reducing inequity in STEM subjects
Inspiring people of all ages to upskill and tackle the global climate emergency.
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New aerospace facility for Prestwick
Innovative plant will manufacture Airbus components.
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Value of Scottish sea fishing increases
2018 landings amongst highest on record.
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Scottish sea fisheries statistics 2018
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Putting Scottish science and research on the world stage
Science leaders together for the first time at Ministerial summit.
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Putting Scottish science and research on the world stage
Science leaders together for the first time at Ministerial summit.
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Gross Expenditure on Research and Development 2017
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Science centre funding 2019-20
Total funding for Science Centres tops £10 million.
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STEM Bursary applications open
Home Economics included for first time.
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STEM strategy for education and training: first annual report
Overview of progress in the first year of the five year STEM Strategy for Education and Training in Scotland.
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Leading the way in science
Major new report highlights global impact of Scottish research.
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Scottish economy continues to grow
Statistics show record business investment in research and development.
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Clean water for Indian primary school
Collaborative project delivers fresh water and sanitation for 206 pupils.
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Scotland's place in Europe: science and research
Our latest analysis of the implications for Scotland’s science and research if the UK exits the European Union.
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Investment in inshore fishing
£1.5 million to enhance vessel monitoring and reporting.
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New environmental Chief Scientific Adviser appointed
Professor Andrew Millar appointed.
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STEM bursary: equality impact assessment 2018
The EQIA summarises how decision makers balanced the aim of the STEM bursaries against the potential adverse impacts of the policy on groups with protected characteristics.
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Funding for science centres
£2.6 million for science centres as visitor numbers continue to grow.
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Funding for MND research
New research to mark the beginning of MND Awareness Week.
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Biotech support
FM announces £1.9m for ‘world-leading’ gene therapy research project.
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Impact of climate change on rivers
Project to protect wild Atlantic salmon.
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Gordon Aikman scholarship
Recipients of MND research fund announced.
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Budget sets out economic growth package
Economic expansion at centre of spending plans.
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Scotland’s Budget
Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy.
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Making Scotland a STEM nation
STEM strategy published.
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Branching out to STEM
A new teacher bursary for career changers.
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Maths Week Scotland launched
Scotland-wide celebration of maths.
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Teacher recruitment campaign expanded
English and Home Economics subjects to be targeted.
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Science funding
Funding for science festivals and interactive exhibition.
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Concerns over the future of nuclear safety
Letter to UK Government on future relationship of UK with Euratom.
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Recycling for the future
Next steps on deposit return scheme.
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Strengthening deer management
Actions to improve practices and protect the environment.
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Protecting the marine environment
Monitoring of Marine Protected Areas.
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Scottish Public Sector Employment
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Climate change ambitions
New proposals to reduce emissions by 90%.
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Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Strengthening wildlife law enforcement
International symposium on wildlife forensic science.
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Golden eagle deaths
Extra measures to protect Scotland’s birds of prey.
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Protection for living reef
Loch Carron flame shell beds designated as Marine Protected Area.
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Scottish investment fund opens in the US
$125m transatlantic health tech investment fund launches.
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Strength in research and development
Higher education research spend tops UK rankings.
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Bird of prey crime map
26% drop in recorded bird of prey offences during 2016.
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The way forward for STEM
New specialist group will shape Scottish Government strategy.
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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics: consultation on a strategy for education and training
An analysis of responses to the consultation on the draft science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) strategy.
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Floating wind farms to the fore
Pioneering technology to power almost 60,000 homes.
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Births, Deaths and other Vital Events
Preliminary figures for 2016 released.
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Strengthening academic links with Japan
Nagasaki University confirms intention to extend partnerships with Scotland.
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Teaching makes people
New recruitment campaign targets science, technology, engineering and maths.
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EU vital to NHS and social care services
Ministers examine impact on workforce and clinical research
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Brexit risk to research
State-of-the-art Aberdeen centre opening highlights EU benefits.
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Student numbers increase in Higher Education
Higher Education Minister welcomes HESA statistics.
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Top of the physics class
Science Minister meets winners of Higgs Prize for Physics.
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Funding for international clinical research
Malawi and Glasgow healthcare project addresses shared global challenges.
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Forth dimension
3D scans of Forth Bridges to power educational games and learning.
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Choose STEM
Science Minister highlights study choices.
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Choose STEM
Science Minister highlights study choices.
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Branching out STEM delivery
Scottish Government sets out vision for the future of STEM.
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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – consultation on a strategy for education and training
A consultation on a draft Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education and training strategy for Scotland.
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Branching out STEM delivery
Scottish Government sets out vision for the future of STEM.
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Investing in research
Scotland at forefront of global genomics initiative.
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Supporting Scotland's STEM education and culture: government response
Our response to the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group (SEEAG)'s report entitled Supporting Scotland's STEM education and culture.