Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) research strategy 2027-2032: consultation
Draft strategy for the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Programme from 2027 to 2032 is available for public consultation. The programme covers a broad range of issues critical to Scotland's environmental and agricultural futures.
Closed
This consultation closed 24 October 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
4.0 Maximising Impact
A new impact framework (Annex B: ENRA Research Programme Impact Framework) will set out how the impact of the investment made in the research programme will be maximised.
Impact in the context of the ENRA Research Programme 2027-2032 refers to the positive changes or benefits that extend beyond academic circles. This includes improvements to the economy, society, culture, public policies, businesses, services, health, the environment, and overall quality of life. Another specific focus will be to strengthen links, thereby increasing impact, with other research programmes within Scottish Government including DG Health and the Marine Directorate.
The impact framework will promote a more outcome focused approach. A summary of the proposed new requirements within the impact framework are as follows:
- Commissioning: Impact will form a key part of the commissioning phase of the Research Programme. Impact pathways will be required to highlight how project outputs and outcomes will deliver on the programme’s Missions, linking to key Scottish Government priorities.
- Co-Development: For research to have an impact it must be used by stakeholders. Projects and initiatives commissioned through the Research Programme will be co-developed with research users e.g. policy teams, commercial partners, land managers.
- Evaluation and Monitoring: New reporting requirements will include enhanced annual project Impact Narratives, annual Mission Impact Summaries and annual Mission case studies. Feedback on impact will be provided by the CSA ENRA and the ENRA Scientific Advisory Board.
- Mission Impact Officers and project Impact Champions will support and champion a culture of impact across the programme working closely with RESAS and the Office of the CSA ENRA.
- Communicating Impact: We will promote the Impact of the Research Programme by highlighting case studies. We will also introduce an impact prize at the annual ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy Conference.