Research calls

Invitations to quote

ClimateXChange funds research in two ways:

A call-down programme aimed at delivering responses to particular research questions via open procurement. Project requests are solicited in response to Scottish Government calls for ClimateXChange projects at several points in the year.
Research fellows who work in universities and research institutes, and have individual work plans agreed with the relevant Scottish Government policy division.

In 2024-25, we have commissioned and managed more than 50 new and ongoing research projects, aiming to understand how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, how different sectors can adapt to a changing climate and how to create policies that are fair and make the most of Scotland’s assets.

Examples of previous work and impact can be found on our Published Research, Research fellowships and Impact case studies pages. Our step-by-step guide on best practice in responding to our invitations to quote for projects can be found on the page Tips for writing research proposals.

The University of Edinburgh Terms and Conditions of contract for services can be found at: Standard terms and conditions goods and service s. These will be the terms and conditions which govern any resulting contract. Our data retention policy aligns with the University of Edinburgh data retention periods. Please note separate T&Cs for fellowships are available on request.

Sign up and engage with us

To be alerted to new invitations to quote (research calls) via email, please sign up on our Newsletter page.

We also encourage researchers to offer us insights that may be relevant to climate-related policies. This can be done for instance by contacting us about research evidence or to suggest blog posts.

Invitations to quote for research projects

Electric vehicle uptake on Scottish islands

ClimateXChange wishes to commission research to better understand barriers to the decarbonisation of road transport on Scottish islands. This work will examine electric vehicle (EV) adoption (by individuals, communities and businesses), using a systems lens in the specific context of Scottish islands.

Submissions must be received by noon on Friday 21 August.

Quantifying the market for single-use food and drink items in Scotland

ClimateXChange wishes to commission essential evidence to inform Scottish Government policymaking on transitioning to a more circular economy through quantifying market data for a range of single-use food and drink items and reviewing environmental impact evidence.

Submissions must be received by noon on Monday 24 August.

Climate policy investment readiness

ClimateXChange (CXC) wishes to commission research to explore the costs of climate action and options to meet these costs.

Submissions must be received by noon on Wednesday 26 August.

Solar on underused space

ClimateXChange (CXC) wishes to commission a review of evidence relating to the deployment of solar on underused space in jurisdictions other than Scotland.

Submissions must be received by noon on Monday 31 August.

Overheating risks and climate adaptation in NHS Scotland healthcare environments

ClimateXChange (CXC) wishes to commission research to understand overheating risks and climate adaption options within the NHS Scotland estate.

Submissions must be received by noon on Monday 7 September.

Mandatory food waste reporting options

ClimateXChange (CXC) wishes to commission research and stakeholder engagement exploring options for the mandatory reporting of food waste and surplus by businesses in Scotland.

Submissions must be received by noon on Thursday 10 September.

Scottish Future Electricity Demand Scenarios

ClimateXChange (CXC) wishes to commission research on electricity system modelling for future electricity demand scenarios for Scotland.

The notice for this tender can be found at: View Notice – Public Contracts Scotland

Please note – we are using PCS-Tender to carry out this procurement process. Please note this is a separate website and if you are not already registered, you will be required to do so.

Please visit the PCS-Tender website to express your interest in this Notice and access the tender documentation. Please search for Project Code 65140 under ITTs Open to All Suppliers and use the Search/Filter function, then the Project Code from the dropdown list. Please note that once you have expressed interest in the ITT it will move to your My ITTs area. If you have already registered on Public Contracts Scotland and PCS-Tender and paired your accounts you can access PCS-Tender through your Public Contracts Scotland Control Panel.

For further information on using PCS -Tender or finding an ITT or PQQ on PCS -Tender, please visit Information and Support page – Supplier User Guides.

Submissions must be received by noon on Friday 11 September 2026.

Invitations to quote for research fellowships

There are currently no invitations to quote for research fellowships. Please check back for updates.