We only publish research funded through one of our two funding mechanisms:
- 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.
- Post-Doctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) who work in universities and research institutes, and have individual work plans agreed with the relevant Scottish Government policy division.
We are very supportive of our researchers publishing CXC-funded research in peer-reviewed journals after the CXC specification has been fulfilled, i.e. the Scottish Government are satisfied the research question has been answered. However, the format of a CXC report may not be the same as a peer-reviewed journal is looking for, so you may need to re-write some of the content.
We have a three-year programme agreed with the Rural and Environment Science Analytical Services Division (RESAS), subject to annual review and confirmation. The current budget is agreed for the 2022-2025, with possible extension to 2027.
The Scottish Government propose topics for ClimateXChange research projects. They are prioritised by representatives from the Rural and Environment Science Analytical Services Division (RESAS), the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor (OCEA) and the Climate Change Division.
Our research programme responds to the policy agenda in the Scottish Government, e.g. providing evidence and analysis to help policy and analytical teams develop and implement the Scottish Climate Change Plan, the Energy Strategy and the Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme.
Our annual report showcases how these developing policy areas have shaped our research from year to year. We build on knowledge and insights from Scottish, UK and international research networks, such as UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).
A key priority for CXC is to align research programmes with other Scotland's centres of expertise, CREW and EPIC, and the National Centre for Resilience, and make the best use of available resources.
Related links
Office of the Chief Economic Advisor
Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme
ClimateXChange is the bridge between reesarchers and the Scottish Government. We provide project management, research, communications and knowledge exchange.
We respond to the policy agenda in the Scottish Government, for instance by commissioning research that provides evidence and analysis to help policy and analytical teams develop and implement the Scottish Climate Change Plan, the Energy Strategy and the Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme.
You will get to work on issues that are on the public agenda. You will also practice communicating complex science to non- specialist audiences. As impact becomes more important in research funding, CXC work provides a great way to demonstrate the demand for and value of your research.
Talk to people outside your scientific area about your work. The more you do it, the easier it will get. When you know a lot about something it often becomes hard to remember what it was like not to know. You use scientific jargon rather than using everyday words.
Speaking to non-specialists, you need to step back, present the big picture and put details into a context that is accessible and relevant for the audience.
Try writing a short paragraph at the end of each day about what you have done that day for an imaginary person next to you on the bus home asking ‘what do you do?’. Tweeting or blogging are great ways to practice communicating succinctly.
It depends on your project and should be discussed at the outset. It is essential in all our work that we speak to our Government colleagues at regular intervals to keep them updated and ensure the project is delivering according to the expectations.
CXC researchers are occasionally asked to give evidence to parliamentary committees but we are rarely asked to specifically present to a minister. Politicians from the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government may be at events where you present your work.
In our role as expert advisors, CXC representatives are often asked to be part of discussions during policy development, for example taking part in round tables or sitting on an advisory group.
We only have an opinion based on what research has found. When representing CXC, eg at a conference, we ask that you stick to what scientific evidence suggests. This does of course not stop you from voicing opinions in a private capacity. However, the trust we develop with our Scottish Government policy colleagues is important in establishing an open and frank discussion about their research needs. Someone with a high profile of public criticism of the Government will likely find it impossible to gain that trust.
We send out a monthly newsletter where we feature new publications. We also have a blog where you are welcome to write about an on-going piece of work. We use Twitter and LinkedIn to promote research outputs, events and blogs.
Keep an eye out for conferences where you can talk about your work as a presenter or by networking with other delegates.
ClimateXChange is funded by the Scottish Government primarily through the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) budget.
Our research budget is split between:
- 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.
- Post-Doctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) who work in universities and research institutes, and have individual work plans agreed with the relevant Scottish Government policy division.
All our commissions are published in the Working with us page.
To see the contract terms, please read the standard terms and conditions relating to the purchase of goods and services between the University of Edinburgh (representing ClimateXChange) and the research provider document.
