Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has contributed several case studies to a major campaign highlighting the importance of research and development (R&D) and encouraging newly elected parliamentarians to champion innovation in their communities.

The initiative, led by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), aims to strengthen understanding of the impact of R&D across Scotland and Wales and build support for the sector among elected representatives.

Showcasing research that delivers impact

Welcome packs have been distributed to all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and Members of the Senedd (MSs), showcasing the breadth and impact of research and innovation taking place across Scotland and Wales. The packs are designed to help parliamentarians understand how R&D benefits local communities, public services, businesses and the wider economy.

Edinburgh Napier contributed several case studies to the campaign, demonstrating how university research and innovation are helping to improve lives, support economic growth and address major societal challenges.

The featured projects highlight the breadth of the University's research activity. In health, researchers are working with partners across Scotland and Ireland to tackle HPV vaccine hesitancy and support efforts to increase vaccine uptake among young people.

Through its involvement in the Tay Health Tech consortium, the University is also helping develop and implement technologies that improve access to healthcare and reduce health inequalities.

Environmental research is represented through projects including Smart Blue Economy Monitoring for Safer Waters, which is developing innovative technologies to improve water quality monitoring and support public health and environmental resilience.

Other featured projects include Mind the Gap for Biodiversity, which is assessing the ecological value of brownfield sites across Scotland, and SharkScape, a major marine conservation initiative studying threatened sharks, skates and rays in Scottish waters.

The campaign also showcases the University's contribution to innovation and inclusive communities.

The Inclusive Kerbs project is helping inform safer and more accessible street design for people with sensory and mobility impairments, while The Surf Lab - a pioneering partnership with Lost Shore Surf Resort - is advancing research into surfing performance, technology and wellbeing while supporting economic growth and participation in sport.

Working with policymakers

The campaign forms part of CaSE's wider work to strengthen political support for R&D and build stronger connections between policymakers and the research and innovation sector. The welcome packs encourage elected representatives to engage with local researchers and innovators and outline practical ways they can champion R&D within their constituencies and across Parliament.

Edinburgh Napier supports CaSE's call for ambitious, long-term backing for research and innovation and looks forward to working with MSPs to demonstrate the contribution universities make to economic growth, skills development and societal progress across Scotland.

Edinburgh Napier case studies featured in the campaign

• Smart Blue Economy Monitoring for Safer Waters – developing eco-friendly technologies to improve water quality monitoring.
• Collaboration to tackle HPV vaccine hesitancy – supporting informed decision-making and tackling health inequalities.
• Inclusive Kerbs Research Study – helping create safer and more inclusive streets.
• The Surf Lab – advancing sport science and innovation through a partnership with Lost Shore Surf Resort.
• Mind the Gap for Biodiversity – assessing the ecological value of Scotland's brownfield sites.
• SharkScape – supporting the conservation of threatened sharks, skates and rays in Scottish waters.
• Tay Health Tech – driving the development and adoption of technologies that improve healthcare access.

Find out more

Further information and the MSP welcome packs are available on the CaSE website.