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What we do

The Hydro Nation International Centre aims to be a one-stop-shop where anyone with an interest in or challenge arising from water can find something or someone that is useful to their situation.

Our aim is to create a platform for contributions that help advance the position of water supply, water management, sanitation and sustainability. A ‘front door’ through which any kind of stakeholder can access the interaction they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The Centre reflects Scotland’s continued efforts to become the world’s first Hydro Nation by managing its water environment to the best advantage and uses its expertise at home and internationally, and to be a Good Citizen in regard to Water.

By linking industry, policy, research, and agencies to support economic development and good stewardship of Scotland’s water resources the aim is to help individual projects and activities and to share best practice around the world, for the greater good.

Our unique policy:research interface, the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) provides a responsive “here and now” service to help turn knowledge into policy. Ideas and initiatives are co- constructed across Scotland’s widest water research community, so policy and business have access to the right expertise for robust decision making.

Our Hydro Nation Scholars Programme recruits the best early-career water researchers from across the globe to develop their skills and become the leaders of the future. The programme provides unique and bespoke opportunities for scholars through specialist engagement and training with business, policy and regulation. In addition, our post graduate training at the James Hutton Institute delivers and facilitates specialist and interdisciplinary development for water researchers.

Our extensive analytical, experimental and large-scale manipulation facilities mean innovative water, waste and circular technologies can be developed and tested appropriately and effectively. As a partner in the EU Water Test Network, we are part of a trans-national landscape of testing facilities which SMEs can use to test, demonstrate and develop new products for the water sector.

Our staff work with partners around the world to progress real-world solutions to the growing water and climate crises. The strategic research embraces knowledge generation, demonstration, training and on-the-ground implementation. Our research covers biophysical and socio-economic perspectives and delivers integrated interdisciplinary solutions hand-in-hand with communities and stakeholders..