b'Driving Environmental Innovation through Strategic Engagement in ScotlandCORE UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTSNBIC at the University of Edinburgh continues to play an important role in shaping environmental research and innovation in Scotland, particularly through its contributions to national policy and collaboration with industry. Over the past year, the University of Edinburgh has strengthened its position as a key academic leader in the countrys transition toward sustainable waste and materials management.In November 2024, NBIC Edinburgh Co-Director,First image caption here. Professor Cait MacPhee, and NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellow, Dr Gavin Melaugh, participated inthe SEFARI Waste Emissions Working Group, where they are ongoing members of a specialist advisory panel. Organised by SEFARI Gateway, Scotlands Centre of Expertise for knowledge exchange and innovation, the group supports the Scottish Government by critically reviewing methodologies for forecastingwaste sector emissions. Its remit includes assessing the quality and assumptions of current science, recommendingConcept design for the upcoming Biofilm Bus.methodological improvements, and identifying cross-sectoral impacts where interventions in one area mayInterface is a well-established bridge between influence emissions in another. Their involvementScotlands research base and its business underscores NBICs commitment to applying scientificcommunity, and this alignment with NBICs insight to help improve national environmental policy. support mechanisms reinforces the centres focus on economic and environmental impact.Further contributing to SEFARIs work, Professor MacPhee also took part in a workshop on PersistentCollaboration with industry has remained a key priority Organic Pollutants (POPs) in March 2025. The eventover the past year, with exploratory discussions focused on the scientific and regulatory challengestaking place with organisations including Bakkafrost, posed by POPs in the Scottish context, with theBetter2Earth, Nivalis Tech, Swedish Algae Factory, aim of informing future policy development. ChitoCare, Scottish Water, Veolia, Aqualutions, and Arda Biomaterials. To further these activities, NBIC NBIC has also expanded its innovation supporthas co-developed a Biofilm Bus - a mobile laboratory infrastructure by working with Interface Online tothat will bring advanced metrology to industrial integrate the Universitys Innovation Voucher Schemepartners across Scotland and the north of England.into Interfaces national portal. This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance visibility and access to funding opportunities for businesses,Professor Cait MacPhee particularly SMEs seeking academic partnerships.NBIC Edinburgh Co-Director1514'