Its work covered aspects such as landscape, soil and water conservation and climate change.

[1] The proposed merger was announced in December 1985 with the government anticipating that it would result in cost savings.

Interdisciplinary research across the environmental and social sciences aims to support the protection of natural resources, the creation of integrated land use systems, and the development of sustainable rural communities.

The 300 staff and postgraduate students are drawn from over 25 countries, and conduct research in Scotland, across Europe and internationally, with a wide range of partner organisations.

Their goal is that the research they undertake provides evidence that will help shape future environmental and rural-development policy both in Scotland and internationally.