The Circular Economy is about transitioning from a ‘take-make-dispose’ linear approach to resource use, to systems that encourage reuse and extraction of maximum value before returning resources to the biosphere.
Our expertise in the circular economy helps to create innovative solutions that enable businesses to thrive and to support the transition to a more regenerative, green economy.
Circular Economy Centre - Scotland’s centre for circular economy expertise
The University of Edinburgh is a leading hub for circular knowledge and innovation. We work together with businesses and other organisations to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by providing access to world-leading research, education and innovation support.
We work closely with our partners to:
Wherever you want to go in the circular economy, we will help you to get there by providing first-class research and innovation support, education and skills development opportunities, and networking prospects. Together we can help your business to thrive over the long term and deliver a positive impact locally, regionally and globally.
Key areas of expertise
Our wide-ranging research expertise means that we are ideally placed to understand complex challenges associated with the transition to a more regenerative economy and to work with others to develop innovative solutions.
Rethinking products and materials for a circular world
Circular infrastructure and energy
Circular business models, finance and policy
Jamie is a Professor of Social and Economic Anthropology, specialising in the study of energy, technology, and economy in the global south. His research also involves the production of physical and digital objects that probe the material politics of our energy futures through collaborations with visual artists, filmmakers, and designers. Read more.
Sean is Professor of Future Construction and Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure, based at the University of Edinburgh. He has held previous posts leading in sustainable construction, construction innovation and building performance and has managed major projects involving low carbon construction technologies. His research impacts have resulted in multiple awards due to the positive impact on sustainability, low carbon construction growth and society.
Professor Louise Horsfall, Chair of Sustainable Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, is interested in applying synthetic biology to improve the sustainability of biological processes and products, in particular how these areas might make manufacturing more resource-efficient and help move us towards a more circular economy. Read more.
Jason Love is Professor of Molecular Inorganic Chemistry at the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. He has diverse research interests centred on chemical sustainability that includes advancing metal resource circularity through the study of extraction and recycling. Read more.
Joyce is Co-Director of the Innogen Institute and works in the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, both at the University of Edinburgh. She is currently working on the circular economy and the bioeconomy, responsible innovation and regulartion/innovation interactions. Read more.
Facilities and research centres
The Circular Economy Centre can direct you to a wide range of facilities, equipment and expertise across the University ecosystem, including:
Business Development Manager
Social Responsibility and Sustainability
