Dr Jeff Howarth Vice Principal Research and Commercialisation

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Dr Jeff HowarthVice PrincipalResearch and
Commercialisation
Creating the University of the Highlands and
Islands
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UHI - Sustainability culture

• A personal reflection
• A better way
• UHI
• - mission,
• - model
• - strategy,
• - aspiration

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October 21 1966, Aberfan 144 deaths, including
95 school children
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HANSARD 1975 Mr. Wigley asked the
Secretary of State for Energy if he will give
details of the research being undertaken in the
United Kingdom into uses for colliery waste..
Mr. Eadie .research into uses of
colliery waste is being undertaken at the Coal
Research Establishment of the NCB, the Building
Research Establishment and the Transport and Road
Research Laboratory.. A plant is currently in
operation .. Other possible uses being
investigated.. The number of personnel in all
three establishments working on the use of
colliery waste is
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Investigation of Deep Sea Mine Tailing Placement
(DSTP) Papua New Guinea
First quantitative multidisciplinary study of
tailings impacts in the deep sea. Baseline data
on deep-sea ecosystems in a poorly-known tropical
ocean.
Objective of research is to develop guidelines on
the disposal of mine tailings in PNG for the
basis of a government white paper. International
relevance. SAMS has been invited to participate
in workshop developing EU guidelines on mine
waste disposal.
8th EDF- MSSP 8.ACP.PNG.018-B/15
Has placed SAMS at the forefront of research into
impacts of deep-sea mining and waste disposal
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"Basically we are facing a choice either we team
up to sustain marine life or we face a future of
catastrophes and lost causes fisheries,
biodiversity, coastal landscapes, and the jobs
and human values that depend on them."
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Sustainable use and conservation of the sea will
have a central role in the society and
knowledge-based economy of Scotland
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Warning bells from the USA The end of the
American Dream?
The unprecedented split between growth and
living standards is the defining economic agenda
Jared Bernstein, Economic Policy Institute
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GDP Growth Difference between exponential and
real growth for the UK and USA
GDP Per capita difference (1990 Int. GK)
Source data from Prof. Angus Maddison, 2008
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A simple model of a coupled social and ecological
system D-P-S-I-R
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Four alternative worlds
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Conceptual model Black Sea
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A respite through economic collapse
L.D. Mee (2006) Scientific American
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Winners and losers
Struggling on just.
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Unique opportunities

• A cascade of new legislation needing a better
  evidence base
• The EU Marine Strategy Directive (in force 2008)
• The UK Marine Bill (2009?)
• Scotlands Marine Bill (2009?)
• and coming soon The great Common Fisheries
  Policy reform debate

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UHIPolicyWeb
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UHI - Sustainability culture

• Academic mission
• Institutions business model
• UHI strategy
• National contribution

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UHI - Sustainability culture