About us

Who we are

We are Scotland’s centre of expertise on climate change and have been funded by the Scottish Government since 1 April 2011.

How we work with policymakers and researchers

We commission research and analysis to support the Scottish Government as it develops policies on adapting to the changing climate and transitioning to net zero. We respond to their questions and requests for evidence, and identify upcoming evidence needs.

We then guide researchers in planning their work to meet policy timelines. It is a flexible research programme, co-developed with policy colleagues to deliver research syntheses, desk-reviews, in-depth studies, reports and other outputs.

Researchers we work with have wide-ranging expertise on how we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, how different sectors can adapt to Scotland’s changing climate and how to create climate change policies that are fair and make the most of Scotland’s assets.

Knowledge exchange builds relationships and networks, and gives policymakers access to a research network far beyond CXC. We facilitate conversations and broker knowledge across sectors, disciplines and institutions to provide new insights for policy. This is done through events and by introducing new tools and techniques.

Infographic that illustrates the text above on how our work supports a net zero Scotland through co-production and flexible delivery; networks; and capacity and understanding across policy and research.

Collaboration and Scotland’s centres of expertise

ClimateXChange liaises closely with other initiatives funded by Scottish Government, such as Adaptation Scotland, to minimise gaps or overlaps between our services. We also work closely with the UK Committee on Climate Change, UK Climate Impacts Partnership, the UK Energy Research Centre and the Met Office. This ensures that we share the latest and best data and research insights.

ClimateXChange is one of five centres of expertise funded by Scottish Government.

The centres work at the interface between policy and research, and provide responsive work in areas of high policy importance: climate change (ClimateXChange), animal disease outbreaks (EPIC), plant health (Scotland’s Plant Health Centre), water (CREW) and knowledge exchange and impact (SEFARI Gateway). 

The centres of expertise work jointly to make sure policymakers have easy access to research, help prioritise scientific resources in line with society’s priorities and create new partnerships with research institutes and universities.