Creating space to think, write, and connect is essential to foster transformative research. The inaugural SCAF residential writing retreat aimed to do exactly that, inviting 21 participants from across disciplines and sectors to gather at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment on the shores of Loch Lomond. Attendees spent three productive days working on a variety of writing projects, from manuscripts and project proposals to PhD theses, event and campaign plans, and policy evaluations, while making connections, enjoying walks in nature, and participating in a game or two of Coup and Werewolf. Building on the very positive feedback from the retreat (attendees achieving on average 80% of their goals), we invite you to register interest for our next residential writing retreat in June.

My main takeaway from the SCAF writing retreat was the importance of dedicated writing time in a distraction-free environment. Engaging with researchers from the food sector provided fresh perspectives, and the collaborative atmosphere helped refine my ideas for the review article."

Loch Lomond scenic landscape  Walking in nature - Loch Lomond

Sustainable food systems need bold ideas, but they also need practical action. Our ninth webinar explored new research for sustainable food futures with two projects from round one of our pump priming awards. Dr Emily May Armstrong, Glasgow Food Policy Partnership, shared the success of the Full of Beans campaign in Glasgow, encouraging greater consumption of beans and pulses for both health and sustainability. Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu, IntelliDigest, presented her work on resilient local food procurement, tackling food security by strengthening partnerships between farms and schools. You can catch up on this webinar and previous ones on our YouTube channel.  

Food is a lens through which we see culture, identity, and the challenges that matter most to people. To mark World Food Day in 2024, our Food for Thought art and photography competition invited people across Scotland to share their perspectives on food and its role in health, equity, and sustainability. The 30 entries, which reflect a rich diversity of ideas, vibrant depictions of local traditions and personal takes on the food systems, can be seen on our showcase website. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who took part.  

We have an exciting year ahead, with plenty of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and drive change. Planning is underway for our second annual event! This will take place on Thursday 4 – Friday 5 September in the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre (ARC). Plus, other events, including retreats, webinars, and workshops (explore all upcoming events and activities here).

First published: 3 February 2025

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