How to Find an Expert or Research at SRUC

SRUC provides two main routes for finding expertise and research information: the Find an expert database for locating individual specialists, and the Research section for understanding the institution's research activity and its real-world aims. Both are accessible from the SRUC homepage navigation. Use the expert database when you need to identify a specific person by division, location, or area of expertise; use the research pages when you want the broader picture of what SRUC researches and why.

Finding an Expert at SRUC

SRUC maintains a searchable expert database. You can either search it directly or browse through it.

What the expert database covers

According to SRUC, expert profiles span:

• All divisions within the institution
• All locations where SRUC operates
• All areas of expertise

Each profile is designed to help you learn more about an individual's work, projects, passions, and publications. This means the database is useful not just for identifying who works on a topic, but also for understanding their track record before you make contact.

How to use it

1. Go to the SRUC website and locate the Find an expert link (it appears in the homepage navigation area).
2. Choose whether to search by keyword or browse the database.
3. Open a profile to review the person's division, location, expertise, projects, and publications.
4. Use those details to decide whether they are the right contact for your query.

Expected result: You identify one or more named specialists whose expertise matches your topic, along with enough background to approach them informed.

Common sticking point: If a search returns nothing, try broader terms or browse by division or location instead — expertise is organised across multiple dimensions, so a narrow keyword may miss relevant people.

Understanding SRUC's Research

If your goal is to understand what SRUC researches rather than to find a single person, the Research section is the starting point.

What SRUC says about its research

• Researchers work locally and internationally.
• Staff and students work with industry and policy makers.
• The purpose is to design, develop, and deliver real-world change to benefit the natural economy.

This framing matters if you are looking for research partners, evidence for a policy question, or an understanding of SRUC's research priorities. The emphasis is on applied, collaborative work rather than purely theoretical study.

Related routes into SRUC expertise

Beyond the expert database and research pages, SRUC's structure offers other ways to reach specialist knowledge:

SAC Consulting is described as uniquely placed as part of SRUC to support sustainable growth and prosperity of agriculture and land-based businesses. Veterinary Services provides support in animal disease, diagnosis, and surveillance. If your question falls into either area, these may be more direct routes than the general expert database.

Choosing the Right Route

• Need a named specialist? Use Find an expert and search or browse by division, location, or expertise.
• Need to understand research direction or impact? Start with the Research section.
• Need practical, applied advice for a land-based business? Consider SAC Consulting.
• Need animal disease or diagnostic expertise? Consider Veterinary Services.

Practical Notes

• Expert profiles include publications, so you can assess someone's relevant output before contacting them.
• SRUC's research is explicitly collaborative — involving industry and policy makers — so it is worth checking whether a project already involves partners in your sector.
• The homepage also links to Open Days, the course catalogue, training courses, and micro-credentials if your interest is study rather than research or consultancy.