Manufacturing and industry
The manufacturing sector is central to the global effort to achieve net zero. Led by Professors Nicholas Willoughby and Susana Garcia Lopez, this theme focuses on digitally mapping manufacturing processes to develop universally applicable solutions for enhancing sustainability across various sectors.
By collaborating with industry, the research aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of manufacturing processes, from reducing energy consumption to minimising waste. Particular attention is given to industries like brewing and distilling, where circular approaches can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Through the integration of digital technologies and circular principles, this theme aims to revolutionise how goods are produced, helping to decarbonise one of the most critical sectors of the global economy.
The Global Research Institute for Net Zero (iNetZ+) at Heriot-Watt University plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research that addresses the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Through its innovative research themes, iNetZ+ encourages collaboration across our school-based institutes, integrating expertise from engineering, social sciences, and the natural sciences. This collaborative approach is further strengthened by partnerships with other global research institutes at Heriot-Watt, ensuring that our collective efforts push the boundaries of sustainable solutions for a net-zero future.
Our areas of expertise
Bridging the digital skills gap in logistics - Heriot-Watt's innovative approach
The logistics industry stands at a pivotal juncture faced with the unprecedented challenge of a widening digital skills gap
Flower-counting AI to help fruit farmers predict crops
Artificial Intelligence is being used to make crop yields more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.
Heriot-Watt and Renishaw industry collaboration is shortlisted for prestigious engineering award
A research collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Renishaw, a global engineering technology group, has been shortlisted for a prestigious UK engineering award.
UK transport decarbonisation hub secures £46 million from UKRI EPSRC and partners
The UK's new TransiT hub, backed by UKRI EPSRC and 67 partners, will lead the use of digital twins to rapidly decarbonise transport in the UK, including road, rail, air & maritime.