The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW)
The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) supports the Scottish Government and delivery partners to inform and steer water policy, by delivering objective and robust research and expert opinion.
Aligned to our vision to get the right information, to the right people, in the right way at the right time, CREW produces high quality policy relevant research, recommendations, and guidance to its stakeholders.
CREW – expertise for waters
The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) plays a pivotal role in shaping water policy and regulation in Scotland through its commitment to research and knowledge dissemination. Established in 2011, CREW serves as a trusted knowledge broker, bridging the gap between scientific research and policy-making.
Key Functions of CREW:
- Research and Analysis: CREW develops and commissions projects that are delivered by Scotland’s research community to provide crucial insights into current and future water sector challenges, ensuring that stakeholders are informed of the latest scientific understanding.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Projects are co-constructed with relevant policy stakeholders, fostering collaboration to align research outcomes with cross-organisational priorities.
- Governance Structure: CREW’s thematic areas focus on policy areas such as hydrological extremes, coasts and risk management; land and water resource management; water quality and health, these themes are set within the wider overarching consideration of water and society. This structure ensures that the Centres efforts are strategically aligned with Scotland’s water management goals.
- Cross-Cutting Activities: The Centre addresses broader challenges, including climate change adaptation, land use impacts, promoting the circular economy and resource efficiency, a post-COVID green recovery, the transition to net-zero and a just transition for communities.
- Support for Policy Development: CREW has been instrumental in supporting both EU and national policy initiatives, contributing to Scotland’s efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Rachel Helliwell, Director of Hydro Nation International Centre
The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) plays a pivotal role in shaping water policy and regulation in Scotland through its commitment to research and knowledge dissemination.
Central Principles:
- Knowledge Generation: The research produced aims to enhance the understanding and communication between science and policy, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Networking and Collaboration: CREW promotes improved networking among stakeholders to create win-win solutions that benefit both the water environment and society.
- Tangible Impact: The Centre focuses on delivering measurable outcomes that lead to long-term benefits for Scotland’s water resources and communities.
By effectively integrating research with policy processes, CREW not only addresses current water management challenges but also lays the groundwork for sustainable practices that respond to future uncertainties, particularly in the context of climate change.
