March 2026 - University of Glasgow and renewable energy company, RES, to inspire future environmental scientists with S3 field course 

Nineteen S3 students from across the Dumfries and Galloway region will have the opportunity to take part in a fully funded free residential field course this summer, designed to inspire young people to consider future careers in environmental science, ecology, and sustainability.

The University of Glasgow has teamed up with RES to offer the newly established course, which will introduce pupils to the world of professional environmental science, via hands-on outdoor learning.

‘EnviroLab Summer Experience: Careers for the Future’ takes place this July at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE) - pictured above. Funded by RES, the course will be delivered by the University of Glasgow, Crichton University Campus in Dumfries.

The programme aims to widen access to environmental education while encouraging pupils to see how science can play a vital role in addressing global environmental challenges.

Led by University of Glasgow staff and researchers, students will take part in activities such as wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and environmental data collection. Alongside developing practical skills, the course will highlight potential academic and career pathways in environmental science, renewable energy, and related sectors.

By offering the course free of charge, RES and the University of Glasgow hope to remove barriers to participation and support pupils in exploring higher education and careers they may not previously have considered.

Dr Natalie Welden, Lecturer in Environmental Science and Sustainability, said: “I’m really excited to be able to highlight some of the amazing experiences that come with working in the environmental sector. By trying out some of these skills for themselves, I’m hoping that we can show students the range of options that are open to them. 

“Whether they are considering taking environmental science or related subjects at higher level, or are interested in studying at university, there are a huge range of potential careers both here in Dumfries and Galloway, in wider Scotland, and the wider world.” 

The field course reflects a shared commitment by RES and the University of Glasgow to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and sustainability professionals. By combining practical experience, exposure to university life, and engagement with the natural environment, the programme aims to spark long-term interest in environmental science careers among young people in the region.

Jim Cameron, Senior Development Project Manager at RES said: “We’re delighted to partner with the University of Glasgow’s Dumfries Campus to support this inspiring initiative designed for high school students across the region. With Scotland’s booming renewable energy industry offering countless career opportunities, I’m positive that this experience will also get these young people thinking about the various ways they can train, work and thrive within Dumfries and Galloway itself.

“This builds upon RES’ proud history in Scotland of maximising skills development and investment in the local economy – such as our Bloch Wind Farm proposal which, if consented, would see £8.5 million invested and 76 job years created in Dumfries and Galloway, during construction alone .”

Applications for the EnviroLab Summer Experience are now open. The closing date is Monday 30th March 2026 at 23:59.   

Further information on eligibility, application processes, and course dates may be found at https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/ses/envirolab/.