Scott Strachan

Scott Strachan is a Principal Teaching Fellow in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. He is also Associate Dean for Learning Enhancement, Co-Director of the Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD) programme, and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) lead at the Centre for Sustainable Development. He chairs the University’s ESD Working Group and Strathclyde Climate Ambassadors’ Network (StrathCAN), contributing significantly to institutional sustainability and educational innovation.

• B.Eng. (Hons.), University of Strathclyde, 1995
• Ph.D., University of Strathclyde, 2005

Scott Strachan's research and professional activities center on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), experiential learning, and engineering education reform. His work emphasizes integrating sustainability, equity, and entrepreneurship into engineering curricula through innovative models like Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs). He has pioneered off-grid solar energy access projects in Gambia and Tamil Nadu, linking technical work with community engagement and pedagogical innovation. His focus spans both global energy access and transformative educational practices in higher education.

The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in curriculum innovation, student engagement, and sustainable development integration across engineering education. The articles emphasize experiential, interdisciplinary, and vertically integrated learning models that enhance sustainability, employability, and entrepreneurial skills. Topics include the VIP4SD model, international educational partnerships, and tools for embedding ESD and EDI into curricula—showcasing a strong commitment to equitable, transformational learning experiences.

Scott has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to sustainability and education:

• 2019 International Green Gown Award for Student Engagement
• 2020 AASHE Award for Campus Sustainability Research
• 2022 UK & Ireland Green Gown Award for Student Engagement with Climate Education
• 2014 African Challenge Scotland - Ethnic Minorities Impact Award
• Nominations and shortlistings for Teaching Excellence, Sustainability, and Enterprise awards (2017–2025)
• Appointed International VIP Ambassador (2025)

He has led multiple research and educational grants, including the TEL4All project on equitable experiential learning, a QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project on ESD integration, and international initiatives like Strathclyde/MUET ELEVATE Pakistan. He supervises PhD students in energy access and ESD pedagogy and is actively involved in curriculum development, policy advising, and outreach. His leadership extends to founding student outreach solar projects and advising on national climate education strategy.

Scott leads and participates in several key initiatives: the Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD) programme, Strathclyde Climate Ambassadors’ Network (StrathCAN), and the ESD Topic Support Network for Learning for Sustainability Scotland. He collaborates with international institutions and networks to expand experiential learning and sustainability education globally.