Scientific Robotics Academy launches CPD-recognised multi-platform environmental monitoring course in Oban to power UK leadership in tech-driven stewardship

Scientific Robotics Academy launches CPD-recognised multi-platform environmental monitoring course in Oban to power UK leadership in tech-driven stewardship

(IN BRIEF) The Scientific Robotics Academy at SAMS in Oban has launched a three-day course, Environmental Monitoring using Multi-Platform Technology (3–5 September), to train those responsible for environmental oversight—spanning land, coast and sea—in deploying robotic platforms and sensors. Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Argyll and Bute Council, the course blends mission planning, legislation, sensor tech and data processing with hands-on sessions. SAMS robotics lead Dr Phil Anderson said the UK is ideally positioned to become a global leader in environmental monitoring and stressed the Academy’s role in skilling both new and current engineers. Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess highlighted UKSPF’s impact and showcased regional innovation, including Limosaero’s drone sensor tests at Oban Airport. The CPD-recognised course (IMarEST) offers multi-person discounts and six part-sponsored places funded by BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership, with applications available via the SAMS website.

(PRESS RELEASE) OBAN, 23-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Robotics experts who believe the UK can seize global leadership in environmental monitoring by using technology that already exists have launched a new training pathway to help others do the same. The Scientific Robotics Academy, headquartered at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban and part‑funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will run a hands-on course—Environmental Monitoring using Multi-Platform Technology—from 3–5 September. Across three intensive days, participants will see first-hand what a suite of robotic systems can do.

Designed for anyone responsible for monitoring our environment—landowners, planners, NGOs and third-sector organisations, as well as researchers—the programme spans terrestrial, coastal and marine applications. Attendees will dive into mission planning, legislative requirements, sensor selection and data processing, moving from theory to practice with guidance from specialists at the top of their field.

SAMS robotics lead Dr Phil Anderson said: “Scotland, and the wider UK is ideally placed, in terms of location and technology readiness, to become the global leader in environmental monitoring.

“The Scientific Robotics Academy is pioneering marine robotics education and innovation to prepare the next generation of users of autonomous platforms. We also exist to engage current engineers in conversations about robotics platform and sensor needs and challenges of the marine science and environmental management community.

“On the course, users will learn about the preparation and application of robotic platforms and sensor technology to monitor and manage rapidly changing environments. The way we monitor the environment is changing too and we want to make sure the people with this very important role have the skills they need.”

Support from Argyll and Bute Council via the UKSPF helped bring the Academy to life. Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Business Development, said: “UKSPF funding has been invaluable in enabling us to deliver additional support for local businesses, people and skills and further investment in our communities.

“Argyll and Bute is ideally located to position Scotland as a pioneering force for innovation through robotics testing and training. Innovation partnerships, such as Limosaero’s visit to SAMS to test sensors on their solar powered drone at Oban Airport, has further demonstrated the growing capability of technology to improve connectivity with remote island communities, and deliver time- and cost-savings for users.

“Bridging the gap between those that develop these advancing technologies and the end users has never been more important, and the robotics academy is the perfect enabler.”

The course has been CPD-recognised by IMarEST (the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology). Additional multi-person discounts are available, and—thanks to support from BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership—six part-sponsored places can be awarded. Full details and applications are available on the SAMS website: Courses — Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban UK (https://www.sams.ac.uk/robotics/academy/sponsored-places/).

About us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.

Media Contact:

Euan Paterson
Communications and Media Officer
Euan.Paterson@sams.ac.uk
01631 559342 (direct dial)
07827 963984 (mobile)
01631 559000 (switchboard)

SOURCE: Scottish Association for Marine Science