The Centre for Remote Environments (CRE)

The Centre for Remote Environments (CRE), previously known as Project Atlantis, was established in 2000 by the late Brigadier David Nicholls and Professor Elaine Shemilt. During his final appointment as Commander British Forces Falkland Islands, Brigadier Nicholls developed a deep affinity for the area and its heritage, and in particular South Georgia. CRE has been based within Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design since it started.

Past and current research projects

The CRE staff have developed a portfolio of research and consultancy projects from research councils, government departments and industry.

CRE first project was for the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) creating a website promoting awareness of the island of South Georgia’s beauty, wildlife and heritage which became an invaluable resource for those studying environmental sciences or for others with an interest in the island, whether scientists, historians, academics or visitors. The site covered the island’s history, wildlife, science, exploration, fishing and tourist industries, and management.  CRE also helped produce a series of South Georgia Environmental Briefing DVDs aimed at visitors to the islands.

In more recent years CRE has been working with the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and was involved in the Habitat restoration project on South Georgia which resulted in the successful eradication of the invasive Brown rat from the islands. CRE has also been working with the South Atlantic Environmental research Institute (SAERI) on the development of a new environmental data management system.

CRE is currently working on "project Grytviken" - an exciting new research project funded by the Paulsen Family Foundation.  The work involves looking at the old whaling station at Grytviken on South Georgia and finding new and exciting ways to reuse and recreate key elements.  The project includes the development of a new app “LIVE:SGI” which will benefit visitors and researchers to South Georgia by collecting and visualising scientific data.