Thurso Kick-off Workshop (May 2024)
The MATHPEAT Network officially launched in May 2024 with an exciting three-day workshop hosted at the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso. The event gathered mathematicians, physicists, environmental engineers, and peatland scientists to begin developing a common language and identifying key challenges in modelling soft, growing porous media such as peat.
What happened
Over 20 participants attended the event from across the UK and beyond. The workshop opened with an overview of current peatland research and mathematical challenges, followed by a full-day field trip to Strathy and RSPB Forsinard. Participants observed peat structures, textures, gas emissions, and hydrological patterns — grounding the modelling work in real-world experience.
The second day focused on interactive talks and group discussions covering topics such as:
- Multiscale modelling and fluid–structure interaction
- Gas and water transport in deformable porous materials
- Numerical methods, uncertainty quantification, and software tools
The final day was dedicated to designing research collaborations, brainstorming pilot projects, and identifying data and modelling gaps. The workshop closed with a strong sense of shared purpose and concrete next steps for interdisciplinary research.
Reflections
This event laid the foundation for future joint work, helping shape the MATHPEAT research agenda and connect researchers across disciplines. A clear enthusiasm emerged for advancing mathematical tools to support restoration, monitoring, and climate modelling in peat-rich environments.