The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

The nitrogen challenge is one of the biggest environmental problems of the 21st century. With a growing world population that is also increasingly affluent, we have to produce enough food without excessive use of fertilizers. In addition, we must also pay attention to fossil fuel combustion. All these activities lead to nitrogen pollution which threatens water, air, and soil quality, and through these, also risks human health and biodiversity. Humans play a key role in sustainable nitrogen management: how we contribute to nitrogen pollution, how we perceive it, and how we act on it. In this course, we present examples of interdisciplinary research and the exciting ways that the social sciences can be used in the field of nitrogen research – a field that has so far been dominated by natural sciences! The first module introduces the relationships between nitrogen, society and the social sciences from the perspectives of a prominent social scientist and a world leading nitrogen scientist. The following course modules provide overviews of the types of social science methods applicable in nitrogen research, such as semi-structured interviews; policy analysis; and participatory approaches. Examples are drawn from the social science research studies being carried out by the GCRF UKRI South Asia Nitrogen Hub – a partnership that brings together 32 leading research organisations with project engagement partners from the UK and South Asia. Each course module includes a variety of instructors from the UK and South Asia research institutes, who have a range of expertise and roles within the SANH project. The Chair of the International Nitrogen Initiative, David Kanter, contributes his path-breaking research on global nitrogen policy to the module on policy analysis.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.