Our science is changing the world.

The James Hutton Institute offer world-leading scientific solutions for the sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that support thriving communities.

EXPLORE OUR SCIENCE

Science connecting land and people

At The James Hutton Institute we respond to the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises through applying our scientific expertise to developing interventions, tools, products and land management practices to improve the resilience of crops, land, natural resources and communities.

Our unique research is tested in labs and at scale on our farms. We combine expertise in both natural and socio-economic sciences to consider the connections between crops, resources and people.

Improving crop resilience and sustainability
Delivering food and plant products, ensuring economic prosperity and wellbeing while safeguarding the environment.
Protecting and enhancing natural capital
Increasing the resilience of ecosystems for multiple benefits.
Connecting land and people
Supporting sustainable and resilient communities through social, economic and technical innovations.
Agricultural robot (agri bot,) in The James Hutton Institute crop field

Our scientific services

The James Hutton Institute offer a range of analytical, commercial research, crop science, consultancy and scientific project services, all underpinned by world-leading science, facilities, resources and intellectual property.

Discover the services we offer

Latest news from The James Hutton Institute

International Barley Study Offers Good News for Scottish Growers
The James Hutton Institute has played a crucial role in a major international barley study to create the most comprehensive DNA-based genetic map of barley to date.
Ambitious plans for future of freshwater pearl mussels in the Cairngorms National Park
Freshwater pearl mussels a endangered species and populations have been facing a steep decline. In response, we are working with land managers to develop strategies which will secure a brighter future for the species.
Cattle replace chemicals in trials to control bracken and restore habitats
Farmers are using animals to control bracken without chemicals while saving costs and restoring habitats, in a new field lab with Innovative Farmers and The James Hutton Institute.
The James Hutton Institute achieves Silver Award in Athena Swan Charter
The James Hutton Institute has won silver status under the Athena Swan Charter, the framework used by higher education and research institutions to promote gender equality.  
£14 Million in funding announced for five research projects into Land Use and Net Zero
Funding has been granted for five separate consortia of stakeholder and research organisations, that will carry out cutting-edge research into the interlinking themes of soil health, agricultural systems and land use change.
Hutton hunts for soil ambassadors across Scotland to help dig deep
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute are leading a nationwide soil sampling campaign to help major European project, ECHO, to collect a total of 16,500 samples across Europe.
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LOCATE YOUR BUSINESS AT THE HUTTON

Our open science approach means that we have a variety of offices, labs and glasshouses available to rent on a long term-term basis at our sites at Invergowrie, Aberdeen and Glensaugh.

Find out more
Advanced Plant Growth Centre
World-leading plant science delivering innovative solutions for food and environmental sustainability.
Glensaugh
Climate-positive farming initiative, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises with transformative farming and technological innovations.
Hydro Nation International Centre
Promoting innovative and transformative research solutions for sustainable water management.
International Barley Hub
A centre of excellence in barley research, innovation and knowledge exchange
International Land Use Study Centre (ILUSC)
An innovation centre focused on making a difference: enabling just transitions in land use.
National Potato Innovation Centre
We are proposing to establish and manage a National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC)