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

The James Hutton Institute – 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

St Margaret’s School for Girls visit The James Hutton Institute as part of the Daffodil DNA Project
Students from St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen visited The James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie as part of the Daffodil DNA project co-ordinated by the Hutton and The University of Dundee.
The International Barley Hub announces new deputy directors
The James Hutton Institute is delighted to announce that Dr Kelly Houston, Dr Isabelle Colas and Dr Sarah McKim have been announced joint deputy directors of one of its innovation centres, the International Barley Hub (IBH).
Researchers to harness the power of fungi for water filters
A groundbreaking project exploring the power of fungi to combat agricultural pollution is making significant strides, with researchers looking to begin live field trials later this year.
TORward the light: The Energy Switch In Flowering Time Control
A study has identified a new mechanism by which plants link resource availability to flowering at the correct time, maximising their chances of reproductive success. 
Potatoes in Practice announces sponsors for 2025
The James Hutton Institute, along with its partners, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Agrii, is delighted to announce its sponsorship for Potatoes in Practice.
Hutton researchers hosting events at Kyle of Lochalsh to gather opinions on community land use and land reform
Social researchers from the Hutton are hosting two events to explore community connections to land in partnership with Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust
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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)