Two scientists from The James Hutton Institute will take part in Pint of Science
Senior research scientists, Professor Ingo Hein and Dr Kelly Houston, from The James Hutton Institute will join dozens of scientists and researchers getting out of their labs and into cafes, pubs and community centres to share their work with the public in the annual Pint of Science festival taking place throughout the country this month.
They will provide an entertaining, interactive talk, “Farming the future: science in Scottish agriculture”, focussing on two crops that many consider to be vital to our everyday lives and which are definitely vital to our economy – potatoes and barley
Professor Hein will explain how ancient (wild) potatoes are shaping the future of modern agriculture.
He said, “This is such a great opportunity for everyone to find out about the science we are doing to ensure the future of potato in this country and throughout the world. By developing new, resilient varieties we hope to find solutions for many issues currently facing farmers and breeders, including climate change and the pests and diseases threatening today’s crops.”
Dr Houston will explain how cutting-edge research in barley genetics is boosting Scotland’s world-renowned whisky production and barley security in general. Barley is the fourth most important grain crop in the world and is also used for food and animal feed.
She said, “Barley was one of the first cultivated grains in the world. Did you know that gladiators were called hordearii, or “barley-eaters” in Latin because their diet consisted mainly of nutrient-rich barley?
“However, the challenges that farmers face today due to climate change will disrupt agriculture as we know it. Our challenge is to develop robust, resilient varieties of this globally important crop.”
The Hutton has teams of scientists working on solutions to future proof crops and address the issues of global food insecurity, net zero and environmental sustainability and welcomes this chance to share its work and engage directly with the local community in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
“This is such a great opportunity for everyone to find out about the science we are doing to ensure the future of potato in this country and throughout the world. By developing new, resilient varieties we hope to find solutions for many issues currently facing farmers and breeders, including climate change and the pests and diseases threatening today’s crops.”
Prof Ingo Hein, The James Hutton Institute
Pint of Science was founded in 2012 when two research scientists at Imperial College, London, Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin, organised an event called “Meet the researchers” that invited people affected by Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis into their labs to show them the kind of research they were doing. Seeing that people were prepared to come into labs to meet the scientists, they decided to try taking the scientists out to the people.
In May 2013 they held the first Pint of Science in three cities. It is now held in nearly 450 cities in 27 countries.
Dr Paul said, “It’s amazing to see how a simple idea among friends has ignited curiosity and brought scientific research into the limelight. Everyone should have the chance to explore and question the diverse research happening across the UK.”
“Farming the future: science in Scottish agriculture” will take place on 19th May at Clarks on Lindsay Street, Dundee. Doors open at 7 pm.
Hutton scientists are also taking part in Pint of Science in Aberdeen with an event called “Aberdeen – futuristic ecology” on 21st May in the OGV Podium, 17 Windmill Brae.
Bhaskar Mitra will present “Peatlands: A key to carbon storage and climate action” and Dr Thomas Cornulier will discuss “Invisible journeys: uncovering the secrets of trees, elusive animals and you”.
More information is available here Home | Pint of Science
