European Society for Rural Sociology chooses Aberdeen for 2015 congress

"Social sciences lie at the heart of the Institute’s vision to engage with practitioners to develop new solutions to the challenges facing land and natural resource use.

The James Hutton Institute, in partnership with Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), are proud to announce that the European Society for Rural Sociology (ESRS) have chosen Aberdeen as the host city for their 2015 congress.

The congress, organised by the James Hutton Institute, will take place at AECC from 18th – 21st August 2015 and is expected to attract 400 delegates from around the world to the North-East of Scotland. The Region’s unique blend of a traditional rural hinterland with an agricultural, leisure and tourism focus in recent times juxtaposed with the epicentre of the European energy industry will provide a fascinating contrast for delegates to experience and observe multi-scale governance; rural innovation particularly in relation to renewable energy, local food, gentrification processes; human/animal and human/nature relationships; cultural ecosystem service provision; multifunctional land management; property relations and eco-economy approaches.

Founded in 1957, the ESRS is the leading European association for researchers, policy makers and scientists involved in the study of rural issues including: rural governance, land use change, sustainable development, natural resource management, and food production and consumption. The James Hutton Institute’s work in these areas is undertaken by its Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Group, the largest group of rural social and economic scientists in the UK.

This congress was secured by Dr Lee-Ann Sutherland at the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen and was awarded subvention funding from Visit Scotland’s National Bid Fund; which was created in order to attract more business tourism to Scotland.

Professor Iain Gordon, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute said: “The James Hutton Institute is proud to host the European Society for Rural Sociology 2015 Congress in Aberdeen. Social sciences lie at the heart of the Institute’s vision to engage with practitioners to develop new solutions to the challenges facing land and natural resource use. As well as the stimulation of the conference itself, the North-East of Scotland offers delegates, and their partners, a vast range of experiences from walks to whisky, hospitality to highland games. I look forward to meeting you next year.”

Brian Horsburgh, Managing Director of AECC said: “Securing the ESRS Conference for August next year is great news, and re-emphasises our belief that a team approach works best when working to bring overseas conferences to the Region. Working with key partners such as the James Hutton Institute and Visit Scotland gives AECC a strong and attractive position, and we are delighted to have secured this international conference for next year.”

Notes to editors

For more information on the ESRS 2015 congress, visit www.esrs2015.eu.

For further information on AECC please contact Sarah Coutts, Senior PR & Marketing Executive at AECC on 01224 330430.