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James Hutton Institute researchers to support training of future soil scientists

Hutton researchers will help train future soil scientists
"Human life without soil is impossible to imagine as our wellbeing depends on its capacities and functions. We are delighted to take part in this initiative and help train the soil scientists of the future.

Dundee and Aberdeen based researchers at the James Hutton Institute are to help train future soil scientists in a drive to improve our understanding of soils, which are key to tackling many of today’s global challenges, including food, water and energy security.

This follows major funding to launch a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in soil science to be based at Lancaster University. The James Hutton Institute is part of the Soils Training and Research Studentships (STARS) consortium, together with Bangor, Cranfield and Nottingham universities, as well as the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Rothamsted Research, the British Geological Survey and project leaders Lancaster University.

This £2.3m programme funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) aims to create a new generation of highly-skilled soil scientists who understand the soil ecosystem from both environmental and biological viewpoints.

The programme will provide funding for a minimum of eight studentships each year for three years, giving the researchers access to expertise, equipment and training that will help them deal with the problems the sustainable agriculture industry faces as it learns how to protect itself against environmental change.

There is currently a need for a new generation of scientists with up-to-date skills who are able to understand the complexity of the soil ecosystem and the role it plays in the wider environment. The STARS Centre for Doctoral Training addresses this with a more holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to giving researchers a wide breadth of skills and knowledge.

This is one of three initiatives to be launched by BBSRC and NERC. The funding of the Global Food Security 'Soil and Rhizosphere Interactions for Sustainable Agri-ecosystems’ (SARISA) programme and the appointment of a Soil Co-ordinator, bring together organisations with a shared interest in developing a new generation of highly-skilled scientists.

Minister for Universities, Science and Cities Greg Clark said: “Forging these strong partnerships between research councils and the three innovative new initiatives announced today are vital in addressing major challenges facing our society like feeding a growing population.

“By working together, the research councils can bring a range of perspectives to bear on these issues, ensuring that that excellent UK research is translated into tangible economic and societal benefits.”

Dr Helaina Black, senior soil scientist at the James Hutton Institute and UK representative on the Intergovernmental Panel on Soils, commented: “Isn’t it strange that we have sent a spaceship to study soil on Mars but we still don’t really know how soils on Earth work?

“It’s simple: no soil means no life. Human life without soil is impossible to imagine as our wellbeing depends on its capacities and functions, as soils underpin food security and human sustainability. We are delighted to take part in this initiative and help train the soil scientists of the future.”

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Printed from /news/james-hutton-institute-researchers-support-training-future-soil-scientists on 29/03/24 12:58:07 PM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.