The James Hutton Institute and the Malaysia-based Crops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) [1] have agreed to cooperate on aspects of global agricultural sustainability, food security and nutrition, with emphasis on underutilised and novel crops as well as the diversification of land use.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions was signed by Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, and Professor Sayed Azam-Ali, Chief Executive of CFFRC, at a meeting held at the Institute’s Dundee site.
As part of the collaboration, the James Hutton Institute and CFFRC have agreed to develop collaborative research programmes of mutual interest; identify opportunities for the exchange of staff members and students; develop joint research projects and organise public engagement events.
On behalf of the Institute, Professor Campbell commented: “We are delighted to establish links with CFFRC as there are lots of scope for collaboration. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to realise scientific collaboration and technology exchange between Scotland and Malaysia.”
In response, Professor Azam-Ali said: “I am impressed with the range and depth of common interests between our institutions, by which strong links will emerge.”
Based in Semenyih, in the Malaysian state of Selangor, CFFRC is an independent research organisation established in 2011 with the aim of promoting greater use of neglected and underutilised crops for enhanced diversification of agricultural systems and human diets, particularly for the benefit of poor people in developing countries.
Bernardo Rodriguez-Salcedo [2], Media Manager, Tel: +44 (0)1224 395089 [3] (direct line), +44 (0)344 928 5428 [4] (switchboard) or +44 (0)7791 193918 [5] (mobile).
Links:
[1] http://www.cffresearch.org
[2] mailto:bernardo.rodriguez-salcedo@hutton.ac.uk?subject=Query%20from%20Hutton%20website
[3] tel:+441224395089
[4] tel:+44344928 5428
[5] tel:+447791193918