Our science is changing the world.

We offer world-leading scientific solutions for the sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that support thriving communities.

EXPLORE OUR SCIENCE

Science connecting land and people

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.

Our scientific services

We 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

Hutton receives King’s Award for Sustainable Development
The James Hutton Institute has been presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, awarded in recognition of the institute’s world-leading research on sustainability across land, food and natural resources.
Understanding climate warming impacts on carbon release from the tundra
Climate warming is shifting the dynamics of the world’s vast tundra environments and making them release trapped carbon, according to a new study supported by the Hutton and published in the journal Nature.
Researchers seek seafood sector insight to unlock by-product prize
Researchers from Aberdeen have put a call out to Scotland’s seafood sector to help it understand why it could be missing out on netting the full potential of its catch by getting more value from by-products.  
Globally rare truffle found in Scottish Atlantic rainforest
A globally rare fungus found for the first time in Scotland by scientists assessing restoration work on a Scottish temperate rainforest created a conservation conundrum.
Textiles and food packaging biggest source of PFAS in Yangtze River
The first study of toxic “forever chemicals” along the full length of Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze, has found 13 different types of PFAS, nearly half of them coming from textile treatments and food packaging.
Announcing the 45th TB Macaulay lecture speaker: Professor Gretchen C. Daily
We are absolutely delighted to announce that the 45th TB Macaulay lecture will be delivered by globally renowned environmental expert, Professor Gretchen C. Daily on 10th September.
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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.

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Our innovation centres

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