Collaborations
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In August, the James Hutton Institute and the Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology (CEH) signed a Statement of Intent to work more
closely to add value to their current research activity, increase
collective competitiveness and enhance opportunities for income
generation. The two leading research organisations share close
research links and have collaborated over many years. The signing
is designed to create a shared strategic vision and formalise their
partnership.
The James Hutton Institute and CEH already work together in
China, collaborating with scientists there to help tackle some
of the problems facing the country including pollution, water
management and natural capital. The complementary in-depth
skills and excellence from the collaboration will strengthen the
UK’s world lead in environmental science.
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland host forum
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) provides a
hub of expertise in quantitative methods that are central to
research at the James Hutton Institute and at other major BioSS
stakeholders. One of the ways in which this central role is fulfilled
is through the co-ordination of a Forum for Quantitative Science.
This involves both researchers from Rural and Environment
Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS), Main Research
Providers (MRPs) and scientists from the Scottish Government’s
Co-ordinated Agenda for Marine, Environment and Rural Affairs
Science (CAMERAS) partnership organisations. In March, the
meeting focused on modelling in time and/or space, with guest
speaker Professor Marion Scott from the University of Glasgow.
Presentations from MRP and CAMERAS attendees and associated
discussions explored the modelling approaches employed at
participating organisations. The meeting facilitated shared
knowledge and experience of underpinning methodologies used
to extract maximum value from the increasingly large volumes of
data available.
Sound statistical expertise is required to cope with the rapid
growth of volumes of scientific data (big data). Experts at BioSS –
part of the James Hutton Institute group – provide this expertise
for the MRPs and other stakeholders.
“Our vision is to build an alliance
of excellence which brings together
researchers from different disciplines to
tackle important challenges”
8
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Scottish Society for Crop Research
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) continued to support
research into agriculture, research projects and crop events at the
James Hutton Institute.
•
The 2013 SSCR lecture was delivered by Dr Jon Knight of the
Horticultural Development Company on the topic of “The future
of pest control” and attracted a varied audience.
•
Industry field events, hosted by the James Hutton Institute and
supported by SSCR, continued to grow in size and stature with
more than 130 attendees at Cereals in Practice, 120 at Fruit for
the Future and 800 at Potatoes in Practice, the largest potato
field event in the UK.
•
Links with industry and knowledge exchange were further
strengthened at the annual winter meetings of the potato and
soft fruit sub-committees. The soft fruit meeting in February
2014, held in association with Bulrush Horticulture Ltd, attracted
over 100 delegates.
SSCR was created to support agriculture, horticulture and forestry
in Scotland. Its crop sub-committees for combinable and energy
crops, potatoes and soft fruit organise indoor and outdoor
events to disseminate research findings and other information of
relevance to their respective industries. The James Hutton Institute
and SSCR organise science outreach events which offer a unique
opportunity for scientists to demonstrate their latest research
directly to growers, crop advisers, processors and the industry.
