The James Hutton Institute is now three years
old and, as you will see from the 2013-14 Annual
Review, we continue to go from strength to
strength. Since our creation, we have successfully
completed reviews of all of our Science Groups.
This is testament to the quality of our robust
research. In fact, without exception, the external
international panels, comprised of leading
scientists, highlighted the excellence of our science.
Across the Institute we are putting in place
processes and procedures that support our science
business. In the current economic climate, science
has to demonstrate that it is of value to society
and this is most easily achieved by a high uptake of
the information, evidence, products and services
we provide. The SOCiT App we developed to help
farmers monitor the carbon content of their soil is
just one of many examples of the appliance of the
Institute’s science in the real world.
Introduction from the Chief Executive
The Institute is also leading the way in the
academic sector.
•
We have recently successfully gained an
Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising
our commitment to supporting enhanced
representation of women in science, technology,
engineering, medicine and maths; one of the first
Institutes in the UK to achieve this.
•
We developed a strengthened collaboration
with the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee
through the Scottish Food Security Alliance –
Crops. This Alliance is the foundation for closer
engagement between research centres across
Scotland to support the agricultural, food and
drink sectors in Scotland and internationally.
•
We have entered into a partnership with the
Centre of Ecology and Hydrology which is leading
to new opportunities for funding in China. The
challenges facing land and natural resource use
are global – and our science is applicable across
both developed and developing countries. We
are extending our global reach and our scientists
are growing in confidence and experience
through operating on the world stage.
Iain Gordon
Chief Executive
4
“External international panels
comprised of leading scientists
highlighted the excellence of
our science”
This year we will be reviewing our Research
Themes to ensure that we are focusing on the right
areas to grow our external funding and that they
are delivering real impact. The Theme review is
tied in with the new Income Generation Strategy
we are implementing, supported by Scottish
Enterprise. The long term resilience of the James
Hutton Institute depends on deepening our income
streams and we are focusing on our key areas of
strength and potential growth. We will be investing
in these areas to support capability and capital
developments.
5
At its core, the James Hutton Institute delivers
evidence-based solutions to the global challenges
facing the use of land and natural resources, both
now and into the future. We listen to our clients
in governments, industry, NGOs and communities
to ensure that our science meets their strategic
and operational objectives. We must also ensure
we deliver what our clients want at a price that is
competitive within the marketplace. It is therefore
vital that we are professional in our engagement
and delivery.
Our namesake James Hutton had a deep
understanding of the long term nature of change.
As a research institute based in Scotland, we are
proud of our heritage and demonstrate our value
to the local economy on a daily basis. However,
Scotland is also proud of the impact that it has
outside its borders and the Institute remains
committed to its global ambitions.
“At its core, the James Hutton
Institute delivers evidence-
based solutions to the global
challenges facing the use of
land and natural resources,
both now and into the future”
