Overview of the James Hutton Institute
The challenge and inspiration
Across the globe, nations face growing demands to
provide food, energy and water from finite natural
and land resources. These challenges are complex,
interconnected and ever-changing. As one of the
world’s leading scientific research organisations,
with a focus on land, crops, water and the
environment, the James Hutton Institute is at the
forefront of meeting these challenges.
Our world-class strengths in environmental and
socio-economic sciences combine to produce a
broad range of disciplines that deliver knowledge,
products and services – all of which improve the
quality of our lives.
So how exactly do we optimise our science
strengths? And how do we achieve our pioneering
breakthroughs and discoveries?
Our dynamic matrix structure
Our six research themes apply the skills of our five
science groups to solve global challenges facing land
and natural resources.
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Implementation and influence
We operate a matrix structure with six main Research Themes that
draw on the people, skills and resources of five Science Groups to
deliver our research. The Science Groups focus on delivery of credible,
leading edge research. They also support professional development
and career progression. The Research Themes integrate this research
to address the demands and challenges of global food, energy and
water security.
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“We deliver practical solutions for
our shared future”
By working in partnership with people, organisations and
governments, our research enhances sustainable environmental,
social and economic development. At the James Hutton Institute,
we deliver practical solutions for our shared future and influence the
agenda for land use and development for the 21st Century.
Strengthening links for a better future
The transfer of our science excellence into products, services
and knowledge for industry, stakeholders and governments will
be strengthened this coming year with the creation of a single
commercial subsidiary of the James Hutton Institute. The new
company will incorporate the activities of its current commercial
subsidiaries, Mylnefield Research Services Ltd and Macaulay Scientific
Consulting Ltd, and build on their success.
The move marks the next stage for the James Hutton Institute Group
which encompasses:
•
BioSS (Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland) which undertakes
research, consultancy and training in mathematics and statistics as
applied to agriculture, the environment, food and health
•
the University of Dundee, Division of Plant Sciences, which is based
at our Dundee site
•
our commercial subsidiaries: Macaulay Scientific Consulting Ltd
(MSC) and Mylnefield Research Services Ltd (MRS).
A summary of
2013-14 activities is on pages 20-22
•
a thriving Postgraduate School with 128 PhD students from 30
different countries.
The Institute was formed in April 2011 by merging the Macaulay Land
Use Research Institute and SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute).
We took the name of James Hutton to recognise one of the greatest
polymaths and leading lights of the Scottish Enlightenment. As the
Father of Modern Geology and an experimental farmer, James Hutton
inspires the ground-breaking research we conduct today.
A national effort for international good
The James Hutton Institute has several sites around Scotland, with
main offices in Aberdeen and Dundee as well as three farms. The
Dundee site includes 200 hectares of farmland which hosts a range
of cereal, soft fruit and sustainable cultivation trials. Each farm offers
unique opportunities for innovative research.
•
Balruddery in Angus
is a large arable experimental platform which
encompasses our Centre for Sustainable Cropping. The Centre for
Sustainable Cropping is a long-term initiative where conventional
and more sustainable farming methods are being trialled and
evaluated side-by-side.
•
Glensaugh in Aberdeenshire
extends to 1000 hectares in the
Grampian foothills and focuses on livestock farming. A wind turbine
and biomass boiler supply electricity and heating to the farm as
part of its sustainable approach.
•
Hartwood in Lanarkshire
is currently subject to a proposal for
a wind farm which will also straddle neighbouring Forestry
Commission land. If given the go-ahead, the wind farm will form
the centrepiece of our plans for an agri-renewables learning hub.
