2 Hutton Highlights The James Hutton Institute magazine team Adam Walker, Sarah Horne and Sharon Simpson editor@hutton.ac.uk The James Hutton Institute is a well-respected and globally recognised research organisation delivering fundamental and applied science to drive the sustainable use of land and natural resources. @JamesHuttonInst /JamesHuttonInstitute /JamesHuttonInstitute A time of urgency and opportunity Welcome to the latest edition of Hutton Highlights at a time when extreme weather events are again reminding us about climate breakdown and its impacts on nature and the security of our food, energy and water. The war in Ukraine is further amplifying what an unstable state we seem to be in and adding to the crises. There is much to do and our science unambiguously addresses these issues around nature, climate and food and provides opportunity to understand our world better and create new, often nature based solutions, that can help move towards a more sustainable world. This edition features more stories about our work that emphasise there is much to be positive about and there is great opportunity in the crises we face to do things differently for the betterment of people and the planet. The institute is leading the way in both social and technical innovations with solutions that are based soundly in scientific evidence but are driven by the urgency and needs of the current situation. Our newsletter is reaching more and more people and as always, we are keen to hear back from you and especially if there is more you want to see it and about ways we can work together with you. Comments? Introduction Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of The James Hutton Institute /company/james-hutton-institute Contents 04 Rural affairs secretary visits Climate-Positive Farming Initiative at Glensaugh 06 Awards, Accolades & Appointments 08 Fields of research that are now more vital than ever 10 How Scottish farmers and crofters are changing food systems with agroecology 12 Seeds for survival: How humble tatties from the Institute will contribute to global food security 14 Food security rests on the growth of farming indoors 16 £13 million awarded to sustainability projects in the North East of Scotland 18 Why it’s important – and urgent – that we halt loss of biodiversity 20 Research provides first comprehensive view of pharmaceutical pollution of Scotland’s waters 22 Promising results from mountain hare survey 24 Policymakers urged to adopt new approaches to addressing global crises 26 James Hutton’s legacy launches Scottish Geology Festival 20 08 10 18 December 2022 3 The James Hutton Institute has received an accolade for its commitment to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace. This year, the Institute received a Bronze award from Stonewall, the world’s secondlargest LGBTQ+ charity. For twenty years the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people. According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+. Stonewall’s Gold, Silver and Bronze awards celebrate organisations’ inclusion work, particularly the importance of inclusion for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people, and the lifechanging impact of being able to bring your whole self to work. Professor Deb Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute and chair of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, commented: “We are delighted to have received this award and I would like to thank everyone whose hard work made this possible. “The Institute values the diversity of its workforce. Having Stonewall Bronze status is a signal of our commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and to developing the potential of all of our colleagues, across the Hutton Group.” Hutton commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion awarded Stonewall bronze 14
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