June 2023 7 Hutton forensic soil scientist awarded RSE medal for earth science Professor Dawson has also been appointed as a Commissioner on the UK’s Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC). The FFCC, which delivered the landmark Our Future in the Land report, before becoming an independent charity, is a leader in tackling the challenges faced by rural communities across the UK. The Hutton has already been supporting the work of the FFCC, both during the FFCC Inquiry hosted by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) and now as an independent charity. Professor Dawson especially has contributed to the FFCC’s work, including its Scotland Inquiry and subsequent report. As a Commissioner and Co-chair, Scotland, Professor Dawson leads the FFCC’s work in its food, farming and countryside devolved Scotland programme. She also sits on the body’s research advisory group. FFCC Chief Executive Sue Pritchard, says, “I am delighted to welcome Lorna to join the FFCC Commission as a Commissioner. Lorna has led our work in Scotland as CoChair for FFCC Scotland for the last five years. This change reflects the Commission’s intention to strengthen our work across all four UK nations.” Professor Dawson says, “It’s so important that we work together across the UK, while treasuring our many differences, and we work towards achieving a vibrant future for our farming systems, diverse food quality and our beautiful countryside. I’m delighted to contribute to the FFCC, a wonderful organisation making real positive differences on the ground.” James Hutton Institute scientist appointed Commissioner on Food, Farming and Countryside Head of forensic science and principal scientist at The James Hutton Institute Professor Lorna Dawson has become the first winner of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) medal for earth and environmental sciences. The new medal, named after the institute’s namesake and RSE founder member James Hutton, recognises Professor Dawson’s exceptional achievements in soil and environmental science, including developing and pioneering the use of soil science to solve crime in the UK and further afield. Professor Dawson was brought up on a farm in Forfar, where she went to Forfar Academy before studying geography at the University of Edinburgh and then gaining a PhD in soil science at the University of Aberdeen. She started her career with The James Hutton Institute in 1985, when she joined its predecessor, The Macaulay Institute. Since then she has also supported countless police investigations, been an expert witness on more than 20 cases, including the recent Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry, advised the National Crime Agency, published more than 100 scientific papers and has played a major role in public engagement in soil and forensic science. Professor Dawson says: “One of the main achievements in my career has been in developing, pioneering, and communicating the application of soil science within the Criminal Justice System both in the UK and abroad. But this award is thanks to the many people I have collaborated with at the Hutton and across all the Scottish institutes and universities I’ve worked with, in particular Robert Gordon University.” Professor Lorna Dawson
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