Hutton Highlights, September 2019

News Highlights Ambitious plans to establish two open science campuses at the James Hutton Institute’s sites in Dundee and Aberdeen were outlined by the Institute’s Chief Executive, Professor Colin Campbell, at the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) AGM and Annual Lecture in May. The next two years will bring significative milestones for the continued partnership of SSCR and the Institute, with SSCR marking its 100th anniversary in 2020 and the Institute turning 10 in 2021. According to SSCR Chair Dr Keith Dawson: “As the Society moves closer to its 100th anniversary, there is no diminution in the relevance of its role to support, promote and influence the forward movement of science. Essential to such research support is our collaboration with the James Hutton Institute and we are hugely interested in the Institute’s plans for the future.” In a nod to what the future holds for science and innovation at the Institute, Professor Campbell outlined the enormous potential of the planned open science campuses during his presentation at the SSCR AGM and Annual Lecture. The science campuses will provide open access to the public, stakeholders and businesses and will house the International Barley Hub (IBH) and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) innovation centres in Invergowrie, both funded by the Tay Cities Deal, and the Hydro Nation International Centre as part of the Craigiebuckler Campus Project in Aberdeen, plus new partnerships with business and industry. “We have had a fantastic experience collaborating with Intelligent Growth Solutions in the development of disruptive technologies for the future of vertical farming. Hutton will be an even more open science institute facilitated by new investment on our sites and embracing many collaborators, stakeholders and the public. “We are already discussing potential collaborations with commercial companies and have also developed a spin-out business arising from innovation developed at the Institute and its commercial subsidiary, James Hutton Limited” said Professor Campbell. The IBH is set to be a centre of excellence linking industry-focussed research with innovation, to both deliver immediate impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of the UK and international agriculture, brewing and distilling, food and non-food sectors. It is backed by a £35m investment as part of the Tay Cities deal. Similarly, the APGC has been supported with a £27m transformational investment from the Tay Cities Deal and it seeks to generate state-of-the-art research and innovation infrastructure associated with totally-controlled- environment agriculture. It will mean the UK can play its part in leading the science agenda around this rapidly expanding global market which is expected to be worth $10 billion by 2025. Institute outlines plans for open science campuses The Royal Entomological Society was founded in 1833 as the Royal Entomological Society of London and is devoted to the promotion and development of entomological science. Its stated aims include promoting excellence in entomology and demonstrating the importance of studying insects to everyone. The Honorary Secretary is one of four officers responsible for the scientific, social and financial affairs of the Society. Many eminent scientists of the past have served in this role, including Charles Darwin, renowned English naturalist and biologist responsible for major contributions to the science of evolution. Dr Stockan has worked with the Society in various roles to date: Honorary Secretary for Scotland since 2011, Fellow since 2013, Trustee between 2016 and 2019, and Vice President from 2018 to 2019. She commented: “It is an honour to be elected to the role of Honorary Secretary. The Royal Entomological Society is one of the world’s most eminent Entomological Societies. “I hope to play my part in supporting international collaboration and communication of insect science within the entomological community and to wider audiences.” Professor Deb Roberts, Hutton Director of Science and chair the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee, said: “I am delighted that Jenni has been appointed Honorary Secretary of the Royal Entomological Society, following in the footsteps of very distinguished scientists. “Women remain under-represented in many science areas. I hope Jenni’s achievement inspires future generations of female scientists.” Royal Entomological Society first female Honorary Secretary Dr Jenni Stockan, a research scientist within our the Ecological Sciences group, has been distinguished by the Royal Entomological Society as the first woman to take the role of Honorary Secretary in the society’s 186-year history. “Women remain under-represented in many science areas. I hope Jenni’s achievement inspires future generations of female scientists” 4 Hutton Highlights September 2019 5 Comments?