Biography

Roy is a soil ecologist at the James Hutton Institute where he leads the Plant-Soil Interactions Research Group within the Ecological Sciences Departments and is the Hutton lead for the Centre for Agricultural Sustainable Innovation (CASI).

Roy has a long-standing interest in the impact of land use change, management practices and environmental drivers on soil function and biodiversity to support resilient production ecosystems.

Roy is a strong advocate of strengthening the evidence base to support informed decision-making, practice, and adoption of land management practices to maintain and protect soil function and its biodiversity, and this includes the development of indicators to monitor change.

In addition to Scottish systems, Roy has worked in agricultural, forest and natural systems in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

His research is captured in over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, seven book chapters and several reports.

Roy is a member of the following committees/panels:

BBRSC Pool of Experts

Science advisory group of WG2 of the International Network on Soil Biodiversity managed by UN-FAO

The NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Expert Panel: JNCC Soil Health Indicator Expert Panel

A vice-chair of the Sustainable Agriculture working group of the European Technology Platform

Steering Committee of the Angus Council Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP)

Roy sits on the editorial boards of Biology and Fertility of Soils (2018-), Soil Biology & Biochemistry (2020-) & Soil Use and Management (2017-2022)

Research

Engaging citizens in soil science: the road to healthier soils (ECHO)(2023-2027): An Horizon Europe funded project, will engage EU citizens in soil health increasing their knowledge, by generating new data on the health status of EU soils to complement existing soil mapping and soil monitoring in EU Member States, and awareness on the ecological and societal importance of soils.

Climate-smart resilience through diversified cropping systems – Identifying springboards in Nordic and Baltic agriculture (AgroMixNorth) (2023-2027), funded by NordForsk, the project is constructed around the central hypothesis that diversified cropping systems, due to their spatial and temporal niche complementary, are more climate-smart and resilient cropping systems compared with mono-culture systems.

Healthy Soils for a Green Recovery (2022-2027) funded by Scottish Government and aims to strengthen the evidence base to support and inform decision-making, practice and uptake for sustainable management and minimization of degradation and loss of Scotland’s soils, considering both their intrinsic value and the benefits (ecosystem services) that they provide.

IPMWorks (2021-2026), funded by the European Union, is an EU-wide farm network demonstrating and promoting cost-effective IPM strategies.

A decision support tool for potato blackleg disease (DES-BL) (2020-2024), funded by BBSRC, aims to develop tools to help farmers, agronomists and policymakers manage the disease.

Nematode diagnostics (2004-present), through James Hutton Limited, we deliver a commercial diagnostic service for the identification of free-living nematode species relevant to UK agriculture. We also provide a detection service for Tobacco Rattle Virus.

Roy also contributes to two further projects:

  • The Effects of Grass Seed Intentionally containing Endophytes on the Environment (EndoScot) (2020-2024), funded by the Scottish Government, and will develop a risk framework for future products that may contain endophytes.
  • Are chitin amendments to soil a means to control potato cyst nematodes? (2023-2024), funded by BBSRC, which is an industry collaboration to determine the efficacy of chitin-amended compost derived from waste products for the control of potato cyst nematode.

Committees

Chariman Ecology Standing Committee, Society of Nematologists, 2007-2009

EAB Examination Board, University of Dundee, 2006-

Vice-chairman Ecology Standing Committee, Society of Nematologists, 2004-2007

Governing Board Member of European Society of Nematologists, 2000-2004

Current students

Beth Evans – Can UK agroforestry systems contribute to improved soil function in agri-environments? Funded by ACCE DTP and partnered with the National History Museum and the University of York.

Vongai Chekanai – Utilisation of single and multiple species cover crops for the suppression of soil borne nematodes of Narcissus. Co-funded by the James Hutton Institute and a consortium of industry partners from the UK Narcissus sector and partnered with Harper Adams University.

Francis Kawayla – Optimisation of partial biofumigation for the management of potato cyst nematodes. Funded by SAI CTP and partnered with Harper Adams University

Starting October 2023

Kira Lutter- Moving to net zero barley production. Funded by Baritone CTP and partnered with Glenmorangie and the University of Dundee.

Ruth Taylor – The role of agricultural co-ops in driving change supporting the climate challenge. Funded Baritone CTP and partnered with SAOS and the University of Dundee.

Publications

The following Publications have not yet been migrated to the James Hutton Institute's Pure service and relate to the research outputs from the two legacy organisations: The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and The Scottish Crop Research Institute.

Journals

Books / chapters

  • Neilson, R.; Creamer, R.E. (2010) Nematodes., In: Jeffrey, S., Gaqrdi, C., Jones, A., Montanarella, L., Marmot, L., Miko, L., Ritz, K., Peres, G., Rommbke, J. & van der Putten, W.H. (eds.). European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity. European Commission, Luxembourg, 102-103.
  • Neilson, R.; Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J.; Rybarczyk, K.D.; van den Elsen, S.; Mooyman, P.; Helder, J. (2009) Molecular tools for analysing nematode assemblages., In: Wilson, M.J. & Kakouli-Duarte, T. (eds.). Nematodes as Environmental Indicators. CABI, Wallingford, pp188-207.
  • MacFarlane, S.A.; Neilson, R. (2009) Testing of transmission of Tobraviruses by nematodes., In: Coico, R., Kowalik, T., Quarles, J.M., Stevenson, B. & Taylor, R.K. (eds.). Current Protocols in Microbiology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Chichester, UK, Chapter Suppl 12, 16B.5.1-16B.5.16.
  • Neilson, R.; Oliveira, C.M.G.; Hubschen, J. (2008) Molecular diagnostics of virus-vector nematodes., In: Rao, G.P., Valverde, R.A. & Dovas, C.I. (eds.). Techniques in Diagnosis of Plant Viruses. Studium Press LLC, Texas, USA, 249-264.
  • MacFarlane, S.A.; Neilson, R.; Brown, D.J.F. (2002) Nematodes., In: Plumb, R.T. (ed.). Advances in Botanical Research – Plant Virus Vector Interactions. Academic Press, 36, 169-198.
  • MacFarlane, S.A.; Neilson, R.; Brown, D.J.F. (2002) Plant Virus Vector Interactions., In: Plumb, R.T. (eds.). Advances in Botanical Research No 36 – Interctions Between Plant Viruses and Their Vectors. Academic Press, London and New York, pp169-198.

Technical / contract reports

  • Neilson, R.; Donn, S.; Chen, X.Y.; Griffiths, B.S.; O’Flaherty, V.; Daniell, T.J. (2011) Molecular methods for monitoring soil nematodes and their potential use as biologicalindicators of soil health., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2010, pp37-38.
  • Handley, L.L.; Scrimgeour, C.M.; Raven, J.A.; Preston, T.; Neilson, R. (2000) A Dundee contribution to science: high throughput mass spectrometry and new biological interpretations., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1999/2000, 55-65.
  • Handley, L.L.; Robinson, D.; Scrimgeour, C.M.; Neilson, R.; Johnston, A.M. (1999) Stable isotopes and biological processes., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1998/99, 165-167.
  • Handley, L.L.; Johnston, A.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D. (1998) Developing an interpretation for d15N in plants., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1997/98, pp136-139.
  • Boag, B.; Neilson, R. (1997) The potential impact of terrestrial planarians to Scottish agriculture and wildlife., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1996/97, pp125-126.
  • Neilson, R.; Wishart, J.; Hamilton, D.; Robinson, D.; Marriott, C.A.; Scrimgeour, C.M.; Boag, B.; Handley, L.L. (1996) Natural abundance of stable isotopes reveal trophic patterns in soil food webs., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1995, 91-93.
  • Boag, B.; Neilson, R.; Palmer, L.F.; Salowsky-Butcher, A. (1993) New Zealand flatworm in Scotland., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1992, pp101-107.

Conference papers

  • Griffiths, B.S.; Chen, X.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; O’Flaherty, V. (2011) Long-term effects of P fertiliser on nematode community structure assessed by molecular and morphological methods., 50th Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, 17-20 July 2011 (Talk).
  • Chen, X.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; O’Flaherty, V. (2011) Long-term effects of P fertiliser on nematode community structure assessed by molecular and morphological methods., Agricultural Research Forum, Tullamore, Ireland, 14-15 March 2011.
  • Boag, B.; Neilson, R.; Jones, H.D. (2010) Quantifying the risks of alien terrestrial planarians, what makes an alien invasive?, Risks and Policy Responses, Edinburgh, 7-8 December 2010.
  • Boag, B.; MacKenzie, K.; McNicol, J.W.; Neilson, R. (2010) Sampling for the New Zealand flatworm., Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2010, Dundee, 23-24 February 2010, pp45-50.
  • Chen, X.Y.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; O’Flaherty, V. (2010) Long-term effects of P fertiliser on nematode community structure assessed by molecular and morphological methods., European Society of Nematologists Biennial Meeting. Vienna, Austria, 19-23 September 2010.
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D.; Daniell, T.J. (2009) The effect of moisture and plant communities on the mycorrhizal community structure in a low input agricultural system., Plant Soil Interactions. Joint Meeting of the Scottish Root Group and the Scottish Soils Discussion Group of the British Society of Soil Science. Aberdeen, 3 November 2009.
  • Vink, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Robinson, D.; Neilson, R. (2009) Earth’s fragile systems: the Machair of Scotland – a case study. Forming bridges in a changing world., Joint SON/SES Meeting, Burlington, USA, 12-15 July 2009, 203.
  • Chen, X.Y.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; O’Flaherty, V. (2009) High-throughput sequencing of soil nematode communities for ecological research., British Society of Soil Science and Soil Science Society of Ireland Autumn Meeting, Wexford, Ireland, 9-11 September 2009.
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D.; Daniell, T.J. (2009) Belowground microbial communities in a low input agricultural system., 15th Molecular Microbial Ecology Group Meeting, University of Aberdeen, 29-30 July 2009.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J. (2009) T-RFLP analysis of nematode assemblages., British Society for Soil Science Spring Conference, Predicting the Future for Highly Organic Soils, Edinburgh, 5-7 May 2009.
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D.; Daniell, T.J. (2008) Above and below ground responses to a traditional low input agricultural system., Joint Meeting: European Ecological Federation and the Ecological Societies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (EURECO-GFOE 2008), Leipzig, Germany, 15-19 September 2008.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J. (2008) T-RFLP analysis of nematode assemblages., 5th International Congress of Nematology, Brisbane, Australia, 13-18 July 2008.
  • Vink, S.;Neilson, R.;Robinson, D.;Daniell, T.J.; (2008) Above and below ground responses to the machair agricultural system., Glasgow Natural History Society. Machair Conservation Sucesses and Challenges. Glasgow, 8 December 2008.
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D.; Daniell, T.J. (2008) Functional soil ecology and conservation of machair in relation to changing land management., British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2008, Imperial College, London, 3-5 September 2008.
  • Neilson, R.; Donn, S.; Vink, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J. (2008) Molecular nematology as a tool for soil monitoring., 5th International Congress of Nematology, Brisbane, Australia, 13-18 July 2008.
  • Vink, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D. (2007) Functional soil ecology and conservation of Machair in relation to changing land management., Wageningen University and Research Center (Graduate Schools Production Ecology & Resource Conservation (PE&RC), Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment (SENSE) and Functional Ecology (FE). Wageningen, The Netherlands, 5-7 February 2007.
  • Donn, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; Griffiths, B.S. (2007) T-RFLP approaches to nematode assemblage analysis., APS/SON Joint Meeting. California, USA, 28 July – 1 August 2007.
  • Neilson, R.; Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J. (2007) DNA extraction from soil fauna., APS/SON Joint Meeting, California, USA, 28 July – 1 August 2007.
  • Donn, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; Griffiths, B.S. (2007) T-RFLP approaches to nematode assemblage analysis., ESA/SER Jount Meeting. San Jose, USA, 5-10 August 2007.
  • Wishart, J.; Scriven, C.; Begg, G.S.; Neilson, R.; Valentine, T.A.; Squire, G.R.; Dale, M.F.B.; Iannetta, P.P.M. (2007) Nematode mediated Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) infection in time-to-flowering (TTF) variants of Capsella., Scottish Root Group, University of Aberdeen, 14 September 2007.
  • Donn, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; Griffiths, B.S. (2007) T-RFLP approaches to nematode assemblage analysis., 1st International Symposium on Nematodes as Environmental Bioindicators, Edinburgh, 12-13 June 2007.
  • Vink, S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D. (2007) Functional soil ecology and conservation of Machair in relation to changing land management., University of Aberdeen Research Day, Aberdeen, 3 December 2007.
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J.; Robinson, D. (2007) Functional soil ecology and conservation of Machair in relation to changing land management., British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, Glasgow, 10-12 September 2007.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J. (2007) DNA extraction from soil fauna., 1st International Symposium on Nematodes as Environmental Bioindicators, Edinburgh, 12-13 June 2007.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Daniell, T.J.; Neilson, R. (2006) A T-RFLP approach to nematode community analysis., Association of Applied Biologists ‘Advances in Nematology’, The Linnean Society, London, 12 December 2006.
  • Neilson, R.; Hesketh, J.; Daniell, T.J. (2006) Novel application of T-RFLP techniques to characterise the diet of three species of predatory Mononchidae., 45th Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Lihue, Hawaii, USA, 18-21 June 2006.
  • Lazarova, S.S.; Brown, D.J.F.; Malloch, G.; Oliveira, C.M.G.; Fenton, B.; Neilson, R. (2006) Sequence analysis of ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA of Xiphinema americanum-group populations., European Society of Nematologists Biennial Meeting, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, 5-9 June 2006.
  • Aalders, L.T.; Bell, N.L.; Barratt, B.I.P.; Neilson, R. (2006) Using expatriate New Zealand flora as predictors of nematode threats to New Zealand natural ecosystems., European Society of Nematologists Biennial Meeting, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, 5-9 June 2006.
  • Blok, V.C.; Pylypenko, L.A.; Uehara, T.; Neilson, R.; Phillips, M.S. (2005) Molecular characterisation of Globodera pallida populations with virulence differences., Advances in Potato Cyst Nematode Management, Newport, Shropshire, 13 July 2005.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J. (2005) Moving towards high throughput analysis of nematode communities., AAB Advances in Nematology, London, 13 December 2005.

Conference posters / abstracts

  • Ghee, C.; Paterson, E.; Hallett, P.D.; Neilson, R.; Robinson, D. (2011) Centre for Sustainable Cropping; The future viability of contrasting farm systems., Scottish Root Discussion Group, SAC, Edinburgh, 2 November 2011. (Poster and oral presentation)
  • Ghee, C.; Paterson, E.; Neilson, R.; Hallett, P.D.; Robinson, D. (2011) Examining soil carbon dynamics to enhance sustainable agricultural management., Presented at Root-Soil-Microbe-Interactions Workshop, SLU University, Sweden, 28 January 2011. Poster and oral presentation.
  • Donn, S.; Griffiths, B.S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J. (2007) DNA extraction from soil fauna., Society of Nematologists 46th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 28 July – 1 August 2007, 39, 81. (Abstract).
  • Vink, S.; Neilson, R.; Daniell, T.J.; Robinson, D. (2007) Functional soil ecology and conservation of Machair in relation to changing land management., Poster.
  • Holeva, R.; Phillips, M.S.; Neilson, R.; Brown, D.J.F.; Young, V.; Boutsika, K.; Blok, V.C. (2004) Fluorogenic 5′ Nuclease PCR detection and quantification of vector trichodorid nematodes and viruses., European Society of Nematologists Meeting, Rome, 14-18 June 2004 (Abstract).
  • Brown, D.J.F.; Neilson, R.; Karanastasi, E. (2003) Virus-vector and non-vector longidorids and trichodorids – a current prospective., 16th Symposium of the Nematological Society of Southern Africa, South Africa, 30 June – 4 July 2003 (Abstract).
  • Neilson, R.; Karanastasi, E.; Duarte, I.M.; Almeida, M.T.M.; Brown, D.J.F. (2003) Trichodorids and ‘spraing’ disease., 16th Symposium of the Nematological Society of Southern Africa, South Africa, 30 June – 4 July 2003. (Abstract)
  • Phillips, M.S.; Neilson, R.; Blok, V.C. (2002) Selection for virulence in populations of Globodera pallida., Nematology, 4, 223.
  • Neilson, R.; Blok, V.C.; McNicol, J.W.; Phillips, M.S. (2002) Genetic differentiation of individuals and populations of the endoparasitic nematode Globodera pallida using microsatellites., Nematology, 4, 175.
  • Holeva, R.C.; Young, V.; Boutsika, K.; Phillips, M.S.; Brown, D.J.F.; Neilson, R.; Blok, V.C. (2002) Development and evaluation of a fluorogenic 5′ nuclease PCR assay (Taqman) for the detection and quantification of virus-vector trichodorid species., Nematology, 4, 162.
  • Holeva, R.C.; Chen, Q.; Curtis, R.; Neilson, R.; Jones, J.T.; Blok, V.C.; Brown, D.J.F. (2002) Magnetic separation as a tool in a sample preparation procedure for direct detection and quantification of trichodorid nematodes., Nematology, 4, 161-162.
  • Blok, V.C.; Armstrong, M.R.; Neilson, R.; Castelli, L.; Trudgill, D.L.; Phillips, M.S. (2001) Diversity within Globodera pallida: molecular and biological., Proceedings of the Third International Russian Society of Nematologists Meeting, Moscow State University, Moscow, July 2001 (Abstract).
  • Neilson, R.; Robinson, D.; Handley, L.L.; Brown, D.J.F. (1997) Nematode feeding and infection cause potential biotic stress in plants as indicated by natural abundance values of d13C and d15N., Proceedings of the Second English Language International Nematology Symposium of the Russian Society of Nematologists. Moscow, Russia, 19.
  • Peneva, V.; Neilson, R.; Boag, B.; Brown, D.J.F. (1997) Criconematidae (Nemata) from two nature reserves in Russia., Proceedings of the Second English Language International Nematology Symposium of the Russian Society of Nematologists. Moscow, Russia, 21.
  • Boag, B.; Hebden, P.; Neilson, R.; Rodger, S.J. (1996) Observations on the effect of different management regimes of set-aside land on nematode community structure., Proceedings XII International Colloquium on Soil Zoology, Dublin, 191.
  • Wishart, J.; Neilson, R.; Hamilton, D.; Marriott, C.A.; Boag, B.; Handley, L.L.; Robinson, D.; Scrimgeour, C.M. (1996) The use of stable isotopes in the study of terrestrial food webs: observations from upland pasture and woodland ecosystems., AAB/SEB/BES Meeting: Stable isotopes and the integration of biological, ecological and geochemical processes, Newcastle, 9-11 July 1996, 223-224.
  • Neilson, R.; Hamilton, D.; Wishart, J.; Boag, B.; Handley, L.L.; Marriott, C.A.; Robinson, D.; Scrimgeour, C.M. (1995) The effect of pasture management on plant-soil invertebrate interactions as indicated by natural abundance levels of stable isotopes., British Ecological Society Winter Meeting, University of Sheffield, 19-21 December 1995.
  • Neilson, R.; Hudson, G.; Hamilton, D.; Stein, W.M.; Handley, L.L.; Scrimgeour, C.; Boag, B.; Robinson, D.; Marriott, C.A.; Wishart, J.; Holdus, S. (1995) Spatial distribution of stable isotopes in upland soils., Abstract for Inaugural Meeting of the Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Users Group, University of East Anglia, January 1995.
  • Neilson, R.; Boag, B. (1994) The impact of climatic change on virus-vector nematodes., Abstract of Climatic Change – From Impact to Interaction, Dundee, 5-7 January 1994, pp35-36.
  • Boag, B.; Small, R.W.; Neilson, R. (1990) Preliminary observations on the mononchids of the British Isles with comments on the ecology of Anatonchus, Truxonchus and Miconchus., Abstract of the Association of Applied Biology Meeting, Edinburgh, p9.

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