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I am a socio-ecologist with experience in working in a wide range of countries including the UK overseas territories and the Balkans. My early research career focused on the consevation biology of rare and globally threatened island floras. However, after years of practical conservation experience with Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Fauna and Flora International, the need for more integrated solutions to biodiversity conservation, and the need to better understand the complex dynamics of human-ecosystem interactions become more and more apparent to me.
I am a honorary associate at the James Hutton Institute and my work combines psychological and sociological perspectives in human-nature
Steve Chapman is an Honorary Associate with over 30 years of experience in research in microbiology. His particular expertise lies in determining the role of microbial processes in the cycling of elements (particularly carbon) within the plant-soil-microbe ecosystem.
Willie is a soil scientist who has made a significant contribution to the Scottish soil map coverage and the Institute
Professor Ken Thomson is an economist who has worked on agricultural and rural policy issues for several decades of university career at Newcastle upon Tyne and Aberdeen (of which he is a native). He is currently working part-time in SEGS for a limited period, mainly to assist the Group and its members to obtaining and successfully completing contributions to the Institute's overall mission.
Andy Midwood is a Honorary Associate of the Environmental and Biochemical Sciences department. This group is comprised of chemists and
Jean Robertson is an Infrared Spectroscopist and Head of the IR Section of the Analytical Group at the Institute. She has worked at the Institute in the IR Section since 2004, becoming head of the section in 2005, which encompasses both the analytical techniques of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy and NIR (Near Infrared) spectroscopy.
Prof. Nick Birch is an Honorary Associate with expertise on Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) research at the James Hutton Institute.
For details of ongoing IPM research areas and projects, please visit the IPM@Hutton website.
Long-term research goals
Policy led environmental research with practical outcomes for global agriculture:
Andrew is a research scientist with 29 years field experience in carrying out assessment of land resources throughout Scotland and the wider UK. His expertise ranges from soil survey, classification and sampling to the assessment of grazing and trampling impacts on upland vegetation. He has combined research interests in soils and upland ecology with extensive consultancy work for a wide range of government bodies, agencies and private clients.
