Updates on our research, collaborations and exciting contributions from the scientists and experts at The James Hutton Institute.
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Runxuan is a computational biologist, who was trained in machine learning and artificial neural networks for his PhD. His 20 years of research have focused on developing computational and analysis methods/tools for high throughput experimental data, such as RNA-seq for gene expression analysis. His team has published several widely used and easily accessible software and tools for analyzing sequencing data.
I am the ICP Section Lead, responsible for the ICP Lab in the Environmental and Biochemical Sciences Group. I have been working in the ICP Lab for eleven years and as such have vast experience in dealing with a wide variety of samples and matrices.
I have a background both geochemistry and environmental analysis where I spent my postgraduate years developing technical methods for the accurate and precise analysis of geological (rocks, fossils, waters) and environmental (waters, plant, animal) materials using mass spectrometry. I specialised in looking at the isotopic signature of rocks and minerals using Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) and Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS).
Dr Isabelle Colas is a geneticist in the Cell and Molecular Sciences group.
Soil is critical for food production but can often be poorly managed resulting in erosion and physical degradation. Research I perform ranges from soil stabilisation, physics, and root mechanics, to the development of tools and approaches for the quantification of soil condition. Understanding the services required of soil in the future, and soils ability to deliver these services, will be vital in managing soils to be resilient under changing environmental conditions.
Doug Salt did a degree in Mathematical and Computing Sciences during working as a professional software developer and engineer in
Clare is a Research Assistant in the Biodiversity and Ecosystems Group within the Ecological Sciences. She has over 25 years’ experience in soil microbial ecology, using both phospholipid fatty acid analysis and physiological profiling methods to assess structure and function of soil microbial communities. Clare was jointly responsible for the development of MicroResp™ and is responsible for managing the commercial aspects of the MicroResp™ product for James Hutton Limited.
Colin is Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute and is responsible for leading the organisation and its staff in delivering the Corporate Plan. He has been in post since Feb 2016. Prior to this he was Interim CEO from September 2015 and before that was Director of Science Excellence responsible for the strategic development of the excellence of the institute's scientists, facilities and resources. He has 28 years of research experience in soil microbiology/soil science applied to agri-environment issues. His expertise lies in fundamental and applied studies on the effects of pollutants on soil microorganisms and soil health and in understanding how microbial diversity contributes to ecosystem functioning. Colin was also Director of the Institute’s Post-Graduate School which has over 120 registered students, registered at 30 different universities from around the world.
Gillian has a Masters in Environment and Development from the Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg,
Professor Lorna Dawson is Head of the Soil Forensics Group within the Environmental and Biochemical Sciences group at the James Hutton Institute, and has over 30 years’ experience in managing and conducting research in soil and plant interactions, in particular its application in the criminal justice system. She was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June 2018.
