Our science is changing the world.

The James Hutton Institute offer world-leading scientific solutions for the sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that support thriving communities.

EXPLORE OUR SCIENCE

The James Hutton Institute – Science connecting land and people

At The James Hutton Institute we respond to the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises through applying our scientific expertise to developing interventions, tools, products and land management practices to improve the resilience of crops, land, natural resources and communities.

Our unique research is tested in labs and at scale on our farms. We combine expertise in both natural and socio-economic sciences to consider the connections between crops, resources and people.

Improving crop resilience and sustainability
Delivering food and plant products, ensuring economic prosperity and wellbeing while safeguarding the environment.
Protecting and enhancing natural capital
Increasing the resilience of ecosystems for multiple benefits.
Connecting land and people
Supporting sustainable and resilient communities through social, economic and technical innovations.
Agricultural robot (agri bot,) in The James Hutton Institute crop field

Our scientific services

The James Hutton Institute offer a range of analytical, commercial research, crop science, consultancy and scientific project services, all underpinned by world-leading science, facilities, resources and intellectual property.

Discover the services we offer

Latest news from The James Hutton Institute

Renegade economist Kate Raworth announced as speaker for the 46th TB Macaulay lecture
the 46th TB Macaulay lecture will be delivered by renowned economist and creator of the ‘doughnut of social and planetary boundaries’ concept, Kate Raworth, on 1 October 2025 in Edinburgh.
New project considers the role of seaweed to improve crop fertiliser use
The project aims to investigate how biologically driven nutrient management strategies can improve soil health and crop performance. 
Staff from The James Hutton Institute and SCAnDi put together the pieces of forensic education at Edinburgh Science Festival
We were delighted to support Edinburgh Science Festival as a funding partner this year, with our staff running two extremely well attended and successful events.
Dr Margaret Currie appointed Head of Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences department
The James Hutton Institute is excited to announce the appointment of Dr Margaret Currie as the new Head of Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS), effective from May 1.
New study to identify nutritionally superior and yield-stable oat varieties
The project aims to identify nutritionally superior and yield-stable oat varieties through a combination of experimental and on-farm field trials across a range of diverse environments and organic management systems.
Unearthing the past – using historic maps to locate missing peatland
A new collaboration between The James Hutton Institute and the National Library of Scotland digitises the extent of historic moorland using a combination of AI and 180-year-old maps.
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LOCATE YOUR BUSINESS AT THE HUTTON

Our open science approach means that we have a variety of offices, labs and glasshouses available to rent on a long term-term basis at our sites at Invergowrie, Aberdeen and Glensaugh.

Find out more
Advanced Plant Growth Centre
World-leading plant science delivering innovative solutions for food and environmental sustainability.
Glensaugh
Climate-positive farming initiative, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises with transformative farming and technological innovations.
Hydro Nation International Centre
Promoting innovative and transformative research solutions for sustainable water management.
International Barley Hub
A centre of excellence in barley research, innovation and knowledge exchange
International Land Use Study Centre (ILUSC)
An innovation centre focused on making a difference: enabling just transitions in land use.
National Potato Innovation Centre
We are proposing to establish and manage a National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC)