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

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

Pioneering seaweed dye start-up joins the Hutton as a spin-in company, securing £75,000 of Scottish Enterprise funding
We are delighted to announce that sustainable dye developer SeaDyes has joined the Hutton as a spin-in company, securing £75,000 of funding from Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme.
How can farming adapt in the face of rapid change?
Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive at The James Hutton Institute, spoke about the importance of soil health at NFU Scotland’s National Conference on Thursday 6th February 2025.
New study shows there are many ways to build a barley plant
A new study published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics has again highlighted The James Hutton Institute as a global leader in crop plant genetics.
Time to book your place at Potatoes in Practice 2025
Potatoes in Practice (PiP), Scotland’s largest field-based potato event, will take place on Thursday 7th August 2025 at The James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm in Invergowrie, near Dundee.
Natural tree colonisation may not always produce carbon capture benefits
Our scientists have warned that initiatives that promote self-establishing trees might not always lead to carbon capture at the decadal timescales relevant to achieving net zero and mitigating climate change.
Professor Rob Brooker appointed as Executive Director of Science
The James Hutton Institute is very pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Rob Brooker as Executive Director of Science, effective from 1st March 2025.
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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)