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

James Hutton Institute secures £2.4m in funding for trailblazing research projects
Pioneering medicinal cannabis research is set to take place in Dundee after the James Hutton Institute secured £350k funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
UK growers to benefit from new soft fruit pre-breeding research programme
The Defra-funded Soft Fruit Genetic Improvement Network (GIN) will be led by the crop research organisation NIAB, with James Hutton Institute and ADAS as key partners, beginning work in Summer 2024.
Time to drive deeper ‘awakening’ on our interdependence with nature, says environmental science expert
World-renowned environmental scientist Professor Gretchen C. Daily laid out her vision for a world at one with nature at the 45th annual TB Macaulay lecture held in Edinburgh on Tuesday night (10th September 2024).
Soil scientist from the Hutton plays critical role in Pictish-themed video game project launched by the University of Abertay
Soil Scientist, Professor Lorna Dawson from the James Hutton Institute has played a key role in the development of a new video game, which was launched by the University of Abertay.
Hutton to co-lead a new UK-wide centre to develop planet-friendly alternatives to animal proteins
We will co-lead a new £38m UK-wide centre which could soon see alternatives to animal proteins made from plants, fungi, algae and meat grown in labs.
Long-term meteorological outlook for arable farmers
Climate change, driven by human activities producing more greenhouse gases and reducing carbon sink capacity (such as deforestation), is now increasing the level of variability in our weather nationally and globally.
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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)