A study we conducted at Findhorn Hinterland has identified 140 species, including a dung beetle only found in the UK. 🪲
This study, which was commissioned by Findhorn Hinterland Trust, provided an understanding of which beetles are living in this environment – helping gauge the effectiveness of restoring important open sand and shingle habitat.
To learn more about this study and our findings, visit the news section of our website.
We’re heading to Cereals 2026 🌾
The @interbarleyhub (IBH), based at The James Hutton Institute will be at Cereals on 10-11 June, showcasing cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of UK farming.
From next-generation barley breeding and climate-resilient crops to circular nutrient systems and sustainable aviation fuels, we’re bringing science straight to the field.
Highlights include: 🌱 Resilient wild barley research 🌾 Low-input crop trials 🥃 Whisky by-product innovations ✈️ Camelina as a low-carbon fuel source
📍 Diddly Squat Farm, Chipping Norton | Stand 1032 📅 10-11 June
A must-see for anyone interested in the future of sustainable, productive agriculture.
#Cereals2026 #SustainableFarming #Barley #NetZero
Professor Dame Lorna Dawson, Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the Hutton, was named the University of Aberdeen’s Alum of the Year at the university’s award ceremony last week.
Professor Dame Dawson earned her PhD in soil sciences at the University of Aberdeen, graduating in 1984.
Since then, she has reported and advised on over 200 criminal cases and written over 150 Expert Witness reports, both in the UK and abroad. She has also presented evidence in more than 25 cases, including the World’s End murders and the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry.
The picture below shows Professor Dame Dawson receiving her award from Professor Peter Edwards, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen.
Great to see all your hard work being rewarded, Professor Dame Dawson!
The James Hutton Institute has helped launch a new international network set to transform environmental monitoring and climate-smart farming across Africa. 🌍
MARVEL-NET, delivered as part of the CarbonXtras project, will provide real time data on soils, greenhouse gases and land use to support farmers, researchers and policymakers.
The network will help build resilience, unlock opportunities in sustainable farming and monitor the impact of environmental policy. 🌾
The project is being rolled out in Ghana first, with hopes to expand across the rest of the continent.
To find out more, visit the news section of our website.
The James Hutton Institute has been awarded £8,000 from the @royalsoced to advance research into peatland forest restoration in southeast Asia. 🌏
The funding will support a project examining how different peat swamp forest reforestation methods influence tree diversity. 🌳
Dr Stuart Smith and his team develop an inventory of tree species found across a range of reforestation approaches and land uses in the region. This work will help build a clearer understanding of how restoration strategies shape biodiversity outcomes.
To find out more, visit the news section of our website.
The Hutton tercentenary celebrations and events are underway in Edinburgh. This is appropriate for a city with exciting geology, a vibrant cultural life and strong links to key figures of the Scottish enlightenment - of which Hutton is one. It is heartening to see such a wide and broadening array of creativity inspired by geology in this landmark year. Read more at:
/exploring-geology-in-creativity-blog @lou_bennetts@susanna_beaumont@geologicnotes@becky.rebearth #geologyincreativity
🌳Happy International Plant Appreciation Day!🌳
Here at the Hutton, it’s safe to say that we appreciate plants. Our work covers plants of all varieties, including species found in both nature and agriculture. 🌾
From towering trees and low-lying mosses to the soft fruits, potatoes and cereal crops which make up some of our favourite dishes, we’re proud of the fact that our work supports the health of plants and people around the world. 🌍
To find out more about what we do, visit our website.
#biodiversity #foodsecurity #sustainability
🔬Join us at the National Museum of Scotland next week for an interactive event led by our Head of Forensic Soil Science, Professor Dame Lorna Dawson. 🔬
Titled The Science of Origin, this special event will explore the science of provenance. Attendees will learn how scientists determine authenticity and link objects or people to places, such as crime scenes. They’ll hear from a panel of experts, including specialists from AHK Group, Reuters, the Brazilian Federal Police and Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture, as they discuss organised crime, murders, illegal mining conflict minerals, gold trading, wildlife crime and the fossil trade.
This hour-long event will begin at 8pm on Friday 17 April. It is being hosted as part of @ediscifest , which the Hutton is proud to support as a Funding Partner.
Tickets for this thrilling panel are selling fast, so book yours now by visiting the events section of our website.
That's a wrap on our second day at @nationalmuseumsscotland for this year's @edscifest where we showcased our #potato research.
Visitors had the chance to explore plants and artifacts from our #CommonwealthPotatoCollection, a genebank housed at the Hutton containing over 1,500 accessions of wild and landrace #potatoes from South and Central America which we are using to develop more resilient and sustainable potato.
We were also delighted to debut a potato research #videogames created in collaboration with talented Masters students, Vera Silva and @alfievvvv , from @abertayuni . Their translation of complex research into an engaging digital experience was a highlight!
It was great to have over 80 professionals from across the barley supply chain at our annual IBH Barley Stakeholders Meeting. Read our blog to get up to date with initiatives to futureproof the nation's most widely-grown crop,
🥔 Want to learn more about one of our most important carbohydrates and the part it plays in food security? Then stop by the Museum of Scotland tomorrow for our new exhibition - Tackling Food Security: One Potato at a Time. 🥔
This event, which is being led by Hutton scientists, will give visitors of all ages the change to learn all about the various varieties and attributes potatoes can have, and how these factors influence growers and markets around the world.
Attendees will also learn how new varieties of potato are created, and the role this vital research plays in world health.
This event will run from 10am to 5pm as part of @ediscifest , which the Hutton is proud to be supporting as a Funding Partner.
Entry is free and drop ins are welcome on the day!
