The James Hutton Institute has today (April 21) become one of the first recipients of the new King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

The award recognises the institute’s world-leading research on sustainability across land, food and natural resources and how it’s addressing its own sustainability as major scientific research establishment. 

The Hutton, which employs more than 500 scientists across sites in Dundee, Aberdeen and its three research farms, plays a pivotal role in delivering interdisciplinary science across agriculture, food security, ecosystems and resilient communities.

Colin Campbell, Chief Executive at The James Hutton Institute says, “We’re honoured to be a recipient of one of the first King’s Awards for Enterprise. Sustainability drives our research and we recognise the urgency with which we must all act.

“One of the major areas we focus on is agriculture, which is responsible for approximately 7.5 MtCO2e, or 19%, of Scotland’s emissions. To move towards UK and Scottish Government net zero ambitions, innovation is needed and through our initiatives like the International Barley Hub (IBH), the Advanced Plant Growth Centre and our Climate-Positive Farming Initiative, Scotland is at the forefront of tackling these issues.

“The connectivity of the climate, nature and food crises also means we need systems change. Our interdisciplinary research helps to underpin policies for sustainable land-use working with communities and supporting future generations’ wellbeing.”

To read the full press release, please visit the James Hutton Institute website.