A plant and soil ecologist at The James Hutton Institute has been recognised by the British Ecological Society after 13 years of uninterrupted service.
Dr Ruth Mitchell, who works in the Hutton’s Ecological Sciences Department, received the BES award for her work as a committee member and chair of the organisation’s Scottish Policy Group (SPG).
A founding member of the group, Dr Mitchell has changed the course of how the BES actively contributes to the science-policy interface, both in Scotland and across the wider UK.
She helped lay the groundwork for an expanding portfolio of projects and events in Scotland, including the coordination of BES members to respond to Scottish Government consultations, annual policy training for early career researchers and the beloved “Pie and a Pint” ecological policy networking events which have become so popular in the Scottish sector.
Dr Ruth Mitchell. Image: The James Hutton Institute
Appointed as the group’s second chair, Dr Mitchell presided over the successful push for a Scotland-based policy officer. This move boosted the group’s capability, so much so that the model for BES policy groups across the British Isles has been based on the success of the SPG.
During her time with the BES, Dr Mitchell has served as a mentor and a leader to those on the SPG committee, making it a popular and productive team to be part of.
She said, “I am amazed and honoured to receive this award. I really enjoyed chairing the BES Scottish Policy Group and would like to thank all those who were on the committee and worked with me - it was very much a team effort.”
Professor Melanie Austen, President of the British Ecological Society, said, “It is a privilege to recognise the outstanding contributions of this year’s BES Award winners, whose achievements span research, policy, conservation, public engagement and community leadership.
“Their work demonstrates both the extraordinary breadth of ecology and the vital role ecologists play in helping society respond to today's environmental challenges.”