The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s pre‑eminent interdisciplinary research institute for sustainable land, crop and nature management, has launched a new Corporate Plan, detailing the organisation’s ambitions and strategy from 2026 to 2031.
The new plan explains how the Hutton will continue to address the climate and nature crises, strengthen rural communities and support sustainable land, crop and natural resource management across Scotland and the wider world throughout the next five years.
The new plan follows the 2025 BiGGAR Economic Impact Report, which found that every £1 invested by the Scottish Government in The James Hutton Institute returned £15 to the UK economy. While this is only one measure of the Hutton’s impact, it shows the organisation’s value to the economy, the environment and society.
It expands on the Hutton’s longstanding commitment to securing the future through excellent science and ambition to be international leaders in science on land, crops and natural resources.
Recent investment, such as £70m at Invergowrie for the Crop Innovation Centre and farm and field research facilities, £8m at Craigiebuckler for the Hutton Hub, and £7m at Glensaugh to build the HydroGlen facility, have transformed the Hutton’s campuses and created world‑class platforms for discovery, action‑based research and stakeholder engagement.
Four interconnected pillars will guide the Hutton’s work over the next five years:
- Science challenges – advancing research on crops, natural capital, resilient communities and open science
- Stakeholders and influence – deepening engagement with policy, industry, communities and global partners
- Financial sustainability – strengthening diverse funding streams and expanding commercial impact through Hutton Scientific Services
- Investing in people and places – developing talent, improving campuses and leading by example on climate action
By upholding these four pillars, the Hutton will deliver measurable benefits for Scotland, the UK and global communities; from sustainable land use and food security to climate action and biodiversity recovery. These benefits will include:
- Adding value to economic sectors such as agriculture and food and drink while supporting a circular bioeconomy
- Providing increased food, energy and water security
- Protecting and enhancing our natural capital (the value provided by nature), reducing the threats of climate change and biodiversity loss and stimulating a just transition to net zero
The Corporate Plan also includes a major update to the Hutton’s Climate Action Plan, which commits to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by at least two thirds by 2030, guided by the Science Based Targets initiative. Key goals include expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, reducing travel emissions and managing research farms to support carbon neutrality while protecting nature.
In line with the new plan, the Hutton will also expand its open‑campus model, enabling co‑location with industry, public bodies and international partners. New and emerging facilities—including the International Barley Hub, Advanced Plant Growth Centre, International Land Use Study Centre and the National Potato Innovation Centre—will act as hubs for innovation, skills development and public engagement.
Internationally, the Hutton will pursue new partnerships and funding opportunities, supported by a refreshed global strategy and a growing alumni and philanthropy network.
Professor Colin Campbell, CEO of The James Hutton Institute, said, “Our new plan meets the urgent challenges the world faces using what are becoming Hutton trademark ways of conducting action-based research to lead by example and amplify our impact ensuring people and society benefit.”
To read the Corporate Plan in full, visit: Who we are - James Hutton Institute