The James Hutton Institute has announced the launch of Hutton Unearthed, its first public-facing fundraising campaign aimed at accelerating research into climate resilience, sustainable farming, biodiversity recovery and environmental justice.
Professor Colin Campbell, Professor Dame Lorna Dawson, Ian Rankin and Susan Davies, Chair of The James Hutton Institute. Image Credit: The James Hutton Institute
The campaign marks a significant shift in how the Hutton engages with the public, inviting individuals, communities and businesses to contribute directly to scientific work that supports Scotland’s land, water and natural environments.
It focuses on four key campaign themes: Land, Water, Food and Energy. From the Climate Positive Farming Initiative and HydroGlen green energy initiative at Glensaugh Research Farm to the blueberry breeding at Invergowrie campus and peatland monitoring across Scotland, these themes are central to the Hutton’s ground-breaking research and innovation.
The launch follows the publication of an independent economic impact report, which found that the Hutton generates £15 of economic value for every £1 invested - highlighting the scale of benefit that additional support could unlock for both Scotland and the wider UK.
Addressing Urgent Environmental Challenges
Through Hutton Unearthed, the Institute aims to expand research into:
- safeguarding soils and water resources
- restoring biodiversity
- developing sustainable and resilient farming systems
- responding to climate-driven risks to landscapes and communities
- advancing forensic science applications that support public protection
These areas represent some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges facing Scotland today.
A Call for Collective Action
Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of The James Hutton Institute, said, “People trust Hutton science. The greatest gift to science is independence: the freedom to think boldly and to innovate and focus on where we can make the biggest difference. Through the James Hutton Unearthed campaign, we can build on that independence - ensuring our researchers have the stability and support they need to tackle the urgent challenges facing our land, food, water and energy.”
Support for the campaign can take the form of individual donations, one-off contributions from organizations, sponsorship or longer-term strategic partnerships. All contributions will go directly toward expanding scientific research with measurable community, environmental and economic benefit.
Campaign Launch Event
The campaign was introduced at a Burns Supper event featuring bestselling crime author Ian Rankin and the Hutton’s Head of Soil Forensics, Professor Dame Lorna Dawson. The two discussed their long-standing collaboration and the growing importance of forensic soil science in criminal investigations.
Ian Rankin said, “I was delighted to attend a dinner to celebrate the launch of James Hutton Unearthed in Edinburgh and to have the opportunity to reconnect with Lorna, who I’d consulted with for In A House of Lies. The character of Professor Lee Ann Inglis – a soil forensics expert – was based on my conversations with Lorna, so getting the science right was important! The James Hutton Institute plays such a key role in modern science, not just soil analysis but responding to the major environmental challenges of our age. The new campaign will help raise much needed funding for this important work.”
Professor Dawson said, “Being able to link objects or people to places - including crime scenes, wildlife crime, illegal mining, conflict minerals and the trade in fossils - is essential for a fair and just society. Investment in forensic soil science strengthens our ability to protect people, communities and the environment.”