Latest Briefing
 james hutton institute 345x250.jpg)
How investment in fundamental scientific research leads to practical outcomes
The societal benefits of funding applied scientific research – research which addresses a question that is immediately and directly relevant to an end user such as a farmer or policy maker – are clear. It is nearly always relatively straightforward to identify practical outcomes that emerge from such projects, making them highly attractive to funding bodies and industrial collaborations, particularly at a time of financial constraint. However, these applied outcomes frequently rely upon and develop previous fundamental research programmes for which practical outcomes were not immediately or obviously apparent at the time. This article describes how Scottish Government (SG) investment in a number of fundamental scientific areas at Main Research Providers (MRP), through the Strategic Research Programme has underpinned research which is now yielding practical outcomes that are making a difference in Scotland and beyond.
Read morePublished on 8 March 2016 in Food, health and wellbeing
Recent Briefings
Floristic Inventory In Tropical Countries
Inventory research in tropical countries aimed at helping make informed conservation policies . Read more
Published on 9 February 2010 in Ecosystems and biodiversity
Ruminants And Methane
This science brief describes two strategies that have been effective to differing degrees in the reduction of methane production from ruminants. Read more
Published on 5 February 2010 in Climate, water and energy
Balancing Platforms And Participation In Sustainability Research
Learning a lot about a little, or a little about a lot? . Read more
Published on 26 January 2010 in Sustainability and Communities
Malignant Catarrhal Fever: Disease That Affects Cattle Productivity Worldwide
Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) is a fatal disease of cattle with clinical signs that resemble mucosal disease and foot-and-mouth (FMD). Read more
Published on 26 January 2010 in Food, health and wellbeing
Food-Borne Bacteria And Ready-To-Eat Fresh Produce: Implications For Food Safety
Plant disease control can take many forms and at SCRI we have recently expanded this area to include colonisation of plants by human pathogenic bacteria. Read more
Published on 25 January 2010 in Food, health and wellbeing
Trade And Environmental Impacts Of Animal Welfare: A Partial Equilibrium Approach
Research analysing the impacts of a scientific advance that improves animal welfare, upon the environment and trade in Scotland using partial equilibrium (PE) modelling. Read more
Published on 22 January 2010 in Food, health and wellbeing
Immunising Plants To Control Disease
Looking at alternative approaches to controlling crop disease . Read more
Published on 8 January 2010 in Sustainability and Communities , Ecosystems and biodiversity
Applying New Diagnostics To Potato Cyst Nematodes
Workers at SCRI and SASA have teamed up to develop an improved molecular diagnostic for potato cyst nematodes (PCN) using the latest technology. Read more
Published on 6 January 2010 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy
Shepherds Are Key To Sustainable Extensive Sheep Farming
A look at labour use on sheep farms and its effect on productivity, profit and animal welfare . Read more
Published on 18 December 2009 in Sustainability and Communities
Genomics And Sustainable Control Of The Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera Pallida
The potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, is a serious problem for growers in Scotland and in all major potato growing regions of the world. Read more
Published on 26 November 2009 in Sustainability and Communities
