Into the Future

There will be 9 billion people on Earth by 2050. How are we going to feed them with less land, less energy, less
water … and still maintain an acceptable quality of life and environment?

What is needed is a more joined-up approach to managing natural resources at local, national and international
scales … and a new approach to scientific research in support of this.

In April 2011, two existing internationally renowned centres for agricultural and environmental research, SCRI
and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, will combine forces to create a new Scottish research institute.

The first of its kind in Europe, Scotland’s new research institute aims to be an internationally recognised
research powerhouse supporting the UK’s food and drink industries with world-class science and energetic
innovation. At its heart is the commitment to develop a new integrated approach to natural resource
management, one which brings together biological, agricultural, environmental and social sciences to help solve
big issues involving food, energy and environmental security.

Ray Perman
Chairman

"If any country in the world can make a major contribution to research in these areas, it must be Scotland. Our landscape, food, drink and agriculture are central to our identity and our culture. They are also vital for our economy.

The teams at SCRI and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute are incredibly proud of their separate achievements over the years. The Macaulay has led the world in soil science. SCRI has produced best-selling varieties of potato and soft fruit. Both institutes are involved with projects and partners around the world. By creating a world-leading, new research institute we will build on these successes."

Strengthening Scotland’s rural-environmental research capacity

...better together

Timeline