Plant ecologist has been with the institute since 2006
The James Hutton Institute (JHI) has appointed Professor Rob Brooker as executive director of science, effective from 1 March.
A plant ecologist with more than 25 years of research experience, Brooker joined JHI (initially the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute) in 2006 and is currently head of ecological sciences.
His work focuses on facilitative (beneficial) plant-plant interactions, which has taken him to a huge range of environments, such as montane, arctic, alpine, and semi-arid ecosystems.
He has also conducted studies on Scottish ecosystems, including agricultural landscapes, which JHI said has given him a keen understanding of the problems surrounding food security and biodiversity, as well as the increasing challenges posed by climate change, and how they can be tackled with fundamental ecological knowledge.
Brooker’s experience has seen him lead major policy-driven research projects, such as reviews into the impacts of climate change on biodiversity for both Defra and the Scottish Government.
He is also a member of the advisory group to the Scottish Biodiversity Programme, and honorary secretary for the British Ecological Society.
Of his appointment, Brooker said: “I am delighted to be moving into the role of executive director of science at the Hutton. It’s an exciting time and the work we do is in high demand to help deal with the key issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues and all our stakeholders and project partners to deliver excellent science that addresses these major global challenges.”
