The James Hutton Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Alison Karley as the new Head of the Ecological Sciences department, effective April 1st. Dr Karley succeeds Professor Rob Brooker, who will transition to the role of Executive Director of Science within the Institute’s executive team starting March.
Dr Karley brings over 25 years of experience as an agroecologist specializing in sustainable agri-food systems research. Currently leading the Integrated Cropping Systems team at The James Hutton Institute’s Agroecology Group, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing agroecosystem resilience and reducing environmental impacts through innovative crop diversification practices.
Her research focuses on testing and deploying practices to diversify crop systems (e.g. legume-based intercropping, novel crops, non-cropped habitats), with the aim of reducing inputs and the environmental impact of crop production and increasing agroecosystem resilience to environmental stresses.
In her new role, Dr Karley will continue to foster interdisciplinary collaborations across agriculture, policy, and academia, building on her extensive work with farmers and international stakeholders. Her leadership extends beyond research, including roles such as Chair of the Committee for Arable Scotland and Advisor to various international projects.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Karley expressed enthusiasm: “I’m incredibly excited to take on the role of Head of Ecological Sciences. It’s a privilege to build upon the department’s successes and contribute to its future advancements.”
Professor Deb Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Science at The James Hutton Institute, commented: “We are grateful to Rob for his leadership and congratulate Ali on her new role. With her expertise and dedication, I am confident in her ability to drive impactful research and innovation within our senior management team.”
