Independent research organisation The James Hutton Institute has strengthened its board with five new members, including its first early career non-executive directors.

The new board members, who come from around the UK, bring both a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the institute’s board, across science, strategy, innovation, and engagement.

The new members include Professor Caroline Bowsher a Professor of Biology at The University of Manchester and Deputy Head of the Molecular Cellular Function Division within the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Dr Olga Kozlova, Director of Innovation and Engagement at the University of Oxford, and Eileen Stuart, Deputy Director for Nature & Climate Change with NatureScot.

They also include early career board members Sarah Cowie, environmental resources policy manager at NFU Scotland, and Susan McDonald, Energy Transition Lead within Deloitte’s UK Sustainability & Climate Strategy team.

Susan Davies, chair of the Hutton’s board, says, “I am delighted to welcome these new non-executive directors to the board of The James Hutton Institute. Together they bring a great depth of experience across strategy, science, digital learning, innovation, and engagement to the board.

“For the first time in the institute's history, we are delighted to be joined by two early-career non-executives. They will bring fresh perspectives and different ways of thinking into our board conversations on the strategy and science of the institute as we look to address the challenges we face across land, crops, water, and the environment.”