Scientist Heather Reid OBE, speaking at a knowledgescotland news briefing, has paid tribute to the benefits Scottish Government funded research brings to the economy.

“Scottish science really punches above its weight, globally. It generates millions of pounds of activity in the economy each year. This is really going to help the recovery of our economy and future growth,” she said.

Heather was launching a series of updates about the work of the Scottish Research Institutes which will feature in the media over the next few weeks. Best known for her TV role as meteorologist “Heather the Weather”, she is now working in science communications and education.

She told the meeting in Glasgow: “There’s an equally important contribution the Scottish research institutes make, and that is to our quality of life and improving our health and well-being. This is a really important message for the general public, to raise awareness about the benefits of this science and to young people who will be the scientists of tomorrow and also the decision-makers and policy-makers of tomorrow.”

The contribution that research institutes make to your Christmas Dinner was also outlined at the meeting. See the file below to find out how they make a difference to key ingredients.

• PDF file: How Scottish research institutes contribute to your Christmas Dinner (1.2 MB)

Notes to editors

knowledgescotland provides additional resources to the Main Research Providers to engage with non-scientific audiences and to communicate outputs in new and novel ways. Six of Scotland's top research institutes are partners: Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Moredun Research Institute, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, SAC (Scottish Agricultural College), Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI).

More information from:

Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA Office: 01382 560044 Mobile: 07810 860 701

or

Lorraine Wakefield, Information and Online Service Officer, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA. Tel: 01382 560047 (direct line) or 01382 562731 (switchboard)