Professor John R Hillman retires on 31^st March 2005 after 19 years as Director of the Scottish Crop Research Institute. The staff made a presentation to him in the staff restaurant on Tuesday 29^th March. Members of staff had contributed to a collection the proceeds of which were presented, on their behalf, by Professor Howard Davies to Professor Hillman.  Staff wish him a long and happy retirement but cannot quite see him watching daytime television! We hope however, that he and his wife, Sandy, take some time for a holiday or two. The governing body had a dinner for him last week.

Professor Hillman was appointed as Director at SCRI in March 1986, bringing with him a wealth of experience and achievement in the world of biological research.

Born in Kent, he was educated at University College, Aberystwyth, obtaining a First Class Honours degree in Botany in 1965 and a PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry three years later. His first appointment was in the University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, then from 1971 to 1986 he was first a Lecturer, then Senior Lecturer, Reader, and finally Professor and Head of the Department of Botany in the University of Glasgow. During this period, he was also supervisor of the Garscube Laboratories and Experimental Gardens, served on the Senate, Science Faculty, Senate Appointments Committee, Heads of Science Departments Committee and the Garscube Committee, as well as being organiser of the Schools Liaison Initiative in biological sciences for Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities. In addition to all these duties, he directly supervised research students (39 PhD, 2 MSc) and postdoctoral assistants (5).

Since his arrival at SCRI, his list of achievements and awards has increased considerably. Among many positions that he has held are the following: Chairman of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Sector Panel of the UK Technology Foresight Programme followed by Chairman of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Sector Panel; Chairman and Member of various Visiting Groups to international research institutes and universities; Chairman Crop Production Quartet; President of the Scottish Association of Biological Education; Chairman Tayside Biocentre Group; and, President of the Agriculture and Food Section of the British Association. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; the Institute of Biology; the Linnean Society; the Chartered Management Institute; the Institute of Horticulture; the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturers, and the Royal  Agricultural Societies: and a member of Royal Highland and Agricultural Society; the Farmers Club; the British Association; the Institute of Directors; the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society;  the National Farmers Union of Scotland; and, the BioIndustry Association. Among his many awards and distinctions are, Bawden Lecturer 1993; Courtauld Lecturer 1995; Honorary DSc University of Strathclyde 1994; Honorary DSc University of Abertay Dundee 1996; British Potato Industry Award 1999; International Potato Industry Award 2000; Dr Hardie Memorial Award 2001; and, Scottish Horticultural Medal 2003.

Professor Hillman has lectured widely, both in the UK and abroad, and has many hundreds of publications to his name. Despite the many demands on his time, Professor Hillman has managed to maintain his research interests and involvement, covering a wide range of topics from plant growth regulators, through carbon metabolism to gene banks and genetically modified crops. To all of these activities, he has brought an unrivalled breadth of knowledge and wisdom. John Hillman has been a staunch defender and campaigner on behalf of SCRI, protecting its position against the onslaught of numerous reviews and threats of downsizing. He has also fought vigorously on behalf of the agriculture, horticulture and biotechnology industries.

As Professor Howard Davies made the presentation he said "Successful Institute Directors are visionaries and tenacious supporters of the highest quality of research possible.  Prof. Hillman has undoubtedly proven himself at the highest possible level, transforming the SCRI into a truly international research centre which can be proud of its achievements".

In spite of all his achievements Professor Hillman is a modest man, when asked for his greatest achievement he replied without a pause “Cycling proficiency test at Vine Road Primary School, World’s End Lane, Green Street Green in 1952”

SCRI increases knowledge in plant and environmental sciences. The research is focussed on plants to improve the understanding of processes that regulate their growth and response to pests, pathogens and the environment. This includes understanding genetics to breed crops with improved quality and nutritional value as fast as possible. By understanding the plant’s response to pests and diseases and how they react to the soil, air and water around them, environmentally friendly methods of protecting crops from the ravages of pests, diseases and weeds can be designed.

SCRI is grant-aided by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) conducts research consistent with government policy and has charitable status. It is one of five Scottish Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes (SABRIs) which, together with those of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, form the agricultural and food research service of the UK.