Pioneering JHI soft fruit scientist honoured with prestigious award

A soft fruit scientist who made a global contribution to the development of blackcurrants has been presented with a major award.

Dr Rex Brennan is well known in Scotland’s soft fruit industry after a career spent at the James Hutton Institute (JHI) and its predecessor, the Scottish Crop Research Institute, where he specialised in berry fruit genetics.

The Worshipful Company of Fruiters (WCF) presented Dr Brennan with the Matthew Mack award, a triennial honour which recognises distinguished achievements in education, training and innovation in the fruit industry.

WCF awards council chairman Chris Newenham told a virtual banquet honouring Dr Brennan that the scientist

had devoted a lifetime’s work to enhancing and advancing the genetics of berry fruits throughout the country.

Dr Brennan said he had worked at the institutes at Invergowrie for more than 30 years.

“I was fortunate during that time to work with many talented colleagues at the institute and elsewhere, and I must

acknowledge their contributions to work,” he said.

JHI chief executive Professor Colin Campbell said: “We are very pleased to hear Rex has received this honour.

“Rex has also made enormous contributions to mentoring the next generation of Hutton soft fruit breeders and plant scientists.” vital the

Award-winning soft fruit scientist Dr Rex Brennan.