The Macaulay Development Trust (MDT) is a charity that supports excellent research into the sustainable use of land and natural resources, for the benefit of people, their communities and the environment. Its assets include investments managed according to ESG criteria, and property. These generate funds that are distributed as grants for excellent scientific research to progress T B Macaulay’s vision and address contemporary and future challenges in the field of rural land use, particularly in Scotland. For more on the MDT and our work, please visit our website.

The Trust traces its origins to an endowment from Dr T B Macaulay in 1930 to establish the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research. The Trust was created as an independent charity in 1994 and operates under a supplementary deed registered in 2011. It is Scottish charity (SCO23988) and is regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Each year, the MDT sponsors the T B Macaulay Lecture. It’s delivered by a renowned expert in our field and has become a highlight of the economics, natural and social science calendar in Scotland. The 43rd TB Macaulay Lecture, led by Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in conversation with Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and youth climate activists Anuna De Wever, Lola Segers and Julieta Martinez, took place in Glasgow in November 2021.

The Board of Trustees

MDT is looking for two new Trustees to bring their knowledge and skills to the Board, joining the current 8 members. Trustees are appointed for three years in the first instance, renewable for a maximum of two further terms.

The Trust recognises the benefits of a diverse Board and therefore encourages applications from a wide range of backgrounds and life experience.

Please see attached information pack.