Genome editing for quantitative traits in livestock

Lead Research Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Department Name: The Roslin Institute

Abstract

This project will develop new laboratory techniques and new breeding methods to enhance livestock breeding programmes by genome editing. Genome editing is used to increase the numbers of animals in the breeding herd that carry beneficial genome variants. This makes it possible to conserve valuable genome variants that would otherwise be lost because they tend to be inherited together with harmful variants that must be bred out.

Although the traits that animal breeders seek to improve are each controlled by thousands of genome variants, we have shown that it is theoretically possible to produce a 33% improvement in genetic gain in a livestock breeding programme by editing as few as 5 variants.

The aim of this project is to make this theoretical possibility a practical reality by developing the techniques to do multiple edits on the same individual and the breeding methods to decide on the best edits, the best animals to edit and how best to manage the breeding programme.

The project consists of two strands of work, one will develop the genome editing methods, the other will develop the breeding methods.

The editing methods will be developed in three stages.
1. We will develop the tools to make multiple edits that do not change the function of the genome in any way. It will be much easier to test the safety and efficacy of the tools if the edits do not alter genetic function.
2. When we can make multiple edits we will configure the tools to produce edits that should improve breeding and test them on cells in culture.
3. When the tools work on cells in culture, we will use them to edit single-cell embryos and produce live, edited pigs.

We need the breeding methods to design the most useful set of edits and to deploy them most effectively in a breeding programme. The methods will be developed in the form of computer programmes that support the following three operations.
1. Analysis of a huge dataset, containing the genome sequences of 325000 pigs together with information about their pedigrees and their breeding traits, in order to decide on the most effective edits and the most useful individuals to edit.
2. A strategy for selecting which pigs to breed from that will prevent the loss of valuable genes by inbreeding.
3. A strategy for managing the breeding programme so that it generates the data needed to test the effectiveness of current edits and identify the best potential future edits.

Our industrial partner, PIC, has a breeding programme that generates the genetics in over 100 million slaughter pigs every year. This project will help make those pigs healthier and make them produce better meat with lower inputs and lower environmental impact. The breeding methods and software will be made available to other companies breeding pigs and other livestock species. The results will also be useful for understanding the genetic basis of quantitative traits, like height and health, in humans.

Technical Summary

The project aims to develop the molecular techniques and breeding methods for the use of genome editing to enhance quantitative traits in livestock.
Genome editing can retain beneficial alleles that would otherwise be lost, either because they are rare or because they are linked to deleterious alleles that must be bred out. Individual quantitative traits are influenced by many genome loci, so we need two developments:-
- Molecular techniques to produce pigs with multiplexed genome edits.
- Breeding methods to design the most useful set of edits and to deploy them most effectively in a breeding programme.

We will produce pigs with multiplexed genome edits in 3 steps:-
1. We will use CRISPR/Cas9 to produce multiplexed synonymous single nucleotide substitutions in pig zygotes.
2. We will develop the tools to produce multiplexed edits of strategic nucleotide substitutions in porcine embryo fibroblasts.
3. We will deploy the tools to produce strategic edits in pig zygotes and re-implant the zygotes to produce live pigs.

We will develop breeding methods and implement them in the form of software packages that can be deployed to analyse data, carry out simulations and support decisions in research projects and breeding programs. The software will support the following three operations:-
1. A method to prioritise quantitative trait nucleotides (QTN) for editing by accounting for effect size, current allele frequency, the degree of linkage disequilibrium with other QTN that affect the trait and by using an existing dataset of phenotypes and sequences (ours consists of 325000 individuals) to exclude QTN that are subject to epistasis.
2. A selection strategy to minimise the rates of inbreeding when genome editing resources are not sufficient to enable their even distribution across all individuals.
3. A breeding strategy that would enable sufficient numbers of QTN to be identified for genome editing and have their causality proven using breeding data.

Planned Impact

(i) The academic community. Scientifically, the project constitutes a step change in genetic engineering for animal breeding delivered by the application of quantitative genetics. It will bring together genetic engineers, who work with single causal variants, with statistical geneticists, who work with thousands. This impact will be delivered via publication in journals, presentations at conferences, seminars, and by making data and software available.
(ii) Animal breeding companies, breed societies, and levy boards. The biological insights about efficient use of genome editing to enhance socioeconomically important traits in a sustainable way will underpin the design of a new generation of scientific breeding programmes. The software and scripts that we will use to generate and analyse the data in this project will be made available to these organisations.
(iii) The entire chain of users of animal products. The entire chain of users of animal products, including meat packers, milk processors, egg and wool suppliers, retailers and consumers will benefit because the knowledge generated will equip animal breeding companies with tools to deliver a higher quality product, which costs less, and is more environmentally friendly, healthier and suited to individual requirements of stakeholders in the supply chain.
(iv) Plant breeding organisations. The methods, data sets of this scale, and biological insights are also highly relevant to plant breeding organisations. Therefore the benefits to plant breeding organisations, in the developed and developing world, will be similar to those outlined for animal breeding companies, breed societies, and levy boards.
(vi) UK Treasury will benefit from increased tax revenues through increased profitability of UK based breeding companies, the farm animal supply chain, other UK agricultural users should they adopt the method, and UK based sequence and genotype and genome editing technology providers.
(vii) UK science infrastructure and capacity. The proposed methods and data set will provide a platform for increased R&D capabilities in the UK, maintaining its scientific reputation and associated institutions, with increased capability for sustainable agricultural production. The proposed research will be embedded within training courses that the PI and co-PI are regularly invited to give, and the post-docs working on the project will have the opportunity to be trained at a world-class institute in a cutting edge area of research that unifies two fields.
(viii) Policy. Pure genome editing mimics natural evolutionary processes. Its availability is likely to drive significant changes in societal attitudes to genome editing and in ethical and regulatory frameworks.
(ix) Society. This project will demonstrate the value of genome editing for increasing the sustainability of breeding populations and for preserving genetic variation, which will help the general public to understand and appreciate the great value of genome editing technology. In addition, people who work to improve or depend upon the competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture will benefit from the downstream practical applications outlined above. The application of the outcomes by breeding organisations will lead to faster and more sustainable genetic progress, leading to healthier food, and food production that is more resource-efficient and affordable. Increased efficiencies in agriculture have direct societal benefits in greater food security with less environmental impact. The knowledge will also feed into educational programs.

Publications

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Ros-Freixedes R (2022) Genomic prediction with whole-genome sequence data in intensely selected pig lines. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Ros-Freixedes R (2022) Rare and population-specific functional variation across pig lines. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Johnsson M (2021) Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Peacock TP (2020) Swine ANP32A Supports Avian Influenza Virus Polymerase. in Journal of virology

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LILLICO S (2020) Livestock breeding for the 21st century: the promise of the editing revolution in Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering

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Ros-Freixedes R (2020) Evaluation of sequencing strategies for whole-genome imputation with hybrid peeling. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Ciccarelli M (2020) Donor-derived spermatogenesis following stem cell transplantation in sterile NANOS2 knockout males. in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

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Johnsson M (2019) Removal of alleles by genome editing (RAGE) against deleterious load. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Whitelaw B (2019) We have entered the era of genome-edited farmed animals. in Emerging topics in life sciences

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Proudfoot C (2019) Genome editing for disease resistance in pigs and chickens. in Animal frontiers : the review magazine of animal agriculture

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McFarlane GR (2018) CRISPR-Based Gene Drives for Pest Control. in Trends in biotechnology

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Johnsson M (2018) Sequence variation, evolutionary constraint, and selection at the CD163 gene in pigs. in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE

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Gorjanc G (2018) Optimal cross selection for long-term genetic gain in two-part programs with rapid recurrent genomic selection. in TAG. Theoretical and applied genetics. Theoretische und angewandte Genetik

 
Title Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Poster 2221A, Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig, at TAGC 2020 Online (pdf format). 
Type Of Art Film/Video/Animation 
Year Produced 2020 
URL https://tagc2020.figshare.com/articles/Genetic_variation_in_recombination_rate_in_the_pig/12143580
 
Title Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Poster 2221A, Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig, at TAGC 2020 Online (pdf format). 
Type Of Art Film/Video/Animation 
Year Produced 2020 
URL https://tagc2020.figshare.com/articles/Genetic_variation_in_recombination_rate_in_the_pig/12143580/1
 
Description We can use genome editing technology to produce disease resistant pigs.
Exploitation Route Driver for commercial development of genome editing in livestock
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

 
Description Driver for commercial development of genome editing in livestock
First Year Of Impact 2013
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description Nuffield genome editing project
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description RSB genome editing
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description A strategic approach to identifying and combating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus outbreaks and other porcine viral diseases
Amount £787,016 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R013187/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2018 
End 03/2021
 
Description General Scheme - Bruce Whitelaw - Editing RELA S531P
Amount £30,000 (GBP)
Organisation Genus plc 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2017 
End 12/2019
 
Description General Scheme - Christine Tait-Burkard - PRRSV study at Moredun to evaluate CD163 edited pigs
Amount £48,812 (GBP)
Organisation Genus plc 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2017 
End 09/2017
 
Description Research Grant - Christine Tait-Burkard - Nanobodies as antiviral PRRSV agents
Amount £59,802 (GBP)
Organisation Eco Animal Health Ltd 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2018 
End 03/2019
 
Description Responsive Mode - Christine Tait-Burkard - Understanding the CD163 - PRRS virus interaction to improve genetic engineering for resistance
Amount £674,353 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R004463/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2017 
End 11/2020
 
Title Additional file 2 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 2: Table S1. Male map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_2_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Title Additional file 2 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 2: Table S1. Male map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_2_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Title Additional file 3 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 3: Table S2. Female map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_3_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Title Additional file 3 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 3: Table S2. Female map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_3_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Title Additional file 4 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 4: Table S3. Sex-averaged map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_4_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Title Additional file 4 of Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig 
Description Additional file 4: Table S3. Sex-averaged map of the landscape of pig recombination rate in 1-Mb windows. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_4_of_Genetic_variation_in_recom...
 
Description Pig breeding with Genus 
Organisation Genus plc
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Developed and demonstrated gene editing in pig zygotes.
Collaborator Contribution Supply of animal resources and funds.
Impact Several publications, presentations at scientific meetings, media opportunities and joint research grants.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Surrogate Sires 
Organisation Genus plc
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Design and strategy to produce germless pigs and cattle
Collaborator Contribution Project design and implementation
Impact publication and patents
Start Year 2015
 
Description Surrogate Sires 
Organisation Washington State University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Design and strategy to produce germless pigs and cattle
Collaborator Contribution Project design and implementation
Impact publication and patents
Start Year 2015
 
Title DOMAIN 5 OF CD163 FOR USE IN ANTIVIRAL COMPOSITIONS AGAINST PRRS, AND TRANSGENIC ANIMALS 
Description The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the prevention and/or treatment of PRRS in animals, typically domestic pigs. The invention relates to proteins which comprise fragments of CD163, nucleic acid constructs encoding such proteins, and methods of modifying expression or activity of CD163 in vivo. 
IP Reference WO2015011483 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2015
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact scientific publications
 
Title GENETICALLY-EDITED SWINE 
Description The present invention relates to genetically-edited swine comprising an introgressed heterologous nucleic acid sequence in the RELA gene. In particular it relates to genetically- edited swine comprising an introgressed warthog allele in the RALA gene of domestic pigs. The invention also related to methods of producing such swine, and cells derived from swine having such introgressed sequences. 
IP Reference WO2017055844 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2017
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact scientific publications and research grants
 
Title Gene edited pigs with altered RelA activity 
Description production of pigs with altered NFkB activity 
IP Reference EP1216564.3 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2012
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact scientific publications and research funds
 
Title NANOS KNOCK-OUT THAT ABLATES GERMLINE CELLS 
Description The present invention provides livestock animals and methods to create recipient animals for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation through modulation of the NANOS gene. In one embodiment genome editing issued to create animals with insertions or deletions (indels) that inactivate or otherwise modulate NANOS gene activity so that resulting males lack functional germ cells yet retain functional somatic cells, and females are fertile. These males can then be transplanted with donor spermatogonial stem cells and used for breeding. 
IP Reference WO2016011029 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2016
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact scientific publication
 
Title Use of transgenic techniques to manipulate sex ratio or progeny 
Description Using genetic engineering to alter sex ration of offspring in farm breeding 
IP Reference US61/971,869 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact research funds
 
Description "Can genome editing contribute to future livestock production", National Science Day Celebration, Central University Haryana, India, 28th February 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Invitation to speak on "Can genome editing contribute to future livestock production". This was at an online National Science Day Celebration, Central University Haryana, India, 28th February 2021
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description "Curious Minds" lecture series for the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Participation in the "Curious Minds" lecture series for the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. The Society runs this public lecture series in collaboration with Culture Perth and Kinross.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description 9th International Sheep Veterinary Congress, Harrogate 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation for 300 scientists on the benefits of animal biotechnology to the sheep industry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Academic Wine and Cheese Lecture, University of Edinburgh 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Presented to University students on GM technology and implications for research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Animal Biotechnology Workshop, Charlottesville 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Other audiences denotes scientists. Attended an international workshop on animal biotechnology regulations where plans for international harmonisation of regulations was proposed.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Article in the Times: "Help on the Way for Squirrel Nutkin as Scientists gun for Grey's Anatomy 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Entry in the Times Newspaper, with research contribution for the Roslin Institute.

Grey squirrels could be wiped out in the UK by 2050 under plans to protect trees and the red squirrel population by editing the genes of the invasive species to stop the production of females.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description BBC Country File interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact TV interview on genetically engineered pigs on mainstream BBC Country File programme
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description BBC Radio 4 Broadcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 10 Sept 2021: A BBC Radio 4 broadcast which was promoted by a release of Nuffield Council's report on public attitudes to genomic technologies. A discussion took place with Danielle Hann (Director of Nuffield Council) and Bruce Whitelaw (Interim Director of The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh) on use and implications of biotechnology in farmed animals. The public positioning being one that recognises the huge opportunity provided by genetic technologies but wanting to see applications to increase animal welfare, such as produce disease resistant animals, for a sustainable farming future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description BBC Radio 4 Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interviewed by BBC radio on topic of genetic engineering of animals.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description BBSRC Conclave, New Delhi 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Other audiences denotes scientists. UK scientific delegation to India to identify roadmap for "smart farms"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Biochemistry Focus Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact 28 Sept 21: Biochemistry Focus webinar on Genome Editing entitled "Potential Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture". This was organised by the Biochemistry Society and Portland Press.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description COP26 on Climate Change 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Attendance at the COP26 summit which brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Promoting the University of Edinburgh's aims and goals.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Centre for Tropical Livestock and Genetic Health Visit, Gates Foundation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Invited to Bill Gates visit to Easter Bush Campus
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Chair of Session 3A: Large Animal Transgenesis, TT2020 Conference, Israel 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chair of the above online conference which sparked questions and discussion. Chance also to join in other sessions online. Most of the audience were fellow scientists
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Collaborators' meeting, India 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Indian partnerships in industry and science meeting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Continuing Professional Development Talk on Animal Genetics, Glasgow 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Continuing Professional Development Talk on Animal Genetics, Glasgow to scientists and post graduate students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Costing the Earth 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact BBC radio interview on genetically engineered livestock for BBC Radio 4 Costing the Earcth
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Cutting edge Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on genome edited livestock at international science festival
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description DBT Indian visit to Roslin 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Delegated visit to discuss joint development of research programmes in livestock sector for enhancing health and productivity of farm animals.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description DBT workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Indian Department of Biotechnology workshop on GM Livestock in Bangalore
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Department of International Development Scientific Meeting, Nairobi 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact International event involving 100 stakeholders of the DFID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to take forward the Centre for Tropical Livestock and Genetic Health initiative
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description EuroScience Open Forum Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Genome editing involves altering some of the individual letters that make up an organism's genetic code at precise points. The technology can be used to introduce beneficial characteristics into plants and animals, such as resistance to a specific disease or improved adaptation to different environments. The changes introduced are the same as those that could occur spontaneously in nature. In this session, we will showcase how genome editing is being researched in institutions across Europe for treatment or prevention of animal diseases. The goal of the research presented here is to improve the health and welfare of farmed animals around the world, and to improve the security of food supplies in low and middle-income countries. We will start by introducing the technology and how it works, and explore how it is being used to manage a range of diseases in salmon, pigs, and cattle. A representative from a company specialised in providing genetic solutions to the farm industry will speak about how the sector is looking at the problem. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session in which the audience will be asked to consider the perspective of different groups (e.g. farmers, consumers, policy makers, researchers, low and middle income countries) and will have the opportunity to put questions to the speakers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Food Evolution Film 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Participated in academic film on food biotechnology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Garth Vet Group, National Association, Yorkshire 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Talk given to scientists, vets and others at the Garth Vet Group, Yorkshire on animal biotechnology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Gene Editing in Livestock, Washington DC 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Attendance and participation in the above event talk on Genome Editing Livestock
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Gene editing 'would allow us to create hardier farm breeds' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Expert comment given on:

Leading UK researchers, vets and farmers have urged ministers to free livestock science of unnecessary legal curbs as the country prepares, post-Brexit, to ease gene-editing rules. Such a move would allow the creation of new breeds of animals resistant to disease, heat and drought, they argue.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/sep/26/gene-editing-would-allow-us-to-create-hardier-farm-breeds?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Hendrix Genetcic workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Closed industry workshop on application of genetic engineering technology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Hendrix Genetics Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited participant at a closed industry meeting with Hendrix Genetics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description International Society for Animal Genetics Conference, Lleida, Spain 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Other audiences denotes scientists. Scientific symposium of 400 academic and students
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description International Sympoisum on Animal Geneticw, Dublin 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Other audiences denotes scientists. Presented at scientific symposium to 400 students and students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Interview for US National Institutes of Health 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview with Rebecca Walker, Professor at the University of North Carolina examining how scientists who use genome editing in their research think about its use and oversight. The eventual aim is to help improve ethics and policy approaches to human gene editing research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Interview with CB Films Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Discussion on how soon could we expect GM on our supermarket shelves if the government were happy to proceed with legislation now.


Discussion on resistant pigs at Roslin
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Interview with Deutschlandfunk Radio on Genetically Engineered Livestock 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview to be broadcast on German Public Radio "Deutschlandfunk" reporting about the Roslin Institute with special focus on genetically engineered livestock.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description MSc Lecture on Genome Modification of Livestock 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact MSc lecture fo 100 students on Genome Modificatio of Livestock
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Midlorthian Science Festival Debate 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Constructive and lengthy debate

Invited back to next festival
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description National Academy of Science Colloquium Workshop, LA 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact National Academy of Scinces Colloquium Life 2.0, The Promise and Challenge of a CRISPR Path to a Sustainable Plant, Attended conference and gave talk on genome editing which I agreed could be made public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Nuffield Council Meeting on Bioethics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Member of the Nuffield Council of Bioethics. Acting in an advisory capacity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Nuffield Council bioethics workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Workshop exploring bioethics of genome editing technology and applications
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016
 
Description Online Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact 7 Oct 21: An online seminar to India's National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, hosted by NIAMP, Bengaluru entitled "Can genome editing contribute to future agriculture".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Our Changing World Series 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact University of Edinburgh showcase lecture on genome editing animals for food security
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Plant and Animal Genomics Workshop, USA 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Workshop Lead in the above workshop/conference, leading on Animal Genetics.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Progressional Education Trust Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited to give a presentation and take part in a debate to the public on genetic engineering. PET advances public understanding of science, law and ethics in the fields of human genetics, assisted reproduction, embryology and stem cell research. Its vision is to improve the choices for people affected by infertility or genetic conditions. Its mission is to educate and debate the responsible application of reproductive and genetic science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description RSB Teachers Annual Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk on genome editing to teachers conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Insitute Away Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Colleagues strategic away day to take forward and enhance the working of the Campus
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Royal Society Genome Editing Public Consultation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Participated in Royal Society consultation of genome editing technology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description SUSS 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk on impact of genome editing technology on society at annual Scottish universities science school.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Science Media Centre Event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Spoke on the topic of genetic engineering technology in farmed animal agriculture. Ten journalists took part hence interaction with the public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Scientific Conference, Utrecht 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Scientific event to identify with other scientists a road map for animal biotechnology in Europe
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description The Food Chain 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact BBC World Service radio interview on genetically engineered livestock for The Food Chain
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Transgenic Animal Research Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Attendance at above conference as an invited speaker on Genome Modification of Livestock.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Transgenic Animal Research Conference, Tahoe, US 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Other audiences denotes scientist. Presented at scientific symposium for 100 students and scientists
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description U3A Talk - Rewriting Livestock, Biggar Library 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited talk to general public on genome editing of livestock
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description University Delegation to Bangalore India 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact University delegation to visit scientists in India to establish collaborative activities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description University of Edinburgh filming 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interview with University on the legacy of Dolly the Sheep
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description University of Kent, invited speaker 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invited speaker on animal biotechnology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Webinar on Gene Editing 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact 8 Sept 2021, USDA Webinar on Gene Editing: What Could Commercial or Consumer Benefits Look Like? A joint talk with Elena Rice from CSO Genus entitled "Genome Edited PRRS Virus Resistance in Pigs
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Workshop 2 of the Genome Editing in Farmed Animals public dialogue commissioned by Nuffield Council on Bioethics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact This is Workshop 2 of the Genome Editing in Farmed Animals public dialogue commissioned by Nuffield Council on Bioethics and being conducted by Basis Social. This will take an online Q&A format where participants will pose questions, moderated by an experienced Chairperson, to a panel of stakeholders who represent different perspectives on gene editing as applied to farmed animals.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description named biotechnology speaker on US Ste |Department Economic Bureau Outreach Fund 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact International workshop top engage stakeholders in genetic engineering technology and applications
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015