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.
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.
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.
(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
Johnsson M
(2018)
Sequence variation, evolutionary constraint, and selection at the CD163 gene in pigs.
in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE
Johnsson M
(2018)
Removal of alleles by genome editing - RAGE against the deleterious load
Tait-Burkard C
(2018)
Livestock 2.0 - genome editing for fitter, healthier, and more productive farmed animals.
in Genome biology
Clark EL
(2017)
A high resolution atlas of gene expression in the domestic sheep (Ovis aries).
in PLoS genetics
Park KE
(2017)
Generation of germline ablated male pigs by CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the NANOS2 gene.
in Scientific reports
Hoyos-Flight M
(2017)
Genome Editing and the Future of Farming meeting report.
in Transgenic research
Gonen S
(2017)
Potential of gene drives with genome editing to increase genetic gain in livestock breeding programs.
in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE
Menchaca A
(2016)
New insights and current tools for genetically engineered (GE) sheep and goats.
in Theriogenology
He Z
(2016)
Comparison of surrogate reporter systems for enrichment of cells with mutations induced by genome editors.
in Journal of biotechnology
Hickey JM
(2016)
Promotion of alleles by genome editing in livestock breeding programmes.
in Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie
Tan W
(2016)
Gene targeting, genome editing: from Dolly to editors.
in Transgenic research
He Z
(2016)
Comparison of CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs on editing an integrated EGFP gene in the genome of HEK293FT cells.
in SpringerPlus
Pridans C
(2016)
A Csf1r-EGFP Transgene Provides a Novel Marker for Monocyte Subsets in Sheep.
in Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Lillico S
(2016)
Mammalian interspecies substitution of immune modulatory alleles by genome editing
in Scientific Reports
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 |