International Institutional Awards Tranche 1 Pirbright
Lead Research Organisation:
THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE
Department Name: Administration Office
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
- THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Nevada (Collaboration)
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (Collaboration)
- Penn State University (Collaboration)
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Collaboration)
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria (Collaboration)
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) (Collaboration)
- National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (Collaboration)
- Pasteur Institute, Paris (Collaboration)
- University of Texas (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Louise Barton (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | We are very pleased with the success of all projects, and believe that each project has delivered its own benefits. Furthermore, it is anticipated that outputs and benefits will be realised in the future as a result of the support for networking, knowledge transfer, and collaborative research. A number of the projects have been particularly successful. The timing of one was critical, bringing together BTV experts from across Europe at a time of disease outbreak. One project has delivered impact and resulted in intervention changes, in country, having worked with local markets and farmers where disease is endemic. Another has allowed new technologies to be transferred to Pirbright. Finally, one project was very multidisciplinary, including research technical professionals, and looked to build wholistic relationships between organisations covering science, facilities and other expertise. |
| Exploitation Route | All IIA collaborations have been very fruitful, though some are at very early stages, therefore, continuation where possible is the preferred route forward. The initial investment through the IIA and investment of time and effort to establish or further develop relationships will be capitalised where possible. Many projects are seeking options for further support. That support may come through the second tranche of IIA funding, other internal institutional opportunities, or through the development of more significant collaborative grant proposals, targeting appropriate calls, that support international collaboration. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
| Description | ANSES-Pirbright IBDV Research Collaboration Initiative |
| Organisation | French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) is a globally significant pathogen that not only directly causes morbidity and mortality but also induces severe immunosuppression, increasing the pathogenicity of other infectious agents and reducing vaccine efficacy. This proposal aims to initiate a collaborative effort between the newly formed IBDV group at The Pirbright Institute and the WOAH Reference Laboratory for IBDV at ANSES, France. The collaboration focused on establishing and developing protocols to investigate the impact of IBDV on B cells and generating preliminary data to support future research efforts and support mutual visits. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) is a globally significant pathogen that not only directly causes morbidity and mortality but also induces severe immunosuppression, increasing the pathogenicity of other infectious agents and reducing vaccine efficacy. This proposal aims to initiate a collaborative effort between the newly formed IBDV group at The Pirbright Institute and the WOAH Reference Laboratory for IBDV at ANSES, France. The collaboration focused on establishing and developing protocols to investigate the impact of IBDV on B cells and generating preliminary data to support future research efforts and support mutual visits. |
| Impact | Establish cooperation with the WOAH reference laboratory for IBDV and host the head of the veterinary laboratory at ANSES to discuss IBDV work and mutual research interests. Also introduced him to our unique facilities, fostering further collaboration beyond IBDV research. Develop an ex vivo model using CD40 and PMA, and test various stimulators including IL4, BAFF, and IL21. Establish FACS protocols to characterize immature B cells in the bursa of Fabricius. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Collaborative networking meeting with FLI |
| Organisation | Friedrich Loeffler Institute |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Excellent level of engagement and interaction between Pirbright staff/students and FLI visitors |
| Collaborator Contribution | Excellent level of engagement and interaction between Pirbright staff/students and FLI visitors |
| Impact | Excellent level of engagement and interaction between Pirbright staff/students and FLI visitors |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Controlling transboundary animal diseases spread in livestock markets: A pilot intervention study. |
| Organisation | National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This project built on the collaboration between Pirbright and the National Veterinary research institute (NVRI) in Nigeria. Two workshops were organised in NVRI, Nigeria to present and discuss results from previous field studies with stakeholders. Specifically, differences in market characteristics, practices and patterns of trade that increase the risk of transmission and spread of TADs. Pilot interventions were discussed and updated based on input and feedback received. In addition, during the workshops training on biosecurity and basic understanding of disease transmission and spread was provided, in a didactic manner, to workshop participants. Following the workshops, pilot interventions were conducted in two livestock markets to reduce the transmission and spread of animal transboundary diseases. The interventions consisted of drilling a borehole in each market to give access to water beyond the intervention period, and providing disinfectant. In addition, training on cleaning and disinfection was provided and infographics showing good (and bad) practices examples were displayed in the markets. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This project built on the collaboration between Pirbright and the National Veterinary research institute (NVRI) in Nigeria. Two workshops were organised in NVRI, Nigeria to present and discuss results from previous field studies with stakeholders. Specifically, differences in market characteristics, practices and patterns of trade that increase the risk of transmission and spread of TADs. Pilot interventions were discussed and updated based on input and feedback received. In addition, during the workshops training on biosecurity and basic understanding of disease transmission and spread was provided, in a didactic manner, to workshop participants. Following the workshops, pilot interventions were conducted in two livestock markets to reduce the transmission and spread of animal transboundary diseases. The interventions consisted of drilling a borehole in each market to give access to water beyond the intervention period, and providing disinfectant. In addition, training on cleaning and disinfection was provided and infographics showing good (and bad) practices examples were displayed in the markets. |
| Impact | Workshops were attended by the Directors of veterinary services and Directors of livestock of two States, chief livestock officers of livestock markets and a selection of sellers, buyers, middlemen and transporters from nine livestock markets. Forty people in total attended the first workshop and 30 people in total attended the second workshop. Enumerators and researches from NVRI involved in previous field studies presented most of the results and moderated the discussions. Two boreholes have been drilled, and a structure has been built to protect them, ensuring they last and remain sustainable beyond the intervention period. Both boreholes are powered by solar panels. Water has been used to clean and disinfect key areas in the markets and transport vehicles. It has also been used to water the animals, improving animal welfare, and for people to wash their hands, potentially improving hygiene, reducing exposure to zoonotic pathogens and overall well-being. Following the discussions and training provided during the workshops one market has implemented control measures beyond the planned intervention, specifically they started separating sick animal under the shade of a tree. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Multilateral UK-USA-France Partnership in Genetic Engineering of Disease Vectors |
| Organisation | Pasteur Institute, Paris |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The ability to genetically manipulate insect vectors of human and livestock diseases is crucial to advance our understanding of fundamental virus-vector interactions influencing viral transmission and emergence, and are an emerging transformative biotechnology for the control of vector-borne diseases by generating refractory insects incapable of transmitting pathogens and for genetic population reduction approaches. The project aimed to transfer lessons learned from mosquito vectors to neglected vectors of livestock diseases (e.g. Culicoides midges) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Donated labour and research consumables and provided access to facilities to support training visit to Penn State; one visitor covered their own travel expenses to visit The Pirbright Institute |
| Impact | (1) training and development of a member of the technical team (who gained their first overseas research exchange experience); (2) technology transfer to The Pirbright Institute has resulted in us establishing the tools required to use ReMOT gene editing to genetically modify insect vectors (including Culicoides midges); (3) funding applications to further develop these collaborations have been submitted and more are in discussion; (4) future collaborative visits are planned among members of the networking event (as early as September at the Institute Pasteur); (5) awareness raised of The Pirbright Institute's capabilities and capacities in the area of vector insect research; (6) The Pirbright Institute students and ECRs increased their understanding of cutting edge vector-borne disease research in a symposium run with external visitors as speakers; (7) strengthened and expanded networks with leaders in vector-borne disease research |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Multilateral UK-USA-France Partnership in Genetic Engineering of Disease Vectors |
| Organisation | Penn State University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The ability to genetically manipulate insect vectors of human and livestock diseases is crucial to advance our understanding of fundamental virus-vector interactions influencing viral transmission and emergence, and are an emerging transformative biotechnology for the control of vector-borne diseases by generating refractory insects incapable of transmitting pathogens and for genetic population reduction approaches. The project aimed to transfer lessons learned from mosquito vectors to neglected vectors of livestock diseases (e.g. Culicoides midges) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Donated labour and research consumables and provided access to facilities to support training visit to Penn State; one visitor covered their own travel expenses to visit |
| Impact | (1) training and development of a member of the technical team (who gained their first overseas research exchange experience); (2) technology transfer to The Pirbright Institute has resulted in us establishing the tools required to use ReMOT gene editing to genetically modify insect vectors (including Culicoides midges); (3) funding applications to further develop these collaborations have been submitted and more are in discussion; (4) future collaborative visits are planned among members of the networking event (as early as September at the Institute Pasteur); (5) awareness raised of The Pirbright Institute's capabilities and capacities in the area of vector insect research; (6) The Pirbright Institute students and ECRs increased their understanding of cutting edge vector-borne disease research in a symposium run with external visitors as speakers; (7) strengthened and expanded networks with leaders in vector-borne disease research |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Multilateral UK-USA-France Partnership in Genetic Engineering of Disease Vectors |
| Organisation | University of Nevada |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The ability to genetically manipulate insect vectors of human and livestock diseases is crucial to advance our understanding of fundamental virus-vector interactions influencing viral transmission and emergence, and are an emerging transformative biotechnology for the control of vector-borne diseases by generating refractory insects incapable of transmitting pathogens and for genetic population reduction approaches. The project aimed to transfer lessons learned from mosquito vectors to neglected vectors of livestock diseases (e.g. Culicoides midges) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Donated labour and research consumables and provided access to facilities to support training visit to Penn State; one visitor covered their own travel expenses to visit The Pirbright Institute |
| Impact | (1) training and development of a member of the technical team (who gained their first overseas research exchange experience); (2) technology transfer to The Pirbright Institute has resulted in us establishing the tools required to use ReMOT gene editing to genetically modify insect vectors (including Culicoides midges); (3) funding applications to further develop these collaborations have been submitted and more are in discussion; (4) future collaborative visits are planned among members of the networking event (as early as September at the Institute Pasteur); (5) awareness raised of The Pirbright Institute's capabilities and capacities in the area of vector insect research; (6) The Pirbright Institute students and ECRs increased their understanding of cutting edge vector-borne disease research in a symposium run with external visitors as speakers; (7) strengthened and expanded networks with leaders in vector-borne disease research |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Multilateral UK-USA-France Partnership in Genetic Engineering of Disease Vectors |
| Organisation | University of Texas |
| Department | University of Texas Medical Branch |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The ability to genetically manipulate insect vectors of human and livestock diseases is crucial to advance our understanding of fundamental virus-vector interactions influencing viral transmission and emergence, and are an emerging transformative biotechnology for the control of vector-borne diseases by generating refractory insects incapable of transmitting pathogens and for genetic population reduction approaches. The project aimed to transfer lessons learned from mosquito vectors to neglected vectors of livestock diseases (e.g. Culicoides midges) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Donated labour and research consumables and provided access to facilities to support training visit to Penn State; one visitor covered their own travel expenses to visit The Pirbright Institute |
| Impact | (1) training and development of a member of the technical team (who gained their first overseas research exchange experience); (2) technology transfer to The Pirbright Institute has resulted in us establishing the tools required to use ReMOT gene editing to genetically modify insect vectors (including Culicoides midges); (3) funding applications to further develop these collaborations have been submitted and more are in discussion; (4) future collaborative visits are planned among members of the networking event (as early as September at the Institute Pasteur); (5) awareness raised of The Pirbright Institute's capabilities and capacities in the area of vector insect research; (6) The Pirbright Institute students and ECRs increased their understanding of cutting edge vector-borne disease research in a symposium run with external visitors as speakers; (7) strengthened and expanded networks with leaders in vector-borne disease research |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Partnership with NIVEDI |
| Organisation | National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The project aims to explore potential collaborations between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of vector-borne disease, vector biology, lumpy skin disease, swine influenza, and organoid research (e.g. areas of mutual interest that could lead to collaborative grant applications, the exchange of knowledge, protocol, reagents, and biological materials). In addition, the project aims to exchange knowledge between operational staff at The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities (e.g. high containment insect infection suites). Finally, the project aims to explore the existing training and competence framework (biosafety, biocontainment engineering) at TIGS, NIVEDI, and their partners in the Indo-Pacific region and how Pirbright Training can both contribute to it and gain from it (e.g. through provision of commercial training, or externally-funded training). |
| Collaborator Contribution | The project aims to explore potential collaborations between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of vector-borne disease, vector biology, lumpy skin disease, swine influenza, and organoid research (e.g. areas of mutual interest that could lead to collaborative grant applications, the exchange of knowledge, protocol, reagents, and biological materials). In addition, the project aims to exchange knowledge between operational staff at The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities (e.g. high containment insect infection suites). Finally, the project aims to explore the existing training and competence framework (biosafety, biocontainment engineering) at TIGS, NIVEDI, and their partners in the Indo-Pacific region and how Pirbright Training can both contribute to it and gain from it (e.g. through provision of commercial training, or externally-funded training). |
| Impact | 1. Expand existing links between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in the area of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities. 2. Assist TIGS in commencing work with high-hazard zoonotic pathogens in insects. 3. Identify areas of mutual scientific interest and future collaboration (through collaborative grants). 4. Share protocols and identify resources such as insect colonies or clinical isolates of zoonotic pathogens that can be shared in the future. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Partnership with TIGS |
| Organisation | Tata Institute for Genetics and Society |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The project aims to explore potential collaborations between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of vector-borne disease, vector biology, lumpy skin disease, swine influenza, and organoid research (e.g. areas of mutual interest that could lead to collaborative grant applications, the exchange of knowledge, protocol, reagents, and biological materials). In addition, the project aims to exchange knowledge between operational staff at The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities (e.g. high containment insect infection suites). Finally, the project aims to explore the existing training and competence framework (biosafety, biocontainment engineering) at TIGS, NIVEDI, and their partners in the Indo-Pacific region and how Pirbright Training can both contribute to it and gain from it (e.g. through provision of commercial training, or externally-funded training). |
| Collaborator Contribution | The project aims to explore potential collaborations between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of vector-borne disease, vector biology, lumpy skin disease, swine influenza, and organoid research (e.g. areas of mutual interest that could lead to collaborative grant applications, the exchange of knowledge, protocol, reagents, and biological materials). In addition, the project aims to exchange knowledge between operational staff at The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in areas of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities (e.g. high containment insect infection suites). Finally, the project aims to explore the existing training and competence framework (biosafety, biocontainment engineering) at TIGS, NIVEDI, and their partners in the Indo-Pacific region and how Pirbright Training can both contribute to it and gain from it (e.g. through provision of commercial training, or externally-funded training). |
| Impact | 1. Expand existing links between The Pirbright Institute, TIGS and NIVEDI in the area of operation and maintenance of high containment facilities. 2. Assist TIGS in commencing work with high-hazard zoonotic pathogens in insects. 3. Identify areas of mutual scientific interest and future collaboration (through collaborative grants). 4. Share protocols and identify resources such as insect colonies or clinical isolates of zoonotic pathogens that can be shared in the future. |
| Start Year | 2024 |