Identifying mechanisms regulating central nervous system homeostasis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: The Roslin Institute
Abstract
This project focuses on normal molecular and cellular mechanisms by which neurons maintain homeostasis studying them through the opposing paradigms of neuronal function and dysfunction. Developing and maintaining healthy neurons is of crucial importance to humans and animals and we seek to bring novel approaches to the study of non-pathological cognitive deficits resulting from various stressors. This area is central to the BBSRC strategic priority of bioscience underpinning health. However, since CNS function and wellbeing are inextricably linked to the behaviour and welfare of animals, this area is also central to the BBSRC overarching policies on food security and the health and welfare of managed animals. Healthy CNS homeostasis relies on multiple factors, including regulation of neuronal survival, neuronal protection (eg. by neuropeptides and neurosteroids), cross-talk between neuronal networks and inter-cellular communication (e.g. between glia and neurons via chemokines). We have shown that exposure to stress at various times of life, from the prenatal period through to adulthood, can have detrimental effects on the brain, in particular in neuroendocrine systems that maintain homeostasis and brain circuits regulating social behaviour and cognition. In this theme we will investigate the central mechanisms involved and whether early life stress has detrimental effects on cognitive performance and behavioural outcomes. We will investigate how communication between neurons and glia contribute to neuronal health. Within neurons, various molecules have been identified as potential mediators of neuronal protection and we will determine how neuroprotection from these is manifest at molecular levels.
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Collaboration, Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Regensburg, Germany (Collaboration)
- University of California, Berkeley (Collaboration)
- Complutense University of Madrid, Spain (Collaboration)
- Swarthmore College (Collaboration)
- Comenius University in Bratislava (Collaboration)
- Deakin University (Collaboration)
- Tufts University (Collaboration)
- Eastern Michigan University (Collaboration)
- University of California Davis, United States (Collaboration)
- Arizona State University (Collaboration)
- Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (UREN), Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UMR Inserm, Paris, France (Collaboration)
- University of St Andrews, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- McGill University, Canada (Collaboration)
- University of Groningen (Collaboration)
- Indiana University, United States (Collaboration)
- University of Bordeaux I, France (Collaboration)
- Simon Fraser University, Canada (Collaboration)
- University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- Tokyo Women's Medical University (Collaboration)
- University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Hope College (Collaboration)
Publications
Aghamaleky Sarvestany A
(2014)
Label-free quantitative proteomic profiling identifies disruption of ubiquitin homeostasis as a key driver of Schwann cell defects in spinal muscular atrophy.
in Journal of proteome research
Alibhai JD
(2018)
Unravelling the glial response in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
in FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Allen C
(2012)
Neutrophil cerebrovascular transmigration triggers rapid neurotoxicity through release of proteases associated with decondensed DNA.
in Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Amorim IS
(2015)
Molecular neuropathology of the synapse in sheep with CLN5 Batten disease.
in Brain and behavior
Amorim IS
(2017)
Sideroflexin 3 is an a-synuclein-dependent mitochondrial protein that regulates synaptic morphology.
in Journal of cell science
Andersson R
(2014)
An atlas of active enhancers across human cell types and tissues.
in Nature
Arner E
(2015)
Transcribed enhancers lead waves of coordinated transcription in transitioning mammalian cells.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Arnott G
(2012)
Board invited review: The importance of the gestation period for welfare of calves: maternal stressors and difficult births.
in Journal of animal science
Avery MA
(2012)
WldS prevents axon degeneration through increased mitochondrial flux and enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering.
in Current biology : CB
Bailey I
(2016)
Nest-building males trade off material collection costs with territory value
in Emu - Austral Ornithology
| Description | The exposure of a mother to social stress during pregnancy can have important consequences for the offspring. We found a range of sex-specific deficits in prenatally stressed rats including deficits in social memory (doi: 10.1111/jne.12343), effects on glucose homeostasis and peripheral metabolism (doi: 10.1530/JOE-12-0540). We showed that differences in neuroendocrine stress responses can pass to the second generation (doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.010) We also extended our prenatal stress (PNS) studies in rodents to pigs and demonstrated that female PNS offspring display an anxious phenotype, associated with altered gene expression for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the amygdala. Moreover, when the female offspring themselves become mothers, PNS has an adverse effect on sow maternal behaviour and consequently on piglet survival (doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.02.052). This has direct relevance for farm animal welfare. 2. Microglia provide trophic support for a variety of neuronal subtypes in the brain and we have previously found significant region-specific phenotypic diversity in microglial phenotype which may underlie neuronal dys-homeostasis during ageing. We found increased divergence of the cerebellar microglial phenotype during ageing and a loss in distinction of the hippocampal phenotype in aged mice relative to their young adult counterparts (doi: 10.1038/nn.4222). We have also described how the alterations in microglial gene expression profiles during neurodegeneration aid microglial support for neurons (doi: 10.1128/JVI.02613-15). In other studies we have found that polarising inflammatory stimuli exert reciprocal regulation of Trem expression - TREM proteins regulate inflammatory activity in microglia. Induction of Trem1 and suppression of Trem2 expression by pro-inflammatory stimuli are both mediated by NF-KB. These data provide insight in to how the inflammatory environment can influence Trem expression and may offer targets for manipulating the balance of immune amplifying and inhibitory TREM signalling (10.3389/fncel.2017.00256). 3. We have carried out a range of -omic analyses to define neuronal proteins that regulate homeostatic mechanisms, with a particular focus on the maintenance of synaptic stability. We identified proteins present in mitochondria, cytoplasmic proteins and some involved in neurotransmitter release as well as proteins involved in ubiquitin homeostasis and beta-catenin signalling (doi: 10.1172/JCI71318; 10.1242/jcs.194241; 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002936). In investigations of prion protein function, we found evidence for roles in cytoskeletal organisation, DNA replication, transcription and mRNA splicing, possibly as a result of a top level role in cell cycle control mediated by growth factor signalling. Using a combination of mouse and fly models we have carried out proteomic profiling across multiple differentially vulnerable synaptic populations at an early stage of disease progression. This study has identified novel molecular alterations that regulate synaptic/neuronal stability (doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12603-0). These studies have been facilitated by advances in quantitation of proteins by fluorescent western blotting (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072457; 10.3791/52099). 4. Animal welfare is a continuing key focus in livestock farming. Play behaviour in animals can be associated with pre-natal stress and an in indicator of good animal welfare. We show that play behaviour in pre-weaned pigs is associated with postnatal piglet growth and that litter differences are evident (doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.09.007). Later studies have confirmed these findings and support the use of play as a sensitive welfare indicator in pre-weaned pigs (doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.09.018). Environmental enrichment (EE) in pigs is also seen as key welfare issue however little is understood of the effects of EE on the brain. We demonstrate for the first time the effects of EE on brain physiology, suggesting that short term exposure to EE in pigs results in increases in neuroprotection, beneficial effects on learning, memory and cognitive development and increased positive affect (doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.02.030.). 5. We have discovered that functions of specific B cell populations in the spleen, which are important for anti-microbial defense, are impaired after experimental stroke. This causes deficiencies in antigen capture, trafficking and rapid antibody production which may predispose to stroke-associated infection (doi: 10.1038/ncomms15051). Our research in experimental stroke models led to refinements in procedures and practices in small animal research and the production of the IMPROVE guidelines (Ischaemia Models: Procedural Refinements Of in Vivo Experiments) (doi: 10.1177/0271678X17709185). |
| Exploitation Route | Our findings have particular relevance to farmed animal welfare standards and show a potential need for environmental enrichment and a reduction in maternal stress whereas we have also aided in the production of recommendations for experimental animal studies in accordance with the 3Rs. Findings in stroke research have the potential to be used in identification of high risk patients thus allowing therapeutic measures to be put in pace at an earlier stage of illness. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare |
| Description | This programme of work centres on maintaining CNS function and wellbeing in both humans and animals and is central to strategic polices in biosciences underpinning health, food security and the health and welfare of managed animals. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK and stroke-associated infection (SAI) is a major complication of strokes and affects up to one third of patients and is associated with greater incidence of death and disability with no effective treatments. Experimental stroke models in mice has allowed us to identify impaired function of B cells in the spleen. This has led to ongoing collaborations with the University of Manchester and has resulted in the award of £1.3 million in funding from the MRC in order to explore this area of research further. In terms of patient care, these studies have implicated markers which could have potential utility in identifying stroke patients at particularly high risk of infection and allowing preventative or therapeutic measures to be put in place. Animal welfare whether farmed livestock or experimental animals is an ongoing concern in terms of quality of life and also the impact that it can have on food security. Animal welfare research in this programme has led to practical outcomes with the publishing of the IMPROVE guidelines which relate to experimental stroke research. Researchers have been involved with NC3R working groups and have produced a set of 43 recommendations for best practice in rodent models. Not only minimising animal suffering but also reducing variability in studies and improving reproducibility and allowing fewer animals to be used overall. In terms of livestock, pigs are most often farmed under intensive conditions and welfare is of the utmost concern. We have made significant advances in understanding the effect of stress on maternal behaviour which can impact on piglet survival and the advantages of environmental enrichment on promoting good health. These findings have the potential to lead to increased farm animal welfare and in turn, better food quality. |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |
| Description | NC3Rs Stroke Working Group, Member |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
| Description | NC3Rs stroke advisory group |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
| Description | Pool and Core Member BBSRC Panel A Response Mode |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
| Description | Alzheimer's Society |
| Amount | £286,988 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Alzheimer’s Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2016 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship |
| Amount | £74,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship |
| Amount | £76,200 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 09/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship |
| Amount | £76,200 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 10/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC EASTBIO in vivo skills award |
| Amount | £3,300 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2016 |
| End | 10/2020 |
| Description | BBSRC EASTBIO in vivo skills award |
| Amount | £3,500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | East of Scotland BioScience (EastBio) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC Japan Partnering award |
| Amount | £41,776 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2015 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | British Society for Neuroendocrinology Project Support Grant |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Neuroendocrinology |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2016 |
| End | 01/2019 |
| Description | British Society for Neuroendocrinology project support grant |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Neuroendocrinology |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2012 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | CASE studentship |
| Amount | £92,173 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2012 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | Competitive funding |
| Amount | £479,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | AW1407 |
| Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2013 |
| End | 04/2017 |
| Description | Dementia Research Institute Foundation Grant |
| Amount | £1,000,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | UK Dementia Research Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | EastBIO PhD scholarship |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 08/2021 |
| Description | EastBio PhD scholarship |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2012 |
| End | 09/2016 |
| Description | Identification of the photoreceptor for light detection in the avian brain |
| Amount | £246,909 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RPG-2016-392 |
| Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | MRC CiC |
| Amount | £108,058 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2017 |
| End | 06/2018 |
| Description | MRC Confidence in Concept |
| Amount | £123,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 01/2019 |
| Description | MRC Project Grant |
| Amount | £592,084 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2014 |
| End | 02/2017 |
| Description | MRC project grant |
| Amount | £1,316,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 01/2021 |
| Description | Moray Endowment Fund |
| Amount | £1,842 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2016 |
| Description | NCL Pump Primer |
| Amount | € 50,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | NCL Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Precision Medicine DTP PhD Studentship |
| Amount | £93,092 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 08/2021 |
| Description | Principals Career Development Scholarship |
| Amount | £72,837 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2015 |
| End | 08/2018 |
| Description | Principals career development scholarship |
| Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Research grant |
| Amount | £47,083 (GBP) |
| Organisation | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 06/2016 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | Small Scale Project Grant |
| Amount | £5,760 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | The Roslin Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Summer Vacation studentship |
| Amount | £1,200 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Poultry Science |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | Summer vacation scholarships |
| Amount | £1,200 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Poultry Science |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2015 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | Summer vacation studentship |
| Amount | £600 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | Summer vacation studentship |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Neuroendocrinology |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | Summer vacation studentship |
| Amount | £600 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2015 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | Summer vacation studentship |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Neuroendocrinology |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2016 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | Summer vacation studentship |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Society for Reproduction and Fertility |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | The Darwin Trust Studentship |
| Amount | £115,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Charles Darwin Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 09/2017 |
| Description | The Roslin Foundation |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | The Roslin Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2015 |
| End | 06/2017 |
| Title | Quantitative imaging of tissue sections using infrared scanning technology |
| Description | Quantification of immunohistochemically (IHC) labelled tissue sections typically yields semi-quantitative results. Visualising infrared (IR) 'tags', with an appropriate scanner, provides an alternative system where the linear nature of the IR fluorophore emittance enables realistic quantitative fluorescence IHC (QFIHC). Importantly, this new technology enables entire tissue sections to be scanned, allowing accurate area and protein abundance measurements to be calculated from rapidly acquired images. Here, some of the potential benefits of using IR-based tissue imaging are examined, and the following are demonstrated. Firstly, image capture and analysis using IR-based scanning technology yields comparable area-based quantification to those obtained from a modern high-resolution digital slide scanner. Secondly, IR-based dual target visualisation and expression-based quantification is rapid and simple. Thirdly, IR-based relative protein abundance QIHC measurements are an accurate reflection of tissue sample protein abundance, as demonstrated by comparison with quantitative fluorescent Western blotting data. In summary, it is proposed that IR-based QFIHC provides an alternative method of rapid whole-tissue section low-resolution imaging for the production of reliable and accurate quantitative data. Published in the journal of anatomy |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Requests for talks and interviews |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26510706 |
| Title | Total protein as a method for data normalisation when using quantitative fluorescent western blotting |
| Description | Western blotting has been a key technique for determining the relative expression of proteins within complex biological samples since the first publications in 1979. Recent developments in sensitive fluorescent labels, with truly quantifiable linear ranges and greater limits of detection, have allowed biologists to probe tissue specific pathways and processes with higher resolution than ever before. However, the application of quantitative Western blotting (QWB) to a range of healthy tissues and those from degenerative models has highlighted a problem with significant consequences for quantitative protein analysis: how can researchers conduct comparative expression analyses when many of the commonly used reference proteins (e.g. loading controls) are differentially expressed? Here we demonstrate that common controls, including actin and tubulin, are differentially expressed in tissues from a wide range of animal models of neurodegeneration. We highlight the prevalence of such alterations through examination of published "-omics" data, and demonstrate similar responses in sensitive QWB experiments. For example, QWB analysis of spinal cord from a murine model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy using an Odyssey scanner revealed that beta-actin expression was decreased by 19.3±2% compared to healthy littermate controls. Thus, normalising QWB data to ß-actin in these circumstances could result in 'skewing' of all data by ~20%. We further demonstrate that differential expression of commonly used loading controls was not restricted to the nervous system, but was also detectable across multiple tissues, including bone, fat and internal organs. Moreover, expression of these "control" proteins was not consistent between different portions of the same tissue, highlighting the importance of careful and consistent tissue sampling for QWB experiments. Finally, having illustrated the problem of selecting appropriate single protein loading controls, we demonstrate that normalisation using total protein analysis on samples run in parallel with stains such as Coomassie blue provides a more robust approach. |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This publication: PLoS One. 2013 Aug 30;8(8):e72457. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072457. eCollection 2013. Total protein analysis as a reliable loading control for quantitative fluorescent Western blotting. Eaton SL1, Roche SL, Llavero Hurtado M, Oldknow KJ, Farquharson C, Gillingwater TH, Wishart TM. Has already been cited >70 times since publication and led to interviews with "The Scientist" magazine etc and further publications in JoVE |
| URL | http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0072457 |
| Title | Gene expression in the pig brain in response to environmental enrichment |
| Description | We have applied RNA-sequence technology (through Edinburgh Genomics https://genomics.ed.ac.uk/) to pig brain tissue with the aim of understanding the effect of environmental enrichment on brain gene expression. There appear to be relatively few datasets available of large animal brain gene expression and even less in response to an enrichment stimulation. Furthermore the tissues was collected at 2 time points post the provision of enrichment allowing analysis of immediate and somewhat later effects. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This data has only become available recently - we are in the process of finalising analysis and plan to publish in May/ June 2017. We are also discussing other uses of the data. |
| Title | MCAO spleen datasets |
| Description | Spleen microarray datasets from experimental stroke study |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Not known |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE70841 |
| Title | Microglia datasets |
| Description | Microarray datasets |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Datasets have been used by other groups and their re-analysis of data included in publications |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE62420 |
| Description | Alicia Garcia collaboration |
| Organisation | Complutense University of Madrid |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of data, training of student, provision of technical and analytical expertise, provision of reagents under MTA, proposals for future research |
| Collaborator Contribution | Student placement, sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise, conducting experimental work using reagents provided by us |
| Impact | MTA and CDA |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Andrew Greenhalgh lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Bordeaux |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise |
| Impact | Grant submissions |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Behavioural Neuroendocrinology in wild songbirds Prof John Wingfield |
| Organisation | University of California, Davis |
| Department | UC Davis College of Biological Sciences |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to equipment and facilities |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to equipment and facilities |
| Impact | Chmura HE, Meddle SL, Wingfield JC, Thomas P. Hahn Comparing the effects of a social cue on reproductive development and pre-nuptual molt in seasonally breeding migrant and resident female songbirds (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Horm. Behav. (Submitted March 2017). Pérez, JH, Meddle SL, Wingfield, JC & Ramenofsky M (2017) Effects of thyroid hormone knockdown and rescue on pre-nuptial molt, luteinizing hormone and gonadal growth in white-crowned sparrows (Z. leuchophrys gambelii). Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. (Submitted March 2017). Krause, J. S., Pérez, J. H., Meddle, S.L. & Wingfield, J. C. (2017) Effects of short-term fasting on stress physiology, body condition, and locomotor activity in wintering white-crowned sparrows. Physiol. Behav. (submitted 29 Nov 2016, under revision). Wacker DW, Khalaj S, Jones L, Champion T, Davis JE, Meddle SL & Wingfield JC (2017) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) heightens aggression and increases androgen receptor and aromatase mRNA expression in the brain of a male songbird. J. Neuroendocrinol. Doi: 10.1111/jne.12443. Krause JS, Pérez JH, Chmura HE, Sweet SK, Meddle SL, Hunt KE, Gough L, Boelman N & Wingfield JC (2016) The effect of extreme spring weather on body condition and stress physiology in Lapland longspurs and white-crowned sparrows breeding in the Arctic. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 237:10-18. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.07.015. Krause JS, Pérez JH, Chmura HE, Meddle SL, Hunt KE, Gough L, Boelman N & Wingfield JC (2016) The stress response is attenuated during inclement weather in parental, but not in pre-parental, Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus) breeding in the Low Arctic Horm. Behav. 83:68-74. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.05.018. Pérez JH, Krause JS, Chmura HE, Bowman S, McGuigan M, Asmus A, Meddle SL, Hunt KE, Gough L, Boelman N & Wingfield JC (2016) Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) and white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli) nestling growth rates in relation to food abundance and weather in the Arctic. The Auk: Ornithological Advances 133(2):261-272. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1642/AUK-15-111.1. Krause JS, Chmura HE, Pérez JH, Asmus A, Quach LN, Word KR, Németh Z, McGuigan M, Sweet SK, Meddle SL, Gough L, Boelman N & Wingfield JC (2016) Breeding on the leading edge of a northward range expansion: differences in morphology and the stress response in the arctic Gambel's white-crowned sparrow. Oecologia 180(1):33-44; doi: 10.1007/s00442-015-3447-7. Krause JS, McGuigan MA, Bishop VR, Wingfield JC & Meddle SL (2015) Decreases in mineralocorticoid but not glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression during the short Arctic breeding season in free-living Gambel's white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). J. Neuroendocrinol. 27(1):66-75. Walker BG, Meddle SL, Romero LM, Landys MM, Reneerkens J & Wingfield JC (2015) Breeding on the extreme edge: Modulation of the adrenocortical response to stress in two High Arctic passerines. J. Exp. Zool. 323A:266-275. Wingfield JC, Calisi RM, Chmura HE, Krause JS, Nemeth Z, Pérez JH, Word KR, Boelman N, Gough L, & Meddle SL (2015) A mechanistic approach to understanding range shifts in a changing world: What makes a pioneer? Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 222:44-53; doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.08.022. Krause JS, Meddle SL & Wingfield JC (2015) The Effects of Acute Restraint Stress on Plasma Levels of Prolactin and Corticosterone across Life-History Stages in a Short-Lived Bird: Gambel's White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) Physiol. Biochem. Zool. 88(6):589-598. doi: 10.1086/683321. Wingfield JC, Sullivan K, Jaxion-Harm J & Meddle SL (2012) The presence of water influences reproductive function in the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia morphna). Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 178(3):485-493. |
| Description | Bruce Whitelaw lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Conducting experimental work, sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of technical and analytical expertise, creation of materials, sharing of data |
| Impact | Funding application |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Colin Farquharson lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise |
| Impact | No outcomes yet |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with Tom Gillingwater's Lab combining molecular and anatomical expertise |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Conducting experimental work, sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of technical and analytical expertise, creation of materials, sharing of data |
| Impact | Still Active - See publications Grant applications and studentships |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with University of Regensburg, Germany |
| Organisation | University of Regensburg |
| Department | Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaborative project focuses on establishing which of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor subtypes and in what specific brain regions are involved in mediating the adverse impact of stress on maternal behaviour. Our group performed in situ hybridisation and subsequent quantification of the CRH-R1 and R2 subtypes in different brain regions. So far the project has involved 2 x 2 week visits of a PhD student and 1 x 8 week visit of a MSc student from Germany to our laboratory. These students received relevant training and had access to our laboratory facilities to perform in situ hybridisation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners performed the animal experiments, behavioural analyses and collected tissue post-mortem for further study. |
| Impact | We have published two papers as a direct result of this collaboration thus far. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4220-13.2014 doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.015. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Craig Smith collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of data, conducting experimental work using samples supplied by collaborator, provision of technical and analytical expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of data, provision of biological samples, provision of clinical expertise |
| Impact | Publication Funding application submitted |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Dr Karen Spencer |
| Organisation | University of St Andrews |
| Department | School of Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | data generation. Supervision of EastBio DTP student |
| Collaborator Contribution | data generation. Supervision of EastBio DTP student |
| Impact | Presentations at conferences. Training and mentorship of PhD student. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Dr Tyler Stevenson |
| Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
| Department | School of Biological Sciences Aberdeen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Won collaborative grant: The Leverhulme Trust (2016-2019) "Identification of the photoreceptor for light detection in the avian brain" Data generation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Won collaborative grant: The Leverhulme Trust (2016-2019) "Identification of the photoreceptor for light detection in the avian brain" Data generation. |
| Impact | Data generation. Won collaborative grant: The Leverhulme Trust (2016-2019) "Identification of the photoreceptor for light detection in the avian brain" |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Effects of early life stress on behaviour and physiology in birds Dr Spencer |
| Organisation | University of St Andrews |
| Department | School of Computer Science |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | EastBio Studentship |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Egg deposition of maternal testosterone is primarily controlled by the preovulatory peak of luteinizing hormone in quail Prof Zeman |
| Organisation | Comenius University in Bratislava |
| Country | Slovakia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Okuliarova M, Meddle, SL & Zeman M (2017) Egg deposition of maternal testosterone is primarily controlled by the preovulatory peak of luteinizing hormone in quail. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. (submitted 15 Jan 2017). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Environmental cues regulating social behaviour in a songbird Dr Cornelius |
| Organisation | Eastern Michigan University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Cornelius J, Perreau G, Bishop VR, Hahn TP & Meddle SL (2017) Social information changes stress hormone receptor expression in a songbird brain. Proc. Roy. Soc. B (submitted Feb 2017). |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Environmental factors regulating the timing of breeding in birds Prof Visser |
| Organisation | University of Groningen |
| Department | Department of Genetics |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Tomotani BM, de la Hera I, Lange CYMJG, van Lith B, Meddle SL, Both C & Visser ME (2017) Timing manipulations reveal the lack of a causal link across annual cycle stages in a long distance migrant. Funct. Ecol. (Submitted March 2017). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Expression of deep brain photoreceptors in the Pekin drake |
| Organisation | Hope College |
| Department | Biology Department |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise and intellectual input, access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise and intellectual input, access to facilities. |
| Impact | Haas R, Alenciks E, Meddle SL & Fraley, GS (2017) Expression of deep brain photoreceptors in the Pekin drake: a possible role in the maintenance of testicular function. Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex037 |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Giles Hardingham lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise, input to project design, experimental work and analysis |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise, input to project design, experimental work and analysis |
| Impact | Publication doi: 10.7554/eLife.17161 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Hormonal Interactions in a Vertebrate Forebrain Pathway Prof Bentley |
| Organisation | University of California, Berkeley |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | £511,768 National Science Foundation, 3 year Research Grant (2010-2013) "Hormonal Interactions in a Vertebrate Forebrain Pathway" Co-Investigator. Grant jointly held with Dr. G. Bentley, U. Berkley, USA. |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Identification of the photoreceptor for light detection in the avian brain |
| Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
| Department | Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Wrote joint grant funded by The Leverhulme Trust |
| Collaborator Contribution | Wrote joint grant funded by The Leverhulme Trust |
| Impact | No outputs. Grant start date September 2017. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Modulation of the Adrenocortical Responses to Perturbations of the Environment |
| Organisation | University of California, Davis |
| Department | UC Davis College of Biological Sciences |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Wrote grant funded by the National Science Foundation |
| Collaborator Contribution | Wrote grant funded by the National Science Foundation |
| Impact | 1. Krause, J. S., Pérez, J. H., Meddle, S.L. & Wingfield, J. C. (2017) Effects of short-term fasting on stress physiology, body condition, and locomotor activity in wintering white-crowned sparrows. Physiol. Behav. (submitted 29 Nov 2016, under revision). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Nest building in Birds Dr Healy |
| Organisation | University of St Andrews |
| Department | School of Biology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Hall ZJ, Ihalainen E, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2017). Cerebellar correlates of avian nest-building behaviour. Brain Behav. Evol. (Submitted Dec 2015; under revision). Bailey IE, Morgan KV, Oschadleus D, DeRuiter SL, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2016) Nest-building males trade-off material collection costs with territory value. Emu 116, 1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MU15022. Hall ZJ, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2016) From neurones to nests: nest-building behaviour as a model in behavioural and comparative neuroscience. J. Ornithology 156:S133-143; doi: 10.1007/s10336-015-1214-5. Hall ZJ, Healy SD & Meddle SL (2015) A role for nonapeptides and dopamine in nest-building behaviour. J. Neuroendocrinol. 27(2):158-165. Bailey IE, Muth F, Morgan K, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2015) Birds build camouflaged nests. The Auk: Ornithological Advances. 132:11-15. Bailey IE, Backes A, Walsh PT, Morgan KV, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2015) Woven signatures: Image analysis of weaverbird nests reveals signature weave patterns. Royal Soc. Open Sci. doi: 10.1098/rsos.150074. Hall ZJ, Bertin M, Bailey IE, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2014) Neural correlates of nest building in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Behav. Brain. Res. 264:26-33. Bailey IE, Morgan KV, Bertin M, Meddle SL & Healy SD (2014) Physical cognition: birds learn the structural efficacy of nest material. Proc. Roy. Soc. B 2014281(1784):20133225. Hodgson ZG, Meddle SL, Christians J, Sperry TS & Healy SD (2008) Influence of sex steroid hormones on spatial memory in a songbird. J. Comp. Physiol. A. 194: 963-969. Hodgson ZG, Meddle SL, Roberts ML, Buchanan KL, Evans MR, Metzdorf R, Gahr M, & Healy SD (2007) Spatial ability impairment and hippocampal mineralcorticoid receptor mRNA expression reduction in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) selected for acute high corticosterone responses. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B. 274: 239-245. |
| Description | Neurosteroid regulation of avian maternal behaviour Prof Tsutsui |
| Organisation | Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Department | Twins - Waseda University Joint Institution for Advanced Biomedical Sciences |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Secured BBSRC Japan partnering award Davies S, Lane S, Meddle SL, Tsutsui K & Deviche P (2016) The ecological and physiological bases of variation in the phenology of gonad growth in an urban and desert songbird. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 230-231:17-25. doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.013. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Olfactory conditioning of pleasurable psychological states in animals |
| Organisation | Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (UREN), Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UMR Inserm, Paris, France |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We suggested to the INRA team a joint project linking up with their expertise in olfaction and our interest in validating models of positive experiences in animals. We suggested the use of pleasant somatosensory stimulation ('tickling') in rats as the unconditioned stimulus and have also been working in parallel developing this model. We also found a MSc student from our current cohort to undertake this work for their dissertation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners have provided facilities and expertise in olfactory research as their in-kind contribution |
| Impact | As yet we have not completed the experimental phase of the work. The disciplines involved are behaviour, neuroscience with specialisms in olfaction and auditory research. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Physiology and behaviour in pigs Dr D'Eath |
| Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Hintze S, Scott D, Turner S, Meddle SL & D´Eath RB (2013) Mounting behaviour in finishing pigs: Stable individual differences are not due to dominance or stage of sexual development. Applied Animal Behav. Sci. 147:69-80. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Prof Sue Healy, The University of St Andrews |
| Organisation | University of St Andrews |
| Department | School of Biology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Long term collaborator. Share east BioDTP. |
| Collaborator Contribution | collaboration in data generation. |
| Impact | BBSRC response mode grants. East BioDTP. Publications. |
| Description | Prof. J. Wingfield, UC Davis, USA. |
| Organisation | University of California, Davis |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Won National Science Foundation, USA 3 year Research Grant (2016-2019) "Modulation of the Adrenocortical Responses to Perturbations of the Environment". Co-Investigator. Grant jointly held with Prof. J. Wingfield, UC Davis, USA. Ongoing data collection, publications and talks |
| Collaborator Contribution | won National Science Foundation, USA 3 year Research Grant (2016-2019) "Modulation of the Adrenocortical Responses to Perturbations of the Environment". Co-Investigator. Grant jointly held with Prof. J. Wingfield, UC Davis, USA.Ongoing data collection, publications and talks |
| Impact | Publications and training of post docs and PhD students. Presentations workshops and conference organisation. |
| Description | Reproductive Physiology in a zebra finch |
| Organisation | Simon Fraser University |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Ryan CP, Dawson A, Sharp PJ, Meddle SL & Williams TD (2014) Circulating breeding and pre-breeding prolactin and LH are not associated with clutch size in the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 202:26-34. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Rustam Al Shahi Salman lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Project and experimental design |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project and experimental design |
| Impact | Stroke Association project grant awarded |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Sam David lab collaboration |
| Organisation | McGill University |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of data from our studies and provision of reagents under MTA |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of data and conducting studies using reagents provided by us |
| Impact | MTA and CDA put in place to enable formal collaboration and sharing of data and reagents |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Seasonal Breeding in Songbirds Prof Pierre Deviche |
| Organisation | Arizona State University |
| Department | School of Life Sciences |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Davies S, Lane S, Meddle SL, Tsutsui K & Deviche P (2016) The ecological and physiological bases of variation in the phenology of gonad growth in an urban and desert songbird. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 230-231:17-25. doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.013. Davies S, Cros T, Richard D, Meddle SL, Tsutsui K & Deviche P (2015) Food availability, energetic constraints, and reproductive development in a wild seasonally breeding male songbird. Funct. Ecol. 29(11):1421-1434; doi: 10.1111/1365-2435.12448. Davies S, Behbahaninia H, Giraudeau M, Meddle SL, Waites K & Deviche P (2015) Advanced seasonal reproductive development in a male urban bird is reflected in earlier plasma luteinizing hormone rise but not energetic status. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 224:1-10; doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.05.005. Davies S, Gao S, Valle S, Bittner S, Hutton P, Meddle SL & Deviche P (2015) Negative energy balance in a male songbird constrains the testicular endocrine response to luteinizing hormone stimulation. J. Exp. Biol. Dev. 218:2685-2693; doi:10.1242/dev.123042. |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Seasonal reproduction in a songbird Prof Ketterson |
| Organisation | Indiana University |
| Department | Department of Biology |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Greives T, Fudickar A, Atwell J, Meddle SL & Ketterson E (2016) Early spring sex differences in luteinizing hormone response to gonadotropin releasing hormone in co-occurring resident and migrant dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis). Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 236:17-23. doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.06.031. Fudickar AM, Greives TJ, Abolins-Abols M, Atwell JW, Meddle SL & Ketterson ED (2017) Advance in the timing of seasonal reproduction in an urban songbird is mediated by earlier gonadal responsiveness. Front. Ecol. Evol. (Submitted Feb 2017, under revision). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Stress Physiology in a wild galliform Prof. Romero |
| Organisation | Tufts University |
| Department | Department of Biology |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Dickens MJ, Meddle SL & Romero LM (2011) Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor expression in the brains of translocated chukar (Alectoris chukar). Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 170:569-574. |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Stress physiology in a songbird Dr Baugh |
| Organisation | Swarthmore College |
| Department | Department of Biology |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Senft RA, Meddle SL & Baugh AT (2016) Distribution and abundance of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors throughout the brain of the great tit (Parus major). PLoS ONE 11(2):e0148516; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148516. Baugh AT, Senft RA, Firke M, Lauder A, Schroeder J, Meddle SL, van Oers K & Hau M (2017) Risk-averse personalities have a systemically potentiated neuroendocrine stress axis: a multilevel experiment in Parus major. Horm. Behav. (Submitted 25 Jan 2017). |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Stuart Allan lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise, input to project design, experimental work and analysis |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of knowledge and technical expertise, input to project design, experimental work and analysis |
| Impact | Publications, MRC grant awarded |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Stuart Allan lab collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise, proposing ideas for future studies |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of data, provision of technical and analytical expertise, proposing ideas for future studies |
| Impact | Publications Funding applications |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Understanding the biological basis of human-animal associations |
| Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We suggested a joint project combining genotyping of human participants with psychometric testing to study the associations between human-animal empathy and SNPs on the oxytocin gene receptor. We provided the funding and expertise for the human genotyping. |
| Collaborator Contribution | SRUC provided the psychological expertise (Dr Melanie Connor) who developed the measures of empathy and implicit association used in the work. |
| Impact | Paper submitted to Plos One entitled 'Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms and its associations with empathy and implicit associations towards animals' - decision on publishing pending |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Variation in hippocampal volume of a non-native species of bird Prof Buchanan |
| Organisation | Deakin University |
| Department | Institute for Frontier Materials |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
| Impact | Cardilini APA, Micallef S, Bishop VR, Sherman CDH, Meddle SL & Buchanan KL (2017) Variation in hippocampal volume of a non-native species, Sturnus vulgaris, between coastal and inland habitats. Brain Behav. Evol. (Submitted 2016; under revision). |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Hosted female pupil to gain hands on 1 week work experience 'researcher shadowing' in my lab |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | hosted female pupil to gain hands on 1 week work experience 'researcher shadowing' in my lab and visit sparked pupil to successfully apply to study neuroscience at Glasgow university |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Presentation to patients and family members at BDFA Annual conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Attended conference and gave a lay presentation to NCL patients and families about research approaches for NCLs. Since asked to participate in news letters and podcasts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | 2014 Neuroleadership Institute speaker Scottish Local Interest Group Expert Scientist. The neurobiology of love. I wrote, led and delivered the workshop. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2014 Neuroleadership Institute speaker Scottish Local Interest Group Expert Scientist. The neurobiology of love. I wrote, led and delivered the workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | ARUK Scotland network seminar |
| 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 | Gave invited presentation to ARUK Scotland network members which, as a new member, introduced our work to a new audience and has led to making new connections within this community |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Articles in national newspapers/international online news agencies |
| 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 | The following press release was issued: 'Stress in pregnancy can impact future generations'. Children whose grandmothers were stressed during pregnancy have an increased chance of mental health problems, a study suggests. The effects of maternal stress during pregnancy can be transmitted to both the first and second generation of offspring, research carried out in rats has shown. The study found that increased anxiety is linked to changes in genes expressed in the part of the brain that regulates emotions such as fear and anxiety. Previous research suggests that stress during pregnancy is harmful to developing babies' brains and is linked to a greater risk of mental health disorders. However, until now it was not known that the harmful effects of prenatal stress could present themselves in future generations, the team says. Researchers found that the second generation of offspring from rats who had experienced social stress during pregnancy - caused by short periods of exposure to unfamiliar female rats - were more anxious than those whose grandmothers had not experienced stress. These offspring showed a pattern of gene expression in a region of the brain - known as the amygdala - that is linked with an increased risk of anxiety disorders. The findings provide researchers with greater insight into the origins of mood disorders. Understanding the mechanisms that allow the effects of stress to be transmitted to future generations could help researchers find new ways of treating some mental health conditions, the team says. The research, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Dr. Paula Brunton, of The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, who led the study, said: "It appears from this work that stress during pregnancy has long term health implications not only for the unborn child but also for future generations." This story received widespread press attention and featured in articles in national newspapers (e.g. The Times, Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News), international online news outlets (e.g. Medical News Today, Health Canal) and industry/business magazines (e.g. India Pharma News, BBSRC business magazine) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/paula-brunton(7e11174f-abb5-47c7-a73c-0d92ea2f5444)/c... |
| Description | Aurora Academic mentor (Inspiring leadership in women, Leadership foundation for higher education |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Aurora Academic mentor (Inspiring leadership in women, Leadership foundation for higher education. Coaching and mentor |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
| Description | BBC Expert Women |
| 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 Expert Women; Field Biologist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vx8FJg3VXo |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | BBC Radio Scotland Brain Waves |
| 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 | BBC Radio Scotland Brain Waves Interviewed as Expert Scientist on the neurobiology of love an attachment for a Valentines special. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | BBSRC Pool of Experts |
| 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 | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | BBSRC media: What it's like to be a BBSRC committee member https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zidU5cl--lo |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | BNA Streetfair |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | British Neuroscience Association Streetfair, held at the Barbican Centre in London alongside the annual BNA symposium. Activity to communicate work we do on TSE disease, protein misfolding and neurodegeneration to the public |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Big Bang, Schools science competition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I was a judge moderator for Big Bang, a schools competition for science projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013 |
| Description | Birds! | PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Birds! | PolarTREC PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) is a program in which K-12 teachers spend 3-6 weeks participating in hands-on field research experiences in the polar regions. The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education and understanding by bringing K-12 educators and polar researchers together. Program Development PolarTREC was developed based on the strengths of the past PolarTREC (2007-2009) and TREC programs, as well as other teacher research experience (TRE's) programs. Built on the successes of the previous three-year program and adapted to further meet diverse participant needs, PolarTREC is a multi-year project with four major categories of interrelated activities making up the PolarTREC Teacher Research Experience Model. The main components of PolarTREC Include: •provide hands-on field research experiences that are implemented in the polar regions; •broadly disseminate teacher experiences to students, professionals, and the public; •develop a sustainable learning community; and •provide clear and appropriate measures of project success. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.polartrec.com/comment/24084 |
| Description | Cambo Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Science Festival at Cambo in Fife. Roslin hosted an activity based around the animal brain and brain diseases. Event aimed at school children, with engaging hands-on activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Careers Event for S2 secondfary pupils |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Opportunity for S2 pupils to interact with people working in STEM related jobs. Each group given 3 minutes to question each different STEM Ambassador about how they use science in their work. Aim to interest pupils in science before selecting their subjects for 3rd year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Careers Event for Schoolchildren |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Opportunity for S2 pupils to interact with people working in STEM related jobs. Each group given 3 minutes to question each different STEM Ambassador about how they use science in their work. Aim to interest pupils in science before selecting their subjects for 3rd year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Careers event for S4 secondary pupils |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Careers workshop for S4 pupils. Approx 50 pupils attended and had discussions and questions over biological science careers. The school gave an update to say that pupils were interested and requested information on work experience/placement programs as a result. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2017 |
| Description | Chromatography demo |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstrated chromatography to a group of final year students from a local school |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Designed and delivered Neurobehaviour training day workshop for East Bio DTP Students. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Designed and delivered Neurobehaviour training day workshop for East Bio DTP Students. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Dunbar Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We ran a 'What's in our brain' activity which was targeted at school children, and consisted of an introduction to the basic anatomy and functions of different regions of the brain, and also the differences and similarities of the brains of different animal species, as well as a neuroeconomics game about human decision making. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Edinburgh University student Zoological Society Guest lecturer |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Edinburgh University student Zoological Society Guest lecturer. Talked about my research "Breeding Birds: Adaptations to reproducing in an unpredictable environment" and women in STEM. Lots of good discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Expert Women's Day Scotland. BBC Scotland |
| 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 Women's Day Scotland. BBC Scotland Glasgow. Selected from over 500 applications for media training. The aim of the day was to give an introduction to the world of the media, the opportunity to meet some industry professionals as well as getting some hands on training, both on air and on screen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Expert Women's Day Scotland. BBC Scotland Glasgow. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Expert Women's Day Scotland. BBC Scotland Glasgow. August 2013. Selected from over 500 applications for media training. The aim of the day was to give an introduction to the world of the media, the opportunity to meet some industry professionals as well as getting some hands on training, both on air and on screen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | GetPROTECTED workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This Edinburgh Neuroscience workshop focuses on the structure and function of the brain and why it is important that you protect your brain from damage. It looks at head protection in the context of cycling and sport. Targeted at primary school children (aged 9-11). 6 workshops have run so far (average class size of 25 pupils per class) at different schools in Edinburgh and Midlothian. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| URL | http://www.edinburghneuroscience.ed.ac.uk/node/2151 |
| Description | Haddington Camera Club. From the arctic to Australia. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Haddington Camera Club. Gave a talk "From the arctic to Australia" about my research and travels with birds. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Highland Show, Ingliston. Scotland's biggest agricultural show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presenting posters of research and games to interest youngsters. Answering resulting questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Interconnect Student Network is a networking organisation for women in STEM |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Promoting the advancement of women in STEM subjects by championing engagement with Athena SWAN-related activities: Invited speaker, Interconnect March 2014 - Student Network is a networking organisation for women studying science, engineering, technology (SET) and the built environment in Scotland. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Interview for NCL Stiftung |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Interview with NCL Stiftung following award of the 7th NCL Stiftung research award |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.ncl-foundation.com/main/pages/index/p/660 |
| Description | Interview for podcast and charity newsletter |
| 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 | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | This was a telephone interview by the BDFA which was made into a podcast and excerpts were included in the charity news letter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.bdfa-uk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BDFA-Spring-Newsletter-2017.pdf |
| Description | Interview with SMA Patient/Family group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Researcher interview with the SMA Trust |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.smasupportuk.org.uk/tom-wishart |
| Description | Interview with the Scientist Magazine - All is not quiet on the Western front |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article can be found here: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/42826/title/All-Is-Not-Quiet-on-the-Western-Front/ This was in response to the loading control methodology we published for normalisation in Eaton et al. PLoS One and Eaton et al. JoVE |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/42826/title/All-Is-Not-Quiet-on-the-Western-Fr... |
| Description | Keeping bugs at Bay: a Public Engagement Activity at the Roslin Institute 2014 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This activity aims to teach people how the immune system fights bugs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Keeping bugs at Bay: a Public Engagement Activity at the Royal Highland Show 2015 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This activity aims to teach people how the immune system fights bugs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Kickstart University of Edinburgh Widening Participation Summer School Neuroscience workshop. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Kickstart University of Edinburgh Widening Participation Summer School 2016 Neuroscience workshop. I wrote, led and delivered the workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Knowledge exchange with private sector |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Delivered a talk to at the Roslin Institute Industry day (Feed, Breed and Succeed, Sept 2012) which focussed on research in nutrition, reproduction and welfare. The event was focused on enhancing Industrial relationships but delegates also included policy makers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | McGill talk 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk presented as part of a symposium led to discussions and identifying common areas for collaboration with hosts - collaboration with Sam David lab initiated from this. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Midlothian Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Midlothian Science festival aims to inspire and engage visitors in science and discovery, showcase current local science, cultivate curiosity, inspire local children to embark on scientific careers. Our group were involved in hosting an exhibit which was displayed at different high schools and libraries. We ran a 'What's in our brain' activity which was targeted at school children, and consisted of an introduction to the basic anatomy and functions of different regions of the brain, and also the differences and similarities of the brains of different animal species, as well as a neuroeconomics game about human decision making. The same activity was also included as part of the Easter Bush Doors open day. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |
| Description | Midlothian Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Session: 'Making sense of stress'. Summary: We all experience stress. Stress triggers a primitive response which is a vital survival mechanism, helping us to cope with stressful situations. Unfortunately, some people overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening and repeated activation of the stress response takes a toll on the body, increasing the risk of mental health disorders and other diseases. We know that our genes, childhood experiences and lifestyle choices can impact upon how we respond to stress, but there's another important factor -the 9 months before we are born. This event will consider how our body responds to stress and the role of stress hormones in coping with stressful situations. We will then focus on how the mother's body endeavours to protect the unborn baby from her experience of stress, before discussing how, when these safety barriers are breached, our mother's diet or exposure to stress can influence how we respond to stress, as well as impacting our behaviour, intelligence and susceptibility to develop disease in later life. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://midlothiansciencefestival.com/event/making-sense-of-stress/ |
| Description | Midlothian Science festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Science festival to highlight research at the roslin Institute and encourage questions relating to research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014 |
| Description | Midlothian open doors day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Highlights research at the Institute to the general public including school children |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Neuroinflammation Keystone Symposium (New Mexico) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentations and discussion at international conference enabled wider recognition of our work and has resulted in new collaborations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | North for Science! The biology of birds breeding in the Arctic workshop for school pupils |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A workshop for north American school pupils (14 to 16 year olds) on the breeding biology of birds in the Arctic. Promote STEM |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Open doors day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Over 200 members of the public attended which sparked questions and discussion regarding our research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Participation at Royal Highland Show Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of the TSE research activity of the Roslin Institute/Neurobiology Division. Demonstration of simple experiments to children and adults to elucidate the impact of TSE disease in livestock and human health. Answered general questions regarding Roslin research and scientific careers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2016 |
| Description | Patient family meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Batten Disease Family Association annual conference. Presentation of current research from our group to patients and family members and companies with interests in this group of neurodegenerative conditions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| URL | http://www.bdfa-uk.org.uk/category/family-conference/ |
| Description | Pint of Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pint of Science is a science festival that aims to communicate contemporary scientific developments to the general public in an interesting, engaging and approachable way by bringing scientists to the pub and other accessible places. The festival takes place annually in the month of May. The 2017 Pint of Science festival took place in approximately 175 cities in 9 countries across four continents. Talk title: 'The nine months that made you, you'. Talk summary: Why are we the way we are? Why is it that for some people, standing up and speaking to a bunch of strangers in a pub is like water off a ducks back, while for others the thought of it sends them running for the hills? Why are some of us prone to being anxious, depressed or fat? Nature, nurture and our lifestyle influence how we develop. However, there's another important factor that can shape who we are -the 9 months we spend in the womb. I will describe how the environment we encounter in the womb, can influence our behaviour, intelligence, appetite and our susceptibility to develop disease. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/ |
| Description | Press interest in Equine Grass Sickness Study |
| 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 | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Media interest in PMID 26364976: Proteomic Profiling of Cranial (Superior) Cervical Ganglia Reveals Beta-Amyloid and Ubiquitin Proteasome System Perturbations in an Equine Multiple System Neuropathy. Examples include some of the slightly exaggerated pieces listed below: Deadly horse illness offers hope in Alzheimer's battle The Herald, 6 Oct 2015 Horses suffering nerve disease show symptoms similar to Alzheimer's The Scotsman, 6 Oct 2015 Equine research may hold answers to alzheimer's The Courier, 6 Oct 2015 Scientists find link between Alzheimer's and equine grass sickness Horse & Hound, 18 Oct 2015 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Provided expert opinion for Science magazine (Finland) |
| 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 | I was a consultant for a science journalist writing for the top science magazine in Finland (readership >325,000). I provided expert opinion in the "Readers' questions, experts answer" - section of Tiede (Science) magazine about how and when the brain knows a women is pregnant. The article was published in April 2016. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | RS MacDonald Trust visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | Presentations of our work to ARUK donors enabled us to disseminate information on our research and the attendees reported interest and enthusiasm in hearing about the studies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Roslin Institute Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Each year we run an activity designed to engage the public and introduce them to the work we do on TSE diseases, protein misfolding and neurodegeneration |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Roslin Institute public open day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Science games for children. Questions from well informed children and more questions from their parents. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
| Description | Roslin Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Institute Open Day to engage general public in our projects and broader research activities in the Institute. Visitors reported interest in learning about our work and why animals are necessary for some aspects of mediacl research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Roslin Open Days (Midlothian Science Festival) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of "Beastly Brain" exhibit, with games, activities and displays to demonstrate how proteins can misfold to cause brain diseases, such as Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and Alzhemier's Disease, and stimulate interest in neuroscience generally. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |
| Description | Routes into Employment |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Opportunity for S2 pupils to interact with people working in STEM related jobs. Each group given 3 minutes to question each different STEM Ambassador about how they use science in their work. Aim to interest pupils in science before selecting their subjects for 3rd year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Royal Highland Show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Roslin Institute event at the Royal Highland Show. Activities designed to raise awareness of the research performed at Roslin and its impact with the general public, farmers, vets, industry etc.. 3 day event supported by several staff members. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Royal Highland Show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Roslin Institute event at the Royal Highland Show. Activities designed to raise awareness of the research performed at Roslin and its impact with the general public, farmers, vets, industry etc.. 3 day event supported by several staff members. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | School visit Get Loving School Workshop on the Neurobiology of love. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 30 school pupils engaged in workshop in neuroscience which sparked interest in the Roslin institute and going to university |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | School visit to the institute Neurobiology workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | School visit to the institute. neurobiology workshop.Discussed careers in science and going to University. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Science Insights - Dryden Farm visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 40 secondary school students from 25 schools across the local region visited Dryden Farm (Roslin Institute's farm animal research facility) as part of Science Insights, a week-long programme of talks, tours, and research taster sessions hosted by University of Edinburgh. The visit focussed on the use of animals in research, and I hosted a visit and short presentation/Q&A session on the Roslin Scrapie Flock. Feedback from the students was very positive, and demonstrated that many of them had really engaged with the ethical issues of using animals in experiments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Science Insights Researcher Shadowing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Science Insights is an annual work experience programme (launched in 2014) designed to give 5th year high school pupils from Edinburgh and the Lothian region (from 25 different schools in 2016) a real insight into the work and life of research scientists. 40 high school pupils spent one week of their summer holidays following a varied programme of activities, gaining a real insight into research in biological sciences. Activities with my group involved an introducing participants to brain neuroanatomy, as well as hands-on practical experience of sectioning tissue, basic histology and microscopy. Feedback from the students was extremely positive and they were really engaged .The programme was described as 'interesting, enjoyable, worthwhile, educational, informative, fun, challenging, insightful, fascinating and helpful' by the participants. Several of the participants expressed the programme positively influenced their decision to undertake a science/medical degree at university. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
| URL | http://www.scienceinsights.ed.ac.uk/ |
| Description | Science Insights Work Experience Programme. Hosted 2 female school pupils for 'researcher shadowing' in my laboratory. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Science Insights Work Experience Programme (Roslin Institute). Hosted 2 female school pupils for 'researcher shadowing' in my laboratory. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Science museum video |
| 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 | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Andrew Gill appeared in a video at the National Science Museum talking about the benefits of being a biochemist |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Scientific Writing Workshop at the Young Microbiologists Symposium, Dundee, 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The journal PLoS Pathogens invited me to host a scientific writing workshop aimed at junior research scientists such as new post-docs or PhD students |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/other/yms/ |
| Description | Seminar: "Attenuating the stress response: behavioural and neuroendocrine adaptations of free-living birds breeding in the Arctic." Animal Welfare Research Day. SRUC, UK. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "Attenuating the stress response: behavioural and neuroendocrine adaptations of free-living birds breeding in the Arctic." Animal Welfare Research Day. SRUC, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Seminar: "Environmental cues regulating reproduction in birds" Technical workshop: Approaches to investigating circannual rhythms in vertebrates. The University of Glasgow, UK. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "Environmental cues regulating reproduction in birds" Technical workshop: Approaches to investigating circannual rhythms in vertebrates. The University of Glasgow, UK. Ran training workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The University of Exeter, UK. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The University of Exeter, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Seminar: "The Neurobiology of Nest Building and Parental Care" Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "The Neurobiology of Nest Building and Parental Care" Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. Future collaboration |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Seminar: "The neuroendocrine control of social behaviour: Insights on aggression from studies in rodents and birds" Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "The neuroendocrine control of social behaviour: Insights on aggression from studies in rodents and birds" Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. Japan partnering award |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Seminar: "The neuroendocrine control of social behaviour: Insights on aggression" University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar: "The neuroendocrine control of social behaviour: Insights on aggression" University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Sharing the Arctic's newest discoveries Arctic Science Blog |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Featured in Frontier Scientists: Stressed out? Every year migratory birds battle stress, and win. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Sharing the Arctic's newest discoveries Arctic Science Blog. http://frontierscientists.com/2014/05/migratory-birds-battle-stress-and-win/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Speaker at Scotland's Rural College's Animal Welfare Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to speak to key stakeholders (e.g. Scottish Government Chief Veterinarian, Veterinarians and Vet students, Farmers, SSPCA staff, animal biologists) about our research investigating the impact of early life stress on future health and welfare. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Symposium organiser/chair at BNA Festival of Neuroscience |
| 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 | Organised and chaired a symposium at BNA conference - led to revised opinions on topic under discussion among presenters and audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Talk given at Workshop on Dairy Cow welfare |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This workshop was to provide a summary of research on dairy welfare from the Scottish Government research programme. I gave a talk that combined the talk I had previously given at the AWRN meeting with input from Professor Tim Benton - the combination was an attempt to consider a way forward for animal welfare that takes account of national and global factors. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Talk given at the Inaugural Meeting of the BBSRC Animal Welfare Research Network |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The BBSRC Animal Welfare Research Network has been formed to provide a greater focus to animal welfare research. I gave a presentation at the inaugural meeting partly dealing with the development of animal welfare but also using networking tools to visualise the connections between researchers and institutes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://awrn.co.uk/2016/05/18/awrn-inaugural-meeting-report-9-10-may-2016/ |
| Description | Talk to Haddington U3A |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Gave a talk entitled "transmissible Alzheimers?" to a local branch of the U3A |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Trinity College talk 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk presented as part of a symposium enable dissemination of recent findings to a new audience. Discussion among fellow attendees also led to proposals for a joint consortium funding application |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | UK Preclinical Stroke Symposium (Glasgow) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Oral presentations and discussion that enable dissemination of our data and led to revised opinions on the involvement of immune processes in stroke among the audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Vet Student Anatomy Club Guest speaker. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Highlight research and encourage women in STEM to vet students |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Vet Student Reproduction Society Guest speaker |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | highlight reproductive biology research and encourage vet students to consider a career in research. Encourage women in STEM |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Video Interview for Science Direct |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Video interview about Quantitative Fluorescent Western Blotting for Protein Analysis in Neurodegenerative Diseases |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.selectscience.net/SelectScience-TV/Videos/Quantitative-Fluorescent-Western-Blotting-for-P... |