Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: The Roslin Institute
Abstract
This project will examine how the genotype of animals relates to their performance in different environments, for example in relation to behaviour, reproductive efficiency and offspring performance. Such studies will help to ensure that gains in production-relevant traits do not come at the expense of welfare and waste due to reproductive problems. The project also recognises that the attributes of farmed animals are partly determined by their microbiota, particularly in relation to gut health, energy retention and greenhouse gas emissions. Interactions between host genetics and microbiota composition and functions will be dissected. This project aims to enhance efficiency and animal lives.
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Collaboration, Lead Research Organisation)
- Beta Bugs Limited (Collaboration)
- AB Vista (Collaboration)
- University of California Davis, United States (Collaboration)
- Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH (Collaboration)
- University of St Andrews, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Genus plc, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- University of Cambridge (Collaboration)
- University of Padova (Collaboration)
- Ain Shams University (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Collaboration)
- University of Nottingham (Collaboration)
- Xelect Ltd, St Andrews (Collaboration)
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland (Collaboration)
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) (Collaboration)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (Collaboration)
- University of Regensburg, Germany (Collaboration)
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Collaboration)
- HyLine (Collaboration)
- Agricultural University Plovdiv (Collaboration)
- University of Dschang (Collaboration)
- University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- Aarhus University, Denmark (Collaboration)
- Agricultural Research Institute (Collaboration)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sci, Sweden (Collaboration)
- Institut de Sélection Animale BV (Collaboration)
- EMBL - European Bioinformatics Institute, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany (Collaboration)
- Worldfish (Collaboration)
- AquaGen (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University & Research (Collaboration)
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics (Collaboration)
- Iowa State University, United States (Collaboration)
- Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- University of Bern (Collaboration)
- University of Santiago de Compostela (Collaboration)
- Aviagen Group (Collaboration)
- Cherry Valley Farms (Collaboration)
- University of Ghent, Belgium (Collaboration)
- AbacusBio (Collaboration)
- Granada University (Collaboration)
- Petersime (Collaboration)
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) (Collaboration)
- Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (Collaboration)
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Charoen Pokphand Group (Collaboration)
- French National Institute of Agricultural Research (Collaboration)
- Monsanto (Collaboration)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA (Collaboration)
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) (Collaboration)
- University of Barcelona, Spain (Collaboration)
Publications


Ashworth CJ
(2017)
Preface.
in Molecular reproduction and development

Auffret MD
(2017)
Identification, Comparison, and Validation of Robust Rumen Microbial Biomarkers for Methane Emissions Using Diverse Bos Taurus Breeds and Basal Diets.
in Frontiers in microbiology

Auffret MD
(2020)
Identification of Microbial Genetic Capacities and Potential Mechanisms Within the Rumen Microbiome Explaining Differences in Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency.
in Frontiers in microbiology



Auler PA
(2017)
Testicular parameters and spermatogenesis in different birthweight boars.
in Reproduction, fertility, and development


Baugh AT
(2017)
Risk-averse personalities have a systemically potentiated neuroendocrine stress axis: A multilevel experiment in Parus major.
in Hormones and behavior

Bernabeu E
(2021)
Sex differences in genetic architecture in the UK Biobank.
in Nature genetics
Title | Exhibition The Pig Park and Other Experiments. The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) |
Description | Film, newspaper and exhibition. The Pig Park and Other Experiments is now open at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) and our newspaper and film are on show as part of the exhibition: https://merl.reading.ac.uk/event/the-pig-park/ and https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/Carnevale+/0_p0iqoasy. |
Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Impact | Public exhibition to raise awareness of positive welfare in pigs. |
URL | https://merl.reading.ac.uk/event/the-pig-park/ |
Description | Research in this theme deals with complex traits, in particular behaviour, seasonal breeding, control of appetite and satiety, and the impact of early-life stress. It also defines the role of microbiomes in farmed animals, including as an intermediate phenotype underlying heritable traits. 2.1.1. GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OF TEMPERAMENT: In collaboration with SRUC, we used social network analysis to show that the benefits of play fighting were limited to specific social contexts and were not predictive of injuries sustained by littermates due to aggression in later life. We also found that interactions between aggressiveness and the experience of winning or losing contests did not influence contest behaviour. In collaboration with SRUC we have developed new methodological approaches to study the social structure underlying acute and chronic aggression in pigs (https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/37000). Applying social network analysis (SNA) to behavioural data, we identified group level and indirect behaviour that are involved in post-mixing aggression that were previously undetectable by the traditional study of dyadic traits only. Networks containing large fully connected subgroups had fewer injuries at stable social conditions, whereas highly divided networks had considerably higher injuries. We identified network structures associated with poor hierarchy formation, which are essential for maintaining long-term social stability in commercial pig units and established the role of individuals' position on an individual's own injury levels and that of others. We also determined that play fighting social networks do not predict injuries from aggression at stable social conditions using the same methodological tools. We have also developed statistical models to determine the extent contest behaviour is influenced by an individuals' aggressiveness compared to previous aggressive experience. Using on-farm data, we found that aggressiveness does not compromise the ability of pigs to learn from past contest experience and that reducing aggressiveness is unlikely to affect how animals experience loosing and winning. Subsequent genetic analyses of the newly derived social network behavioural traits is ongoing and will determine appropriate breeding strategies for animal welfare. Together these studies have important welfare implications for managing aggression in pigs. We have exploited our ability to access temperament phenotype data for large cohorts of dogs. Comprehensive analyses of genetic and non-genetic factors associated with behavioural characteristics in these animals have identified welfare-related behavioural traits showing moderate heritability as well as QTL associated with these traits. We have also identified genomic signatures of selection that may be associated with behavioural traits. We identified behavioural changes indicative of pain in finisher pigs with gastro-oesophageal ulcers, which are common in pigs fed fine-ground diets to increase efficiency. We showed that different mechanisms exist by which metabolic stress versus social information influence stress axis activity in birds. We have significantly advanced understanding of how play and environmental enrichment affect the welfare of pigs and have collaborated with colleagues at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) to identify animal genotypes that differ in temperament, providing potential markers for selection to improve welfare. We used video imaging of social interactions to examine the impact of environmental enrichment (EE) on pig welfare and showed that locomotor play is a sensitive welfare indicator that can be measured automatically. Play behaviour differed between litters, developmental stages (weaning) and when piglets were raised in a free-farrowing system. Social network analysis also identified behaviours that predict chronic aggression upon mixing of neonatal pigs. Based on these findings, we have engaged industry stakeholders to implement remote image analysis and promote EE in commercial pig production. In response to environmental enrichment, we established that insulin-like growth factor 1 is markedly upregulated in the brain of neonatal pigs, and have since applied RNA sequencing to detect changes in gene expression in the frontal cortex linked to active behaviours stimulated by EE, including in genes involved in synaptic transmission and microglia. We captured the perspective of pig farmers on measures of positive welfare and contributed a critical review of the literature on positive animal welfare. We also advanced understanding of play behaviour in calves by demonstrating a contagion effect, and by validating accelerometers as a means to record spontaneous locomotor play. Contrary to our expectations, we found that when high milk allowance calves were housed with calves receiving a low milk allowance, play in the high allowance calves was suppressed. This work is the first to suggest a negative contagion effect in play behaviour and the study was able to quantify the sensitivity of play to disease and other challenges. To support experimental studies on positive welfare we have contributed to a substantial review on the neuroscience of positive emotions across animals and humans. We have also published a review of animal welfare in the context of economics and policy, which clearly identifies the valuation of animal welfare in economic terms as a major knowledge gap. Building on evidence that laboratory rats emit ultrasonic vocalisations associated with a positive emotional state when a human hand imitates young rat play (tickling), ISP-supported work showed how the protocol could be adapted to address differences between individual animals. NC3Rs uplift funding was awarded to extend our finding of individual differences in response to playful handling. We also established that tickling only affects solitary and not social play, and showed that rats learn to associate neutral odours with tickling, thereby offering scope for odour conditioning. 2.1.2. UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATION OF APPETITE IN POULTRY: Appetite is closely regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems and these are vulnerable to stress. We used unique ISP-funded capability in avian electrophysiology to determine how appetite and neural feeding circuits develop. This primed uplift funding to study neural feeding circuits in newly hatched chicks and to determine states of hunger and stress. Broiler chickens are feed-restricted to control health issues but show behavioural signs of hunger. Solutions have been difficult to find and there is a need to understand some of the unique aspects of avian food intake. We have made significant progress in further characterising the circuits involved in controlling food intake in the chicken. To understand the basis of satiety and energy homeostasis in broilers, we analysed cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin (GAST) and their receptor transcripts and found that while CCK expression does not respond to acute satiety state, GAST is upregulated under short-term fasting. This confirmed some of the details on the expression of these genes along the gastrointestinal tract, but also highlighted some interesting new information. In particular, CCKAR expression in the crop was unexpected, supporting a role of CCK in mediating crop emptying. This could open ways of understanding how control of the flow of food to the gastrointestinal tract is regulated. We also analysed the expression of PP-fold peptides in chickens and showed that pancreatic polypeptide is the primary peripheral short-term satiety hormone whereas peptide YY is dependent on longer-term energy state. We found sex differences in anorectic and orexigenic gene expression under feed restriction. In an effort to understand the control of food intake, we have increased the evidence that there is a strong and potentially causal relationship between the expression of AGRP in the brain and the growth potential of a chicken. We have carried out sex reversal experiments that demonstrated clear phenotypic effects on traits known to be sex-steroid-dependent, such as adult bone strength. However, it did not affect the sexual dimorphism of expression of AGRP in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the sex difference is due to genetic sex and not the hormonal milieu of the animal. The sex difference observations have been extended down the hypothalamic-pituitary axis by measuring GH and TSHb expression, both of which showed strong sexual dimorphism. The AGRP neurone may be an important component in the genetic mechanism by which a set point for growth rate and ultimately body weight may be determined. Although the genetic effect may not be directly on the AGRP gene, but rather on the inputs that determine its expression and these can be modified by environment as well as genetics. A significant poultry welfare issue is that day-old male chicks are culled as only female birds lay eggs. One proposed solution to this problem is to skew the sexual development of chickens to increase the proportion of female birds. Our important findings show that simple gonadal sex reversal of male chickens will not overcome the egg production welfare problem. Using our unique genome editing technology, we have discovered that the DMRT1 gene is the key sex determination factor in birds. It has been suggested that manipulating DMRT1 could skew sex ratios, however, in birds there is strong evidence for cell-autonomous sex identity. In contrast to mammals, individual cells 'know' which sex they are as the sexual phenotype is directly determined by the sex chromosome content of individual cells in different tissues. 2.1.3. SEASONAL BREEDING & MATERNAL BEHAVIOUR: The circannual rhythm is naturally synchronised to the annual cycle by photoperiod to drive growth, reproduction and metabolic traits in farmed animals. Via ISP and uplift funding, we have uncovered the molecular mechanisms by which the circannual rhythm in sheep is encoded and have shown that genome-wide changes in DNA methylation mark the seasonal rhythmicity in the pars tuberalis brain region. Seasonal genetic changes are triggered by photoperiodic changes and these involve a key clock gene, BMAL2. Our landmark findings may explain the evolution of seasonal timing in animals as the function of BMAL2 is likely to be conserved across vertebrates. The photoperiodic response is an important commercial trait in poultry and, via ISP and Leverhulme Trust investment; we have investigated mechanisms and functional roles of deep brain photoreceptors. We discovered that deep brain non-ocular photoreceptors maintain gonadal function in ducks, and elucidated the first steps in the neuroendocrine mechanism transducing photoperiodic information to the chicken reproductive system. ISP pump-priming funds were invested to use editing and optogenetic approaches to define the role of specific photoreceptors in the photoperiodic response. Utilizing recent developments in viral vector technology, we have silenced Opn5 and VA-opsin expression in the medial basal hypothalamus of Japanese quail prior to photostimulation. Our data suggest that both Opn5 and VA-opsin photoreceptors play a key role in the activation of the reproductive axis in response to photostimulation. At the interface with ISP1, we produced a high-quality reference genome for Japanese quail and revealed key photoperiodic mechanisms by investigating photoperiod and temperature interactions on the hypothalamic transcriptome. We have also elucidated mechanisms of photoperiodic and environmental regulation of seasonal breeding in wild birds, and provided new information regarding avian stress axis regulation in relation to gene-environment interactions. This helped to leverage BBSRC uplift funding to better understand the resilience of migratory birds to global climate change, including by comprehensive genomic analyses during annual breeding cycles at the interface with ISP1. We have also demonstrated dynamic changes in the nonapeptide and gonadotrophin-inhibiting hormone systems in the chicken brain that are associated with incubation and broodiness behaviours. 2.2. IMPACT OF EARLY LIFE EXPERIENCE: In relation to the basis of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pigs, we found links between porcine foetal size and sex with endometrial angiogenesis and integrin expression at the foetal-maternal interface, extending earlier work on the role of placental angiogenesis and apoptosis in the same animals. Impaired reproductive performance of growth-restricted pigs was found to be programmed during gestation. We have shown that KLB, a co-receptor for FGF21, plays a key role in mediating the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to FGR in pigs. Our data indicates that KLB activation in growth-restricted foetuses contributes to reduced muscle development and a higher predisposition to adipose accumulation later in life. These findings pave the way to using FGF21 as a therapeutic target to ameliorate the effects of IUGR in pigs, and potentially humans. With pump-priming funds at the interface with ISP1, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq were used to detect differences in the transcriptome and chromatin states of large and small littermates, and dysregulation of the fibroblast growth factor 21 co-receptor ßKlotho was implicated in reduced muscle development during IUGR. We established a cell culture system that faithfully recapitulates the reduced muscle/increased adiposity phenotype in FGR littermates and identified genome-wide transcriptome changes. Mesenchymal stem cell cultures were found to recapitulate differentiation phenotypes seen in IUGR littermates, providing a tractable 3Rs model to test hypotheses. Using a pig model, we have shown that IUGR programmes fetal mesenchymal stem cell fate towards the fibro-adipogenic lineage at the expense of the osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. This explains the tendency of IUGR individuals to show restricted growth and accumulate fat after birth. We also assessed 306 plasma miRNAs as biomarkers of functional traits in dairy cattle across age and genetic backgrounds, and identified several miRNAs expressed in early life to be useful indicators of fertility, lameness and mastitis. We have showed how prenatal stress affects the neuroactive steroid responses to acute stress in adult life in rats, and showed how maternal antioxidant treatment can prevent the adverse effects of prenatal stress on the brain and behaviour of offspring. We discovered that corticotrophin-releasing factor receptors modulating maternal behaviour and anxiety are suppressed in rats during lactation, opening the possibility of therapies for stress-induced maternal neglect. We demonstrated sex and regional differences in the generation of neuroactive steroids in the brain following acute stress suggesting that differential neurosteroidogenesis may contribute to sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress. We also defined trans-generational effects of maternal dietary supplementation with the methyl-donor betaine on first generation development, behaviour and stress responses of quail, and studied the impact of in ovo stress. 2.3. HOST-MICROBIOME INTERACTIONS UNDERLYING FARM ANIMAL PRODUCTIVITY AND HEALTH. Significant advances in understanding of the rumen microbiome and it role in feed efficiency, methane emission and other heritable traits were made. Rumen digestion of plant-derived complex polysaccharides is reliant on rumen microbiota and is vital for energy retention but also linked to greenhouse gas emission. Building on our assembly of 913 novel microbial genomes from rumen metagenome data, and computational tools for such, we published 4,941 metagenome-assembled microbial genomes from rumen microbiota, and have since assembled a compendium of 33,813 such genomes. This vastly increases the number of metagenome sequence reads that can now be aligned to known organisms and provides a valuable resource to mine for enzymes of industrial value. Moreover, we assembled 1,200 novel genomes from the rumen of indigenous African cattle thereby identifying signatures associated with sub-optimal feeding, and extended the approach to other ruminants. We extended our work on metagenome signatures as an intermediate phenotype underlying heritable differences in methane emission, by showing that interactions between rumen microbial communities contribute to methane production, rather than it simply being due to the abundance of methanogenic archea. Further work in collaboration with SRUC has identified microbial genes associated with appetite and growth in beef cattle, as well as between animals exhibiting heritable differences in feed conversion efficiency. We also examined the impact of varying forage-to-concentrate ratio in the diet of beef cattle and impact of using nitrate or oil-based supplements in the rumen microbiome. In dairy cattle, we identified microbes, genes and pathways associated with low and high milk fatty acid profiles, paving the way for rationally selected probiotics. We are developing low-cost metagenomic techniques and cloud-based bioinformatic workflows to capture microbiomes as an intermediate phenotype in heritable traits to inform breeding decisions. We have also performed metagenomic analysis of the cow, sheep, reindeer and red deer rumen to other publically available microbial genomes and discovered novel species. We also found significant differences in terms of the abundance of microbial taxonomies, carbohydrate-active enzyme genes and KEGG orthologs. Linked to this work, we released MAGpy, an open source pipeline for the analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes, PULpy, a pipeline utilised for the prediction of PUL clusters in metagenomic datasets, and poRe tools for processing MinION data. Profound differences between the microbiomes of low- and high-methane emitting ruminants were identified, extending our earlier work on metagenome signatures as an intermediate phenotype in this heritable trait. Our goal is to apply these approaches to other farm animals to improve the classification of metagenome sequence reads and identify microbiome or metagenome signatures associated with production-relevant traits. In collaboration with The Quadram Institute, we analysed metagenome data to assemble the genomes of thousands of novel microbes from the chicken caecum and identified differences in the abundance of microbes and carbohydrate-active enzymes specific to diet and breed, thereby providing options for dietary additives to promote energy retention and gut health. The cecal microbiota plays numerous roles in chicken health and nutrition. Where such microbiota differs between lines exhibiting distinct phenotypes. Our work suggests that stable transplantation of the cecal microbiota between lines is achievable and offers scope to dissect the role of gut microbial communities in those traits. We defined differences in microbiota composition and richness from different locations in the chicken gut. Our finding that microbiota from young animals can reverse age-related decline in the function of microfold cells, has primed work to explore how rationally selected microbes could support mucosal immune function in farmed animals. Ongoing industry-linked work is revealing associations between gut microbiota and broiler chicken phenotypes, including gut health and growth promoted by in-feed antibiotics. Using rodent models, we found that transfer of gut microbiota from young mice to aged mice increased the abundance and function of the M cells so the immune responses of aged mice were more effective. We are now investigating if this also applies in farmed animal species and whether it underlies age-related changes in immune function in humans. We developed a non-invasive method to obtain respiratory microbiome data using sheep exhaled breath condensate. In contrast to humans, we found that the lower respiratory tract microbiota of lambs is dissimilar to that of the upper aerodigestive tract, informing ongoing research to understand seasonal outbreaks of ruminant respiratory disease. In chickens, we discovered age and location specific differences in the respiratory tract microbiome. |
Exploitation Route | he strategic aim of ISP3 is to enhance the yield and quality of animals or their products while improving welfare and efficiency. Theme 2 aims to specifically investigate complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions by: (1) Defining and optimising the impact of environment on behaviour and welfare, (2) Defining the impact of early life experiences on reproductive efficiency and attributes of offspring and (3) Defining host-microbiome interactions underlying farm animal productivity and health. The programme will examine complex phenotypes and how genotype-by-environment interactions influence animal development, physiology and performance. We will examine the impact of genetic and environmental factors on animal behaviour and welfare, including how experience during gestation or early life affect reproductive efficiency and shape the attributes of offspring. We will also examine the extent to which host genetics influence indigenous microbial communities, and dissect the role of microbiota in animal health and disease. Key beneficiaries include: (1) Academia, via knowledge of animal models of behaviour (e.g. temperament, maternal and seasonal behaviour), reproductive fitness, offspring attributes and appetite. Dissection of the underlying mechanisms of such behaviours addresses BBSRC priorities in Bioscience for Health, animal welfare and understanding genotype-by-environment interactions. Proposed studies on the microbiota are relevant to work in wider academia in relation to gut health and will harness our ability to link host genetics with the abundance of microbes and genes in metagenomes, as well as our capacity to establish causality by transfer of microbiota in animal models. (2) The ISP will be a valuable platform to train early-career researchers and visitors in vulnerable skills, including via the provision of taught and research-intensive degrees, workshops and knowledge exchange. (3) Farming, breeding sectors and commercial partners will benefit from data to improve animal productivity and welfare, including through selective breeding and gene editing and from improved understanding of how animals of varying genotype perform in different environments. Studies on the impact of husbandry practices and stressors on development and lifelong health of farmed animals and their offspring have the potential to enhance the lives of managed animals and address societal concerns related to the welfare of intensively reared livestock. Emphasis will be placed on species and traits where significant potential exists to improve efficiency reduce waste and enhance lives. (4) The national economy and public will benefit via increased yield, quality and efficiency in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors, which already contribute c. £11Bn gross value added/per annum and support c. 400k jobs. (5) Low- and middle-income countries will benefit as indigenous breeds have been subject to limited genetic improvement. The ISP, together with the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health, will develop tools for neglected breeds of importance to developing countries and transfer knowledge and data on the genetic architecture of relevant traits to unlock their genetic potential. We will also consolidate our growing strength in genetic resources for aquaculture, which now contributes over half the world's food fish. (6) Policymakers will benefit from continued dialogue with ISP-funded researchers about food security and the future of farming, particularly with regard to the relative contributions of conventional selection and genome editing, as well as the societal, ethical and regulatory issues they present. The impact of husbandry practices and knowledge of their effects on farmed animals and their offspring have the potential to change farming practice and be rapidly implemented. (7) The programme addresses all six priorities of the BBSRC Agriculture & Food Security framework for 2016-2021 and it will deliver Bioscience for Health priorities related to lifelong health and welfare of managed animals. It occupies a distinctive niche within the National Institutes of Bioscience and provides vital tools, expertise and knowledge for our programmes on Blueprints for Healthy Animals (ISP1) and Control of Infectious Diseases (ISP2). |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Other |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/research/isp/improving-animal-production-welfare |
Description | This award provides a platform from which we can attract significant uplift funding. For example expertise supported by this award and the Core Capability Grant to Roslin were key to securing a £74 million HM Government funding investment for data-driven innovation in agriculture as part of the Edinburgh & SE Scotland City Region Deal. This new Agri-Tech hub will involve capital investment in excellent data infrastructure and sequencing capacity. (https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/ps74m-investment-for-agritech-hub-on-campus). Its aim is to improve the efficiency and output of agricultural applications, and enhance worldwide food security by working towards net zero carbon in the Agri-Tech sector, and to inform food and environmental policies. Researchers funded by the programme contribute to our Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) to improve the productivity and health of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa by developing and applying the latest genetic and genomics technologies to indigenous breeds, in particular to the benefit of smallholder dairy and poultry farmers. The impact and importance of studying tropical livestock genomes in low and middle-income countries is huge, this is recognised by our awarded Global Challenges Research Fund Impact Acceleration Accounts (GCRF-IAA), and £4 million Department for International Development (DFID) uplift funding. Such awards provide flexible funding to develop strategies to add value to existing BBSRC investments and generate a wide range of outputs, outcomes and impacts in an international development context. CTLGH is a joint venture launched by the Roslin Institute, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and CGIAR - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) with two main nodes, one in Edinburgh and one in Nairobi. This award also promotes extensive knowledge exchange with African researchers, primed by a GCRF-STARS award to train early-career researchers from LMICs at Roslin. Moreover, staff funded by the award have visited ILRI to train laboratory staff, for example in bioinformatics, PGC culture and genome editing strategies. We have developed a chicken genome editing/biobanking pipeline and produced a line of transgenic chickens that are inducibly sterile. We have used these chicken lines as surrogate hosts for genome edited reproductive cells from two other breeds of chicken. Using Sire Dam Surrogate (SDS) mating, we directly produced two breeds of chicken containing edited genes for tropical adaptability as well as developed a high throughput low cost method to biobank chicken. We are currently demonstrating that we can restore chicken flocks using this methodology. The CTLGH has forged close links with the ministries of agriculture in LMIC partner countries to ensure that strategies for achieving genetic gain align with national agricultural development plans. Across ISP3 Theme 2, we work to ensure that genetic gains are not at the expense of animal welfare, with notable advances in mitigating lameness and the impact of negative behaviour. Our on-farm assessment of pig welfare, particularly positive welfare, is an important marker for the monitoring of real welfare impacts of any changes in husbandry systems. We have published a book chapter on Positive Welfare in Pigs: https://www.elsevier.com/books/advances-in-pig-welfare/spinka/978-0-08-101012-9 and a chapter on Sustainable Pig Production: https://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/2017/08/the-meat-crisis. We have also presented our work on pig welfare to public audiences: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/animal-welfare-on-easter-bush-campus. The exhibition The Pig Park and Other Experiments is now open at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) and a newspaper and film related to environmental enrichment for pigs are on show as part of the exhibition: https://merl.reading.ac.uk/event/the-pig-park/ and https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/Carnevale+/0_p0iqoasy. While emphasis is placed on farmed species, ISP-funded work has also refined strategies to enhance the welfare of laboratory rodents, including techniques for handling rats that elicit positive affective states. This was primed by investment of ISP resources to detect ultrasonic vocalisations and recently attracted £341k NC3Rs funding to refine the protocol such that it can be widely applied to benefit the welfare of laboratory rats. Funding from this award has substantially advanced our understanding of the role of microbiomes in health and disease. In particular, our development of tools to assemble whole microbial genomes from rumen metagenome sequence data has transformed our understanding of the microbes present. In turn, these assembled genomes mean that sequence data from microbiome experiments can now be mapped to many more known organisms than before. This is helping us to dissect the basis of greenhouse gas emissions, the mode of action of antibiotic growth promoters and impact of host genetic variation on microbiota, with the longer-term aim of rationally manipulating the microbiome. We are also partnered with a biotechnology company to mine the data for enzymes of industrial value and have developed online resources to share microbiome data: https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/3009. KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND TRAINING: We have benefitted from an Impact Accelerator Award, Flexible Talent Mobility Awards and Agri-Tech Catalyst funding to catalyse collaboration at the ISP-industry interface and foster innovation and entrepreneurial culture. Full details of our industry engagements and income can be found in our KEC report. We have also provided ISP-linked training in LMICs, e.g. via our GCRF-STARS programme to build capacity for livestock development in Africa and training African Women in Agricultural Research & Development fellows (https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/archive/2019/roslin-support-women-agricultural-ethiopia). ISP participants also contributed to establishment of the African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet; https://www.ctlgh.org/the-african-animal-breeding-network-aabnet/) to bring experts in academia, government agencies and breeding companies together to develop practical breeding solutions. Following the award of Edinburgh & SE Scotland City Region Deal funding, ISP researchers plan to launch new modular and postgraduate training courses in quantitative genetics and breeding and we have hosted TRAIN@Ed Fellows co-funded with Horizon 2020 in this area (https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/job/train-ed). Plans are advanced to launch a new Centre for Aquaculture Genetics & Health in 2022 with City Deal support, building on advances in tools for genotyping of diverse aquatic species from Theme 1 and the application of these to dissect production-relevant traits. As with CTLGH, this Centre will be deeply embedded in ongoing and future ISPs and will benefit from strategically supported expertise and resources. A BBRSC Cross-Institute Workshop was held on "The role of livestock in future food production" to review the drivers of change in the role of livestock in food production for sustainable agriculture, and define priorities for future research. The outcome of the workshop was a consolidated cross-institute recommendation document that was sent to BBSRC. The workshop also led subsequent invitation of Roslin researchers to panel discussions of the Science Media Centre on Meat Consumption See: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/archive/2020/future-of-livestock-production-in-the-spotlight. ENGAGEMENT WITH POLICYMAKERS: ISP-funded PIs contributed to consultations on genome editing and the future of farming, including with Defra and via participation in Royal Society, Royal Society of Biology, Regulatory Horizons Council and Nuffield Council working groups. Via AABNet, ISP-funded PIs engage with policymakers in LMICs responsible for national agricultural development plans. We organised a two-day international symposium on 'The future role of livestock in food production' (11th -12th November 2019), attended by 130 delegates including policymakers, for which a report and recommendations were submitted to BBSRC (https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/archive/2020/future-of-livestock-production-in-the-spotlight). We also contribute to the EU Farm Animal Breeding & Reproduction Technology Platform that interfaces with EU policymakers to define research priorities. RESEARCH SUPPORT: This ISP award perpetuates a cadre of highly skilled research technicians at Roslin with skills required to deliver strategic priorities in Agriculture & Food Security that are not readily recruited. PIs and Tenure-Track Fellows in the ISP are supported by a Core Scientist at RA-PDRA level to deliver programme objectives. These individuals typically possess skills that would be difficult to recruit or retain via cycles of short-term responsive-mode funding, and their costs are offset by contributions to external projects at an average of 30%. This ensures that strategically supported resources are available to others in the Research & Innovation ecosystem and positions Roslin as a hub for collaboration, in line with BBSRC's principles for investing in Institutes (https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BBSRC-120721-InstituteStrategy.pdf). We have provided opportunities for Core Scientists to bid for up to £3k to pump-prime research in ISP remit to aid career development. We also provide funding for training, both in discipline-specific skills (e.g. in bioinformatics or accredited training to hold a personal licence for animal research) and via our Institute for Academic Development. POSTGRADUATE TRAINING: Though not directly funded by the ISP, approximately 30 Ph.D. students conduct research that is closely aligned to programme objectives. Many receive training in skills defined by UKRI as vulnerable, including quantitative genetics, computational biology and in vivo skills under the guidance of Core Scientists. They also benefit from models and materials arising from ISP-funded work. All PIs also deliver research-led teaching linked to the ISP, e.g. via our Vet BVM&S and MSc. degrees in Quantitative Genetics & Genome Analysis, Animal Bioscience and Animal Welfare. PIs also contributed to international courses on advanced bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, and strategies for breeding. The ISP award provides a platform to train the next-generation of researchers, with doctoral candidates, M.Res. students, undergraduate honours students and visitors all attracted to work toward programme objectives. Students are provided training in vulnerable skills and capacities identified in a cross-Council review such as: (1) Those required to address global challenges. (2) Sophisticated analysis and interpretation of the complex data generated by genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. (3) Data analytics, especially bioinformatics. (4) Skills to work with whole animals and in vivo work and with a holistic understanding of the physiology of laboratory and farmed animals. (5) Classical neurophysiological methods. (6) Systems biology, particularly the development of integrated optical, electrophysiological, computational, molecular and behavioural approaches to study complex systems in vivo. BENEFITS TO ACADEMIA: 177 non-duplicated publications have been recorded in Researchfish from the start of the ISP to March 2022. Our assembly of thousands of novel microbial genomes from metagenome data, e.g. in the bovine rumen and avian gut, has substantially raised the proportion of sequence reads that can now be mapped to known organisms and can be mined for industrially useful enzymes. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND SCIENCE COMMUNICATION: In 2018, the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre became the Great Science Share's Edinburgh Satellite and in 2020, the Roslin Institute's Education & Engagement Officer became Regional Champion for Scotland. We offered our local schools our Science @Home Investigation packs (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) and asked them to submit photos and videos of their pupils at home doing the investigations (first lockdown) to be shared on the Great Science Share day in June 2020. "Animal behaviour" was included as subject material as well as "Do yeast need sugar to grow?" building on our microbiome and climate change research. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we created an online schools engagement programme "Meet a Roslin Scientist". This interactive event gives school pupils and FE college students the unique opportunity to learn about Roslin research and meet with one of our researchers or technical staff to learn about our current research, hear about different career paths and give them the opportunity to ask their own questions. These sessions have involved postdocs, core scientists and technical staff from across the Institute. We have also received acknowledgement of our work from international societies: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/award-professor-animal-behaviour which has been noted by Scottish Government: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=AdvanceRferenceNumbers=S5M-07396RsultsPerPage=10 and published in the Veterinary record http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/182/10/275.2.info Factors associated with temperament characteristics: A paper published on genetic and non-genetic factors associated with temperament in dogs was featured on the cover of the journal Heredity and featured in their monthly podcast (https://www.nature.com/hdy/podcast). A "Behind the paper" article was published on the Nature Research Ecology & Evolution Community blog-site (https://natureecoevocommunity.nature.com/users/328735-juliane-friedrich/posts/56097-dissecting-genetic-factors-influencing-dog-behaviour). We developed an Animal Behaviour Toolkit - Opening a Can of Worms that won the prestigious annual prize in the public engagement category at the 2020 Understanding Animal Research awards 2020 Openness Awards (understandinganimalresearch.org.uk). The toolkit is a free downloadable resource (http://edin.ac/2zRJJZB) and was created for teachers to support their learners in creating their own science investigations. It has been downloaded over 150 times and is estimated to be used with over 10,000 learners from around the world. It introduces the main concept that the study of animal behaviour is important to help our understanding of what our farmed animals need in order to live comfortable lives. It outlines that the study of animal behaviour in the classroom provides opportunities for teaching pupils about the process of doing science using the scientific method. The toolkit includes a "Real-Life Research Fact File" and includes information about the use of animals in research and the 3Rs (this section of the toolkit was created in partnership with Understanding Animal Research). Prior to pandemic restrictions, ISP-funded staff supported schools engagement activities via the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre), which received >3000 visitors in 103 sessions during 2019 and delivered ISP-linked activities to explain inheritance, DNA and our genetics research. Since March 2020, we have worked closely with schools to supply kits for remote activities, including our Opening a Can of Worms toolkit related to animal behaviour and the ethics of animal research estimated to have been used by over 9,500 students worldwide. This won an award in 2020 from the organisation Understanding Animal Research (https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/news/schools-project-honoured-with-animal-research-awar), and was publicised in the journal Primary Science (https://www.ase.org.uk/resources/primary-science/issue-1650/opening-can-of-worms). Our Meet a Roslin Scientist and Science@Home videos have so far connected our researchers with 1759 school pupils in 19 local authorities. During 2019, we delivered an ambitious programme of events to celebrate the centenary of animal genetics research in Edinburgh (AG100; https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/engage-with-us/ag100), targeting rural audiences at ten locations across Scotland and the North of England not reached by our previous events. This partly highlighted ISP-funded work linking rumen microbiota to methane emissions and how we use genome-wide association studies to inform selective breeding. We engaged over 30 Edinburgh schools in a new 'Big Balloon Blow Up' activity linked to our methane emission work to coincide with the COP26 climate change conference. In lieu of attendance at public events since March 2020, we have extensively publicised ISP outputs via our website and press releases (https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events). This has benefited from appointment of a PI as the academic liaison for public engagement at 0.2 FTE and formalisation of our strategy for public engagement in research. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | Alistair Lawrence sits on the Coordinating Group of the BBSRC Animal Welfare Research Network |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
URL | https://awrn.co.uk/about-us/co-ordinating-group/ |
Description | Contribution to Godfray Review of bTB |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Gave evidence to a government review |
Impact | The improved survival is for CATTLE. The publication of EBVs for resistance to bTB (TB Advantage) has prompted selection for resistance by breeding companies, which is incremental, cumulative and permanent and will lead to reduced numbers of breakdowns, reduced severity of breakdowns, will improve the capacity of UK surveillance (a public service) to suppress the current epidemic and offer a route that is not associated with culling badgers which may contribute to softening the societal divide on this issue. The Godfray Review concluded that genetic approaches should be supported and may be expected to contribute to a solution with impact on a par with badger culling. |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-strategy-for-achieving-bovine-tuberculosis-free-status-... |
Description | Contribution to International Council for Exploration of the Sea, Working Group on Application of Genetics in Fisheries and Aquaculture |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
URL | https://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=37106 |
Description | Core Member BBSRC Panel A Response Mode |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | Deputy Chair BBSRC Response Mode Panel A |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Deputy Chair BBSRC Response Mode Panel A |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Deputy Chair BBSRC Response Mode Panel A |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | EBVs for bTB Next Steps |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | The improved survival is for CATTLE. The publication of EBVs for resistance to bTB (TB Advantage) has prompted selection for resistance by breeding companies, which is incremental, cumulative and permanent and will lead to reduced numbers of breakdowns, reduced severity of breakdowns, will improve the capacity of UK surveillance (a public service) to suppress the current epidemic and offer a route that is not associated with culling badgers which may contribute to softening teh societal divide on this issue. The guidance committee is an annual meeting with Defra, devolved bodies and AHDB (industry levy board) to monitor progress with TB Advantage and review future actions. It is Europe wide as gene flow and genetic information on genetics of bTB is closely involved with RoI, and the meeting was in RoI with their agriculture ministry participating. |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-strategy-for-achieving-bovine-tuberculosis-free-status-... |
Description | IAIEA-FAO consultancy |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | MRC working group on sex in experimental design of animal research |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Member of Knowledge Transfer Network Animal Sector Advisory Board |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
URL | https://ktn-uk.co.uk/ |
Description | Panel member of The Research Council of Norway |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Positive farm animal welfare: Something in it for everyone. Policy Briefing on Positive Welfare which has been approved by Scottish Government (RPC RB 2018/01) |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Gave evidence to a government review |
Impact | This briefing paper introduces positive animal welfare and its potential benefits to farmers, retailers, consumers and wider society. It is based on a review of positive welfare, its benefits to animals and its reciprocal human benefits that could help promote positive welfare in practice. ? There are a number of reasons why the idea of positive animal welfare has emerged at this time. For example, people in general are interested in positive aspects of animals' lives in contrast to negative aspects such as animal suffering. This is in line with growing scientific acceptance of animals experiencing positive experiences or emotions. ? Therefore, positive farm animal welfare is in sympathy with public opinion and is supported by science. However for positive welfare to become more central to the production and sale of animal products will require demonstration that it is also of benefit to farmers and retailers. ? The following are examples of potential benefits from positive welfare for suppliers and consumers of animal products: o A focus on positive welfare can produce a distinctive differentiated product that takes standards of animal welfare to higher levels that may not be achievable if the focus is on reducing negative aspects. o There is growing evidence that keeping animals in conditions which promote positive welfare may have benefits to their physical health. o We can use behaviours linked to positive welfare, such as play and grooming behaviour, to provide early indication of production problems. o There is potential to use positive welfare to actively engage with public interests in positive aspects of animals' lives and hence to move consumer sentiment in favour of supporting implementation of positive welfare even where this increases costs. ? In summary positive animal welfare has potential to have multiple benefits for farm animals, farmers and the wider public but further research and practical initiatives will be required to realise this potential. |
URL | https://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/3608/positive_farm_animal_welfare_something_in_it_for_everyone |
Description | WPSA European Federation Working Group - WG3 Breeding and Genetics |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
URL | http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/breeding-and-genetics-wg-3 |
Description | World health Organisation global zoonotic tuberculosis road map |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
URL | http://www.who.int/tb/publications/2017/zoonotic_TB/en/ |
Description | A global shared data biological sample resource to support productivity improvement for tropical livestock |
Amount | £5,000,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | ABvista commercial research contract |
Amount | £17,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | AB Vista |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2018 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | Accelerating advances in animal welfare |
Amount | $486,594 (USD) |
Funding ID | 550396 |
Organisation | Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | CONICYT becas Chile |
Amount | £179,600 (GBP) |
Organisation | Government of Chile |
Sector | Public |
Country | Chile |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | CONICYT training grants |
Amount | £179,600 (GBP) |
Organisation | National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Chile |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | COOLFISH: Improving Atlantic salmon health and welfare by metabolic programming |
Amount | kr 12,491,000 (NOK) |
Funding ID | 325571 |
Organisation | Research Council of Norway |
Sector | Public |
Country | Norway |
Start | 01/2022 |
End | 06/2026 |
Description | Canine Welfare Grant |
Amount | £198,540 (GBP) |
Organisation | Dogs Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2015 |
End | 02/2018 |
Description | Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health: Genomic tools to improve the productivity, efficiency, resilience, and health of tropical livestock owned by poor smallholder farmers |
Amount | £4,541,800 (GBP) |
Funding ID | R83411 |
Organisation | Government of the UK |
Department | Department for International Development (DfID) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Dutch State Mines Commercial contract |
Amount | £33,007 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RB0544 |
Organisation | DSM |
Sector | Private |
Country | Netherlands |
Start | 06/2017 |
End | 12/2017 |
Description | EBI Metagenomics - enabling the reconstruction of microbial populations |
Amount | £112,997 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/R015023/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2018 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Effect of natural microbiota treatment on the chicken microbiota, immune system and induction of vaccine responses |
Amount | £4,971 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Houghton Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2019 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Elucidating Bovine Host Genomic Links With Rumen Microbial Genes To Improve Sustainably Feed Conversion Efficiency Using Unique Selection Criteria |
Amount | £97,675 (GBP) |
Organisation | Genus plc |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 02/2022 |
Description | Elucidating bovine host genomic links with rumen microbial genes to improve sustainably feed conversion efficiency using unique selection criteria |
Amount | £252,559 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S006680/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | European Commission H2020 SMARTER: SMAll RuminanTs breeding for Efficiency and Resilience |
Amount | € 7,000,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 772787 |
Organisation | European Union |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 11/2018 |
End | 10/2022 |
Description | Flexible Talent Mobility Award collaboration on poultry welfare traits |
Amount | £8,506 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 02/2020 |
Description | Flexible Talent Mobility Award collaboration on poultry welfare traits |
Amount | £4,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | R46184 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2019 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | GCRF Data and Resources round 2 |
Amount | £220,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 07/2018 |
Description | Hungry, stressed chicks? Understanding Hypothalamic Regulation of Appetite in Birds |
Amount | £434,930 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S015760/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2019 |
End | 06/2022 |
Description | INSPIRE Small Grants Round 4 |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 10/2019 |
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 | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2017 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Institutional Strategic Support Fund 3 |
Amount | £57,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | Large memory HPC infrastructure to underpin world-class biological research |
Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S019367/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2019 |
End | 06/2020 |
Description | Light in early life: understanding the mechanisms of embryonic photoreception to improve poultry welfare and production |
Amount | £654,469 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/V001981/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2021 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Market assessment for livestock microbiome metagenomics services |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BBSRC IAA PIII092 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | Pan-genome of the protein saviour - black soldier fly |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10702029 |
Organisation | Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Priming the development of an interdisciplinary Edinburgh centre of excellence in pig neuroimmune research. |
Amount | £57,447 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IS3-R77 |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | Sub-award from second BBSRC Flexible Talent Mobility Award (BB/S50791X/1). Dr Simone Meddle & Petersome Ltd. 'Understanding appetite in birds to transform food production: When do chicks become hungry after hatch?'. |
Amount | £23,258 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S50791X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2018 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Transgenerational epigenetic effects of high methyl diet and simulated maternal stress in Japanese quail |
Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | World's Poultry Science Association |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Netherlands |
Start | 12/2021 |
End | 10/2022 |
Description | Translating MiRNA Biomarker Discovery Into Novel Veterinary Diagnostics To Increase The Efficiency Of Milk Production |
Amount | £10,309 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FTMA -Email-20/12/2019 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | Understanding appetite in birds to transform food production. When do chicks become hungry after hatch? |
Amount | £16,305 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2019 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Understanding the resilience of wild birds to climate change: seasonal genomics of the annual migratory breeding cycle |
Amount | £729,819 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/V001647/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2020 |
End | 11/2023 |
Title | CT-based Morphometrics of the Canine Skull |
Description | My group has developed methodologies for addressing the extreme size and shape differences of canine skulls to generate phenotypic outcomes in our association studies. |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The description of our methodology will be released with open-access publication of our study which is review. |
Title | Electrophysiology in bird brain slices |
Description | Electrophysiology in bird brain slices |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Ability to investigate feeding circuits in the hypothalamus in the bird brain. |
Title | Fetal porcine tissue collection |
Description | Collection of an array of porcine fetal tissues at different stages of development |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Enable initiation of several new collaborative projects in and outwith the Institute |
Title | MSC lines |
Description | We have for the first time isolated native mesenchymal precursor cell populations from tissues of large animal species (pig, horse). We have characterised and successfully expanded these cells in vitro. |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | These novel cell lines have provided novel knowledge on the properties of different perivascular cell populations. Studies are currently underway in our and other laboratories (using cells provided by us) to understand mechanisms of tissue stem cell programing during fetal development. |
Title | Assembly of 913 microbial genomes from metagenomic sequencing of the cow rumen |
Description | This dataset represents 913 draft bacterial and archaeal genomes assembled from over 800 gigabases of rumen metagenomic sequence data derived from 43 Scottish cattle, using both metagenomic binning and Hi-C-based proximity-guided assembly. Most of these genomes represent previously unsequenced strains and species. The draft genomes contain over 1.2 million predicted protein sequences, and 69,000 proteins predicted to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism. ## Relation to earlier versions ## This data is referenced by Watson et al. (In Submission). A previous paper, in bioRXiv, referenced the earlier dataset "Assembly of hundreds of microbial genomes from the cow rumen reveals novel microbial species encoding enzymes with roles in carbohydrate metabolism" https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/2772. This in turn was superseded by the more recent version Hi-C genomes from "Assembly of hundreds of microbial genomes from the cow rumen reveals novel microbial species encoding enzymes with roles in carbohydrate metabolism" https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/2911. The paper underwent many rounds of review, the first-round revised paper referenced the second (Hi-C) dataset and the final, accepted version will reference the DOI of this dataset. The datasets changed in nature and in name during this process. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The dataset is expected to underpin global rumen microbiome research in the next 5-10 years |
URL | https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/3009 |
Title | Assembly of hundreds of microbial genomes from the cow rumen reveals novel microbial species encoding enzymes with roles in carbohydrate metabolism |
Description | The cow rumen is a specialised organ adapted for the efficient breakdown of plant material into energy and nutrients, and it is the rumen microbiome that encodes the enzymes responsible. Many of these enzymes are of huge industrial interest. Despite this, rumen microbes are under-represented in the public databases. Here we present 220 high quality bacterial and archaeal genomes assembled directly from 768 gigabases of rumen metagenomic sequence data. Comparative analysis with current publicly available genomes reveals that the majority of these represent previously unsequenced strains and species of bacteria and archaea. The genomes contain over 13,000 proteins predicted to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism, over 90% of which do not have a good match in the public databases. Inclusion of the 220 genomes presented here improves metagenomic read classification by 2-3-fold, both in our data and in other publicly available rumen datasets. This release improves the coverage of rumen microbes in the public databases, and represents a hugely valuable resource for biomass-degrading enzyme discovery and studies of the rumen microbiome. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This dataset is expected to underpin research in rumen microbiomes over the next 5-10 years |
URL | https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/2772 |
Title | Bacterial 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding of faecal samples from young mice, aged mice and aged mice given young bedding |
Description | Project: PRJEB36358 The effects of ageing on M cells and the faecal and caecal microbiota composition in mice The intestinal microbiota helps to maintain the maturation and functioning of the mucosal immune system with its dysbiosis causing detrimental effects. Ageing is known to have a significant impact on the composition of the gut microbiota. Although relatively stable for much of adulthood, ageing induces significant shifts in the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, restoring a "healthy" gut microbiota may have beneficial effects on mucosal immunity. In this study, we studied further the effects of ageing on M-cell status and gut microbiota composition. Faecal samples were collected from aged mice before and at 4 and 6 wk after passive microbiota transfer and from young donor mice. DNA was extracted and prepared for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, targeting the V3 hypervariable region. The sequence files generated with the primers removed are publicly available through the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) under the project accession number PRJEB36358 https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/browser/view/PRJEB36358 |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | These data were included in the following manuscripts: Submitted to Cell Reports (Feb, 2020) Donaldson DS, Pollock J, Vohra P, Stevens MP & Mabbott NA. (2020) Microbial stimulation reverses the age-related decline in M cells in aged mice. Submitted to Cell Reports 17/2/20. Submitted to bioRxiv (Feb, 2020) Donaldson DS, Pollock J, Vohra P, Stevens MP & Mabbott NA. (2020) Microbial stimulation reverses the age-related decline in M cells in aged mice. bioRxiv doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.17.943514 |
URL | https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/data/view/PRJEB36358 |
Title | Ecological niche modelling |
Description | Environmental suitability modelling of Ethiopian chickens from 25 different agro-ecological niches |
Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Identifying the most suitable locations for different breeds of indigenous African chickens will allow for increased productivity and fewer losses. This can also be tied in with the genetics of each breed and is applicable globally and to other livestock. |
Title | Gambels whitecrown sparrow genome assembly |
Description | A high quality de novo genome assembly has been created for the Gambels whitecrown sparrow. This was generated using a combination of PacBio long read sequencing and Dovetail Omni-C assembly |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This genome assembly will allow analysis of RNAseq data from this species |
Title | Mathematical model for predicting vaccine effectiveness with accompanied R Shiny app |
Description | A mathematical model with an interactive R Shiny app was created to model the epidemiological consequences of vaccination with imperfect vaccines of various types, administered using different strategies to animal herds with different replacement rates and heterogeneity in vaccine responsiveness. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | no impact yet |
URL | https://www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/saphir/ |
Title | Mechanistic model for within host PRRS virus infection dynamics |
Description | A mechanistic model was developed to assess candidate immune mechanisms responsible for viremia rebound. The model was fitted to viremia data from a large scale PRRS virus infection experiment. The model is published in Go N. et al. 2019. How to prevent viremia rebound: evidence from a PRRSv data-supported model of immune response. BMC Systems Biol. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12918-018-0666-7 |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Now collaborative research grant applications |
Title | Nuttals whitecrown sparrow genome assembly |
Description | A high quality de novo genome assembly has been created for the Nuttals whitecrown sparrow. This was generated using a combination of PacBio long read sequencing and Dovetail Omni-C assembly |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This genome assembly will allow analysis of RNAseq data from this species |
Title | PRJEB21624 |
Description | This is one of the largest rumen metagenomics datasets ever released and represents 43 Scottish cattle from diverse breeds, different in methane emissions and feed conversion ratio. These data were used to assemble over 913 novel rumen microbial genomes. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | These data were used to assemble over 913 novel rumen microbial genomes, which are expected to impact global rumen microbiome research over the next 5-10 years |
URL | https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/data/view/PRJEB21624 |
Title | Partition of variance |
Description | Partition of variance to identify non-additive variance and how the form of non-additive variance affects the inference of additive genetic variance. |
Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | It allows the reconciliation of pedigree and genomic estimates of heritability. |
Title | RNASeq wild birds: the transcriptional regulation and climate adaptation of the breeding cycle of Lapland longspur |
Description | We sequenced tissues (Heart, Liver, Gonads and Hypothalamus) from Lapland longspur (n=3) birds during arrival and incubation in Alaska during the breeding season. We also sequenced birds during years where they arrived in adverse weather conditions and incubated during a severe storm. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We are better able to understand the impact of climate change on the transcriptional regulation of the breeding cycle in Lapland longspur. We were able to observe how the different tissues transcriptomes are orchestrated across the breeding cycle. |
Title | RNASeq: Quail photoperiodism |
Description | RNASeq of quail medial basal hypothalamus at ZT4 in long and short photoperiods and at low temperature. BioProject: PRJNA490454 |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Improved understanding of the seasonal changes in the MBH transcriptomes of quail. Low temperature was confirmed to amplify the transcriptional effect of short photoperiods. |
URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA490454 |
Title | RNAseq of whitecrown sparrows |
Description | 240 RNAseq libraries have been generated from two subspecies of whitecrown sparrows - Gambels and Nuttals. These samples represent 4 different tissues (gonad, fat, heart, adrenal) collected from male and female birds at different periods of the breeding cycle |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | None yet |
Title | VCF (Variant Call Format) files containing SNPs and Indels calls. |
Description | Variants (SNPs and indels) were called using GATK (version 3.7) on 130 WGS indigenous sheep genomes. The East African sheep samples were from populations selected for their tail phenotypes from Ethiopia and from a population of Libyan Barbary sheep adapted to high altitude. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | In collaboration with the University of Nottingham we have generated preliminary analysis to assess population diversity and structure. The data has been used to link tail phenotype to genomic sequence and investigate signatures of selection for adaptation to a tropical environment. This analysis has highlighted several genomic regions of interest including candidate genes associated with fat deposition and metabolism. |
Title | WGS of Ethiopian chickens |
Description | WGS of Ethiopian chickens from 25 different populations (30x coverage) 263 birds in total. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Data being used for selective sweep analysis, ERV analysis, SNP analysis, CNV analysis etc. by various researchers |
Title | WGS of Nigerian chickens |
Description | WGS of 122 Nigerian chickens (30x coverage) |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Data being analysed for SNPs, ERVs, CNVs, selection signatures etc. by various researchers |
Title | WGS of Sasso birds |
Description | WGS of 45 Sasso birds (Hendrix Genetics) - 30x coverage |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Data being used for selective sweep analysis, ERV analysis, SNP analysis, CNV analysis etc. by various researchers |
Title | WGS: Comparing selection in breeds of sheep with long and short breeding seasons |
Description | We sequenced 63 individuals from rare breeds of primitive sheep (Shetland, Portland and Herdwick) from phenotypic extremes regarding the timing and duration of breeding season. These were genotyped at 30x on the HiSeqX. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We identified strong selection signatures on genes, many of which were associated with neurological development. These breeds have not previously been sequenced and are a valuable resource for sheep genetics. |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | AquaGen |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL - EBI) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) |
Country | Greece |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Polish Academy of Sciences |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Department | Paediatrics Aberdeen |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Barcelona |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Department | The Roslin Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Padova |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | University of Santiago de Compostela |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | AQUA-FAANG: Advancing European aquaculture by genome functional annotation |
Organisation | Xelect Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Deputy coordinator of the project/collaboration. Work package leader. Co-led proposal writing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Diverse academic contributions to complex project |
Impact | $6 million funding. Established key links for aquaculture species within the broader FAANG community and links to BovReg and GeneSwitch project funded in the same call |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Agricygen |
Organisation | Agricultural Research Institute |
Country | Cyprus |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Use of genomics to optimise sheep and cattle breeding in order to maximise milk production for halloumi cheese |
Collaborator Contribution | Local livestock expertise and husbandry and nutrition expertise for the optimisation of milk production in Cyprus |
Impact | Project is in its early stages. No outputs as yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Alternative animal models to understand the brain |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Department | INRA Loire Valley Centre |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We have joined a consortium bidding to develop large animal models of brain health and disease |
Collaborator Contribution | We provide expertise in large animal behaviour, imaging and neuro-immune interactions |
Impact | Workshop held in September 2019 at which we gave a presentation on our current work on neuroinflammation - also included in a consortium bid for funds to support the collaboration from the Loire Valley for Advanced Studies |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Aviagen |
Organisation | Aviagen Group |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | As a former Aviagen employee I continue to engage with current members of Aviagen's R&D group. Together we have partnered on one unsuccessful research application which would have utilized the NARF avian resources and facilities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Working with key members of the R&D team at Aviagen, we are able to access commercial know-how and the considerable IP associated with commercial genetic resources. |
Impact | Grant application BB/R003467/1 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Aviagen |
Organisation | Aviagen Group |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We are working with Aviagen to explore the role of the chicken gut microbiome in performance of their chickens in diverse environments. So far this includes the placement of one of their staff members in my group for a short period of time for training and development |
Collaborator Contribution | Aviagen provide access to large commercial flocks of chickens under both controlled and natural environments |
Impact | No outputs so far |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Behavioural neuroendocrinology of rat maternal behaviour Dr Bosch |
Organisation | University of Regensburg |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and access to facilities. |
Impact | Douglas AJ, Meddle SL, Kroemer S, Muesch W, Bosch OJ & Neumann ID (2007) Social stress induces hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis responses in lactating rats bred for high trait anxiety. Eur. J. Neuroscience 25: 1599-1603. Douglas AJ, Meddle SL, Toschi N, Bosch OJ & Neumann I.D (2005) Reduced activity of the noradrenergic system in the paraventricular nucleus at the end of pregnancy: implications for stress hyporesponsiveness. J. Neuroendocrinol. 17:40-48. Bosch OJ, Meddle SL, Beiderbeck DI, Douglas AJ & Neuman ID (2005) Brain oxytocin regulates maternal aggression in lactating rats. J. Neuroscience 25:6807-6815. |
Description | Black Soldier Fly breeding with BetaBugs |
Organisation | Beta Bugs Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Developing a breeding programme for Black Soldier Fly |
Collaborator Contribution | Exposure to Black Soldier Fly biology and breeding |
Impact | Still Active |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Bovine disease resistance |
Organisation | Justus Liebig University Giessen |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hosting a visiting scientist and collaborating in the analysis of phenotypic data on disease for multiple different infections and parasites in dairy cattle together with genome wide data to estimate heritabilities, genetic correlations and genetic pathways involved in disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Collection of data on bovine disease and provision of genomic data. Employment of scientist who visited to analyse the data. |
Impact | A scientific manuscript has been accepted for publication. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CTLGH collaborator -ILRI |
Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
Country | Kenya |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We are sequencing the chicken samples provided by partners in ILRI |
Collaborator Contribution | Colleagues in ILRI are collecting DNA samples from indigenous chicken populations |
Impact | Visits/training between countries; sharing of samples/data; linking genotypes with phenotypes; building of research facilities in Ethiopia Multidisciplinary: Geneticists, bioinformaticians, farmers, |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Cameroon Blackbelly Sheep Project |
Organisation | University of Dschang |
Country | Cameroon |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Together with my collaborators in Cameroon I oversaw collection of 108 ear notch biopsy samples and the corresponding metadata from Cameroon Blackbelly sheep populations across Cameroon. These samples have been transferred to the Roslin Institute for genotyping using the Ovine 50K chip and whole genome sequencing. My research team will analyse the data and interpret it in collaboration with collaborators at the University of Dschang, to identify signatures of selection, adaptation to a tropical environment and particularly polymorphisms in immune genes underlying trypanotolerance. |
Collaborator Contribution | My collaborators at the University of Dschang, Félix Meutchieye and Gustave Simo have contributed their time to this project. Félix Meutchieye planned and oversaw collection of 108 ear notch biopsy samples and the corresponding metadata from Cameroon Blackbelly sheep populations across Cameroon. He has also contributed his knowledge of the Cameroon Blackbelly sheep, including it's population structure and diversity and socio-economic importance in Cameroon. Dr Meutchieye facilitated issuing of collection and export permits for the samples from the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon. Gustave Simo undertook the extraction of DNA from the ear notch biopsy samples in laboratory at the University of Dschang and arranged shipping of the samples to Roslin for genotyping and sequencing. |
Impact | There are no measurable outcomes beyond collection of these samples and generation of data at this stage. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Cattle genomics and diversity |
Organisation | Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health |
Country | Ethiopia |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We have generated the first African cattle breed (N'dama) reference genome. We are also combining over 4000 Roslin, CTLGH and publically available high coverage genomes to generate the largest publically available set of cattle genetic variants spanning global breeds, which can be exploited for a variety of purposes. |
Collaborator Contribution | They are providing samples, data and advice on data analysis. |
Impact | generation of N'dama reference genome |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Cattle genomics and diversity |
Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
Country | Kenya |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We have generated the first African cattle breed (N'dama) reference genome. We are also combining over 4000 Roslin, CTLGH and publically available high coverage genomes to generate the largest publically available set of cattle genetic variants spanning global breeds, which can be exploited for a variety of purposes. |
Collaborator Contribution | They are providing samples, data and advice on data analysis. |
Impact | generation of N'dama reference genome |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Cattle genomics and diversity |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have generated the first African cattle breed (N'dama) reference genome. We are also combining over 4000 Roslin, CTLGH and publically available high coverage genomes to generate the largest publically available set of cattle genetic variants spanning global breeds, which can be exploited for a variety of purposes. |
Collaborator Contribution | They are providing samples, data and advice on data analysis. |
Impact | generation of N'dama reference genome |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Centre for tropical livestock genetics and health (CTLGH) |
Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
Country | Kenya |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Mick Watson is co-leading programme 5 (informatics and bioresources) programme of CTLGH which aims to collect data on genotype and phenotype into a central database which can subsequently be mined for useful associations. So far we have ensured that scientists have access to the latest high performance computing environment for research, we have analysed and continue to analyse hundreds of farm animal genomes from LMIC countries, and we have built the data portal (http://data.ctlgh.org) |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are involved in all programmes, which include:Program 1: Harnessing genetic variability among indigenous and exotic breeds of cattle (as well as their crosses) to develop genetic and genomic tools that will be used to improve productivity under harsh tropical conditions and to mitigate the impact of cattle on climate change. Program 2: Harnessing genetic variability in tropical productivity and adaptation among various breeds of Chickens. Program 3: Development and application of precision breeding (through novel reproductive and germplasm technologies) to achieve step changes in livestock genetic improvement. Program 4: Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the tolerance of certain cattle and poultry breeds to tropical diseases and pests. Program 5: A shared global data and biological sample resource to support continued research and development on tropical livestock genetics and health. |
Impact | The data portal so far: http://data.ctlgh.org The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, bringing together geneticists, parasitologists, virologists, epidemiologists and data scientists together. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Centre for tropical livestock genetics and health (CTLGH) |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Mick Watson is co-leading programme 5 (informatics and bioresources) programme of CTLGH which aims to collect data on genotype and phenotype into a central database which can subsequently be mined for useful associations. So far we have ensured that scientists have access to the latest high performance computing environment for research, we have analysed and continue to analyse hundreds of farm animal genomes from LMIC countries, and we have built the data portal (http://data.ctlgh.org) |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are involved in all programmes, which include:Program 1: Harnessing genetic variability among indigenous and exotic breeds of cattle (as well as their crosses) to develop genetic and genomic tools that will be used to improve productivity under harsh tropical conditions and to mitigate the impact of cattle on climate change. Program 2: Harnessing genetic variability in tropical productivity and adaptation among various breeds of Chickens. Program 3: Development and application of precision breeding (through novel reproductive and germplasm technologies) to achieve step changes in livestock genetic improvement. Program 4: Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the tolerance of certain cattle and poultry breeds to tropical diseases and pests. Program 5: A shared global data and biological sample resource to support continued research and development on tropical livestock genetics and health. |
Impact | The data portal so far: http://data.ctlgh.org The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, bringing together geneticists, parasitologists, virologists, epidemiologists and data scientists together. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Charoen Pokphand (CP) group |
Organisation | Charoen Pokphand Group |
Country | Thailand |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Charoen Pokphand (CP) group are a large Asian conglomerate with an interest in farming, food production and feed additives. They have placed one of their staff members with me for PhD training, fully funded by them. We are training the staff member in laboratory and bioinformatics techniques related to microbiome research in chickens. |
Collaborator Contribution | CP provide access to large chicken flocks both in at their farms and in their production facility. This enables us to study chicken breeds in the actual environments in which they live throughout Asia. |
Impact | This is a multi-disciplinary project involving both laboratory and computational techniques. The major outcome so far include a review paper (http://aem.asm.org/content/early/2018/01/29/AEM.02627-17.abstract) and the technology transfer from our group into the commercial partner. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Cherry Valley |
Organisation | Cherry Valley Farms |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Supervise MSc students using quantitative genetic models to (i) assess the increase in likelihood of ascites in the breeding population, in particular in relation to selection on live weight and (ii) assess the genetic variation in fertility and its relation to live weight. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of data. |
Impact | Trained MSc students working in UK breeding industry. Larger scale projects with Roslin colleagues built on initial contacts made with the MSc projects. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Cherry Valley Farms |
Organisation | Cherry Valley Farms |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | There has been an ongoing partnership to develop genomic breeding programme for Cherry Valley Farms (CVF) including strategies to improve the genomic assembly for the Pekin Duck. This collaboration has led to one current grant application (successful Innovate UK) and other planned applications in the future. |
Collaborator Contribution | Cherry Valley Farms have provided genomic material from within all their current selection lines to enable the analyses of genetic diversity in Pekin Ducks which supply a significant proportion of global commercial duck production. |
Impact | Generation of significant genomic information; development and production of low density SNP panel; successful Innovate UK funding application. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Chicken (layer) breeding with HyLine |
Organisation | HyLine |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Optimising breeding programme |
Collaborator Contribution | Supplying data and knowledge |
Impact | Still Active |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Chicken Diversity Consortium |
Organisation | Queen Mary University of London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | As part of the Chicken Diversity consortium led by Dr Laurent Frantz, we have provided >500 whole genome sequences of indigenous chicken breeds for pangenomic meta-analysis. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each consortium partner has provided chicken genome sequences for shared use. High performance compute space has been made available at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich for analysis of genome data. |
Impact | Formation of a working consortium, bringing together multidisciplinary researchers for shared access to a large amount of chicken genomic data, allowing study of chicken diversity, evolution, domestication, genetic variation etc. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Collaboration with AB Vista |
Organisation | AB Vista |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We are researching the activity of ovodefensins, naturally-occurring egg peptides with antimicrobial properties. With BBSRC LINK funding we are exploring the activity of diverse ovodefensins from multiple avian species, dissecting their structure and mode of action, and exploring their capacity to act as growth promoters and novel therapeutics. |
Collaborator Contribution | AB Vista have made a substantial cash contribution to the LINK project (c. £460k) and also provide access to natural populations of broilers for feed trials using diets supplemented (or not) with Trichoderma-expressed ovodefensins. They also support analysis of the impact of such diets on intestinal microbiota and metabolites. |
Impact | Commercially sensitive and to be disclosed following scrutiny for Intellectual Property. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Collaboration with John Goopy, at ILRI (Kenya): microbial changes in relation to diets in African livestock species |
Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
Country | Kenya |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Pilot study to investigate the microbial changes in relation to diets in African livestock species |
Collaborator Contribution | Experimental design was setup by the collaborator in Kenya. All rumen samples were extracted at ILRI and DNA extraction was done on-site. |
Impact | This collaboration provided pilot data for a future grant application. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Collaboration with Petersime |
Organisation | Petersime |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Planning meetings |
Collaborator Contribution | Planning meetings |
Impact | Collaboration experiments planned |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Collaboration: The dynamics of antimicrobial resistance gene prevalence on a commercial pig farm: implications for policy |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am collaborating with data analysis of this project, which give me the opportunity to develop the bioinformatic pipelines needed for analysing my data when it comes. My first publication on AMR from pigs will be published using this data. |
Collaborator Contribution | This would primarily be computing infra-struction to process the data. It takes about 1.6TB of space to per sample through the pipeline i am using so this sort of data would require significant robust computing infrastructure |
Impact | Bio-informatic pipeline |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Crispr |
Organisation | Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This is at the start of the collaboration. I will be supervising PhD student and helping to design experiments to investigate new Crispr technology in tilapia. |
Collaborator Contribution | Research funding, facilities, salaries for student and other members of the research team. |
Impact | None as yet. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Dr Bas Rodenburg |
Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Preparation and submission of grants to BBSRC. Collaborative research in animal welfare/neurobiology and behaviour. |
Collaborator Contribution | Preparation and submission of grants to BBSRC. Collaborative research in animal welfare/neurobiology and behaviour. |
Impact | Established collaborations in pigs and chickens. Multidisciplinary research. Behaviour and neuroscience with animal welfare. Joint submission of a BBSRC response mode grant (Jan 2018) and another in the pipeline for submission Set 2018. |
Start Year | 2017 |
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 | Dr Vincent Bombail |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Department | Jouy-en-Josas Centre |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Collaboration on positive welfare in rats. Behavioural and neurobiological analysis. |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration on positive welfare in rats. Animals and behavioural experiments. |
Impact | 2 PhD studentships. Presentations and publications. Multidisciplinary research. Behaviour and neuroscience with animal welfare. Currently writing a BBSRC response mode grant. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | EBI metagenomics |
Organisation | EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL - EBI) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been working with EBI since 2018 on methods and infrastructure around metagenomic data analysis and storage. We have been providing use cases, expertise and biologucal knowledge |
Collaborator Contribution | EBI provide advice on large scale data analysis and the infrastructure they provide |
Impact | We were funded by BBSRC BBR in 2018 to continue this collaboration BB/R015023/1 |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | FTMA |
Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | This award has funded a number of exchanges between Roslin and Lohmann Tierzucht (LTZ) . We have made good contacts with a new member of staff at LTZ which will lead to new data and publications on bone strength and it will facilitate 2 PhD projects in that area. We have also started a new area of work on hen welfare which we have submitted grant applications and studentships, |
Collaborator Contribution | We have visited sites and had meetings to understand the problems and have been given assurances of financial support to undertake grant applications. |
Impact | Grant application Studentship application and studentship Involves animal breeding and developmental biology |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | FTMA2 |
Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | This new award has funded a number of exchanges between Roslin and Lohmann Tierzucht (LTZ) . We are working on publications and it has underpinned the FFAR grant collaboration on Keel bone quality. It has also underpinned 3 PhD projects in the area of beak development and bone genetics. Allowing a cohort of students to interact who are all working on laying hen welfare. |
Collaborator Contribution | There has been exchange between sites and meetings to understand problems and we have received in kind and financial support to help students. |
Impact | We have obtained over 2000 phenotypes as part of the collaboration. We have started a new PhD on beak shape. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Finn Lindgren (University of Edinburgh, School of Mathematics): Statistical and computational methods for quantitative genetics |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are developing new statistical and computational methods for quantitative genetics |
Collaborator Contribution | Discussion on the state of of the art statistical and computational methods |
Impact | Collaboration just begun |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Genetics of laying hen welfare traits |
Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Measuring new phenotypes related to bone quality and egg quality related to preventing pathogen transfer, developing new methods of preventing injurious feather pecking. Calculating genetic parameters and establishing genetic loci underlying the trait. |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to large populations, logistic help, pedigree information. Collaborative discussion. Making measurements, financial support. |
Impact | New phenotypes, support from BBSRC flexible talent mobility award, New grants from the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research on bone phenotyping and a PhD student on beak morphology. |
Description | Honeybee breeding with AbacusBio |
Organisation | AbacusBio |
Country | New Zealand |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Developing honeybee breeding programme plans |
Collaborator Contribution | Supplying data and species knowledge |
Impact | Still active |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Ingelin Steinsland (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematical Sciences): Statistical methods for quantitative genetics |
Organisation | Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) |
Department | Department of Mathematical Sciences |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are developing new statistical methods for quantitative genetics |
Collaborator Contribution | Discussion on the state of of the art statistical methods |
Impact | Collaboration just begun |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Jim Kaufman - MHC |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have collected hundreds of DNA samples from various African chicken populations which have been sent to Prof Jim Kaufman for MHC haplotyping |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Kaufman is MHC haplotyping the African birds for which we have collected samples. This will allow us to associate particular MHC haplotypes with disease traits in the bird populations ie. level of robustness |
Impact | MHC haplotypes have been determined for >20 bird populations from Ethiopia. Work is underway to analyse birds from Nigeria, Oman, Iraq.... |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | John Wingfield collaboration |
Organisation | University of California, Davis |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sequencing and analysis of field samples collected from whitecrown sparrows (RNAseq/WGBS/iso-seq/genome assembly) |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of sparrow tissue samples for whole genome sequencing and genome assembly. Collection of field samples for RNAseq/WGBS (California/Alaska). |
Impact | Datasets produced to date: 240 RNAseq libraries (2 species sparrows; 2 sexes; 4 tissues; 3 breeding stages; 5 replicates) 2 genome assemblies (Pacbio long reads + Omni-C assembly) - two species of whitecrown sparrow Multidisciplinary collaboration: Jacqueline Smith - avian genomics John Wingfield - environmental endocrinology |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Joint PhD student supervision The role of cognitive and affective state during agonistic encounters: Implications for social interactions and animal welfare |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Mathematical methods for analysis of social interactions |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, provision of data |
Impact | PhD student has only started in October 2018 |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Aarhus University |
Country | Denmark |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Agricultural University Plovdiv |
Country | Bulgaria |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Friedrich Loeffler Institute |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Institut de Sélection Animale BV |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics |
Country | Slovakia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | University of Bern |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | University of Granada |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Newton Fund Travel Award Saif Agha |
Organisation | Ain Shams University |
Department | Faculty of Engineering |
Country | Egypt |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hosted Dr. Saif Agha, Egyptian researcher for 6 months; Joint research project on genotype by environmental interactions and resilience in farm animals |
Collaborator Contribution | GxE datasets for tilapia; genetic analyses of GxE; took lead in writing the paper and presenting results |
Impact | Agha S., Mekkawy W., Ibanez-Escriche N., Lind C.E., Kumar J., Mandal A., Benzie J., Doeschl-Wilson A. B. 2017. Breeding for robustness: Investigating genotype by environment interactions and micro- environmental sensitivity of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) (Oreochromis niloticus). Animal Breeding and Genetics. Under Review (2) Agha S., Mekkawy W., Ibanez-Escriche N., Lind C.E., Kumar J., Mandal A., Benzie J., Doeschl-Wilson A. B. Investigating the macro- and micro- environmental sensitivity of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT). Poster presentation at the EAAP 2017. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Newton Fund Travel Award Saif Agha |
Organisation | Worldfish |
Country | Malaysia |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Hosted Dr. Saif Agha, Egyptian researcher for 6 months; Joint research project on genotype by environmental interactions and resilience in farm animals |
Collaborator Contribution | GxE datasets for tilapia; genetic analyses of GxE; took lead in writing the paper and presenting results |
Impact | Agha S., Mekkawy W., Ibanez-Escriche N., Lind C.E., Kumar J., Mandal A., Benzie J., Doeschl-Wilson A. B. 2017. Breeding for robustness: Investigating genotype by environment interactions and micro- environmental sensitivity of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) (Oreochromis niloticus). Animal Breeding and Genetics. Under Review (2) Agha S., Mekkawy W., Ibanez-Escriche N., Lind C.E., Kumar J., Mandal A., Benzie J., Doeschl-Wilson A. B. Investigating the macro- and micro- environmental sensitivity of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT). Poster presentation at the EAAP 2017. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | PRRS Host Genetics Consortium |
Organisation | Iowa State University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Genetic analysis of infectious disease data and mathematical modelling of PRRS infection dynamics; Contribution to experimental design of PRRS challenge and field experiments and sampling; |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to data; access to statistical models; scientific advice for model assumptions |
Impact | Joint manuscripts and publications: 1. Go N., Islam Z., Lunney J., Belloc C., Touzeau S.& Doeschl-Wilson A.B., 2017. Neutralizing antibodies prevent PRRS viremia rebound: evidence from a data-supported model of the immune response. PloS Comp. Biol. Under review 2. Lough G., Hess A., Dekkers JCM, Hess M., Kyriazakis I., Mulder H., Lunney J, Rowland BB, Doeschl-Wilson A.B. 2017. Harnessing longitudinal information to identify genetic variation in tolerance of pigs to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. Genetics Selection Evolution. Under review 3. Lough G., Rashidi H., Kyriazakis I., Dekkers JCM, Hess AS, Hess MK, Deeb N, Kause A., Lunney J, Rowland BB, Mulder H and Doeschl-Wilson A.B. 2017. Use of multi-trait and random regression models to identify genetic variation in tolerance to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. Genetics Selection Evolution, 49(1)37. 3. 4. Hess, A.S., Islam, Z., Hess, M.K., Rowland, R.R., Lunney, J.K., Doeschl-Wilson, A., Plastow, G.S. and Dekkers, J.C., 2016. Comparison of host genetic factors influencing pig response to infection with two North American isolates of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Genetics Selection Evolution, 48(1), p.1.18. 5. Islam Z.U., Bishop S.C., Savill N.J. , Rowland R.R.R., Lunney J.K., Trible B and Doeschl-Wilson A.B. 2013. Quantitative analysis of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) viremia profiles from experimental infection: a statistical modelling approach. PLoS One, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083567. ( |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Partnership with Monsanto |
Organisation | Monsanto |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | 1 x post-doc working on |
Collaborator Contribution | Funding for the post-doc for 3 years plus a contribution towards travel. |
Impact | Collaboration only began at the end of 2017. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Pig breeding with Genus PIC |
Organisation | Genus plc |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Optimising breeding programme |
Collaborator Contribution | Supplying data and knowledge |
Impact | Collaboration just begun |
Start Year | 2018 |
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 | SLU: genetic and environmental dissection of behavioural traits |
Organisation | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are carrying out a study of genetic and non-genetic factors associated with dog behaviour, incorporating data collection, analysis and interpretation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners: Professor Erling Strandberg, Dr. Per Arvelius. They have contributed samples and data to the study. They are also contributing to the data analysis and interpretation. |
Impact | No outputs thus far. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | SRUC - Rainer Roehe |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have collaborated with Rainer Roehe at SRUC since 2011, and we provide expertise in genomics, DNA sequencing, metagenomics and bioinformatics. We use this to investigate the role of the microbiome in methane emissions and feed conversion ratio. |
Collaborator Contribution | The SRUC partners provide expertise in rumen biology and function, alongside samples collected and measured for methane emissions and feed conversion ratio |
Impact | • Rumen metagenomics: we have sequenced the rumen metagenome of 8 cattle selected for high- and low- methane emissions, matched for breed and diet; and we have demonstrated that high methane emitters are enriched for (i) methanogenic Archaea and (ii) enzymes involved in the methane production pathway. Of the latter, we show that there exists over 5000 novel versions of known enzymes involved in methane production. We have made available a database of over 1.9 million proteins, the majority of them novel, as part of this study (10.1186/s12864-015-2032-0) • Host control of the microbiome: using the same dataset, we demonstrate that largely speaking the rumen microbiome structure and function if under genetic control; and can be significantly associated with both methane emissions and feed-conversion-ratio (FCR) (journal.pgen.1005846) • We have subsequently sequenced over 300 Scottish cattle rumens as part of a project funded by BBSRC. These ruminant metagenomes have resulted in the assembly and publication of several hundred novel rumen microbial genomes (10.1101/162578), publication of a novel pipeline for annotating such genomes (10.1101/233544), publication of robust methane markers in across multiple breeds (10.3389/fmicb.2017.02642) and associations between diet, rumen microbes and anti-microbial resistance (10.1186/s40168-017-0378-z) |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | SRUC collaboration on early life biomarkers in cattle |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided expertise on small RNA analysis in livestock and laboratory facilities for the study |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided funding, animal samples, and expertise in cattle genetics |
Impact | Manuscript just submitted to Scientific Reports, Responsive mode BBSRC application in preparation |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | SRUC: genetic and environmental dissection of behavioural traits |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are managing a study of genetic and non-genetic factors associated with behaviour in dogs, incorporating data collection, analysis and interpretation. Funded by the Dogs Trust, we are employing a postdoctoral researcher to carry out the research. |
Collaborator Contribution | They provide expertise in animal behaviour and are collaborating on data collection, analysis and interpretation. |
Impact | Several publications have resulted from this collaboration and further funding has been secured. This multi-disciplinary collaboration involves genetics and animal behaviour. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Saphir - Horizon2020 |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am leader of workpackage 16: Modelling vaccine efficacy |
Collaborator Contribution | INRA is project leader |
Impact | -Scientific Publication: Go N., Islam Z., Lunney J., Belloc C., Touzeau S.& Doeschl-Wilson A.B., 2019. How to prevent viremia rebound: evidence from a PRRSv data-supported model of immune response. BMC Systems Biol. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12918-018-0666-7 -Popular article "How to prevent viremia rebound in virus infections? Evidence from a data-driven mathematical model for PRRS". Doeschl-Wilson A., Go N., Touzeau S. SAPHIR newsletter Nov 2017 - Issue 4. Project coordinator statement "A very innovative approach for modelling the immune response has been designed and validated." -Interactive Wiki-website: Vaccine effectiveness in the field. https://www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/saphir/ -Conference talks: International Vaccinology Meeting in Edinburgh, May 2018; Annual Meeting for the Society for Mathematical Biology, Sydney Australia, July 2018 and the Conference for Research Workers in Animal Disease, Chicago December 2018 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Saphir - Horizon2020 |
Organisation | University of Ghent |
Department | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am leader of workpackage 16: Modelling vaccine efficacy |
Collaborator Contribution | INRA is project leader |
Impact | -Scientific Publication: Go N., Islam Z., Lunney J., Belloc C., Touzeau S.& Doeschl-Wilson A.B., 2019. How to prevent viremia rebound: evidence from a PRRSv data-supported model of immune response. BMC Systems Biol. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12918-018-0666-7 -Popular article "How to prevent viremia rebound in virus infections? Evidence from a data-driven mathematical model for PRRS". Doeschl-Wilson A., Go N., Touzeau S. SAPHIR newsletter Nov 2017 - Issue 4. Project coordinator statement "A very innovative approach for modelling the immune response has been designed and validated." -Interactive Wiki-website: Vaccine effectiveness in the field. https://www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/saphir/ -Conference talks: International Vaccinology Meeting in Edinburgh, May 2018; Annual Meeting for the Society for Mathematical Biology, Sydney Australia, July 2018 and the Conference for Research Workers in Animal Disease, Chicago December 2018 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Studies of brain health and neuroinflammation in the pig |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Department | Brain Research Imaging Centre |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - we have provided experience of pig biology and welfare |
Collaborator Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - our collaborators provided expertise in microglia, brain imaging and molecular biology |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary: - pig biology - pig welfare - brain imaging - cell isolation and sorting - sequencing |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Studies of brain health and neuroinflammation in the pig |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Department | Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - we have provided experience of pig biology and welfare |
Collaborator Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - our collaborators provided expertise in microglia, brain imaging and molecular biology |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary: - pig biology - pig welfare - brain imaging - cell isolation and sorting - sequencing |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Studies of brain health and neuroinflammation in the pig |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Department | Institutional Strategic Support Fund |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - we have provided experience of pig biology and welfare |
Collaborator Contribution | This is a multi-disciplinary team studying neuroimmune processes in the pig - our collaborators provided expertise in microglia, brain imaging and molecular biology |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary: - pig biology - pig welfare - brain imaging - cell isolation and sorting - sequencing |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | The University of Aberdeen |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Department | Institute of Medical Sciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been working with Alan Walker and Tim Snelling in the field of rumen metagenomic profiling |
Collaborator Contribution | Alan and Tim are experts in rumen microbiology and 16S sequencing, whereas my group is expert in whole-genome-shotgun metagenomics and bioinformatics |
Impact | As part of a Scottish government project, we have sequenced 90 rumen metagenomes using whole genome sequencing, and almost 300 using 16S profiling. Data analysis is ongoing, but my team have assembled hundreds of microbial genomes from the rumen (10.1101/162578) and written a pipeline for analysiing such data(10.1101/233544) |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Tilapia |
Organisation | Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Superviison and guidance on the partitioning of the observed phenotypic variance to obtain both additive and non-additive components of variance, including design and interpretation of analysis and derivation of key interpretative formulae. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision and payment of PhD student, access to data, genotyping and collaborative time from researchers at NMBU. |
Impact | Paper in scientific press. New PhD graduate. New trained employee entering breeding industry. Knowledge transfer to industry. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | USDA Sheep and Goat Sequencing |
Organisation | U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Collaborators at the USDA provided DNA from African goats and sheep, I had these samples sequenced using the Illumina HiSeqX platform to produce whole genome sequencing data at 15x coverage. We have shared the goat sequencing data with our collaborators at the USDA and within the IGGC, ADAPTMap, Vargoats and AGIN consortiums. We will contribute to comparative analysis of these genomes with African sheep and analysis of gene content and polymorphisms in immune gene relevant to adaptive immunity. The Dalljonke sheep samples will be analysed with the Cameroon Blackbelly sheep sequencing data and we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the genome structure, gene content and adaptive significance of CNVs in this rare indigenous African sheep breed. |
Collaborator Contribution | My collaborators Curt Van Tassell, Ben Rosen and Gordon Spangler at U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA, provided DNA samples from approximately 300 goats from African countries for whole genome sequencing. The goat samples selected for sequencing were focal individuals identified in the goat ADAPTMap and AGIN (African Goat Improvement Network) projects using the 50K Chip genotyping data. In addition to the goat samples they have also provided DNA from 20 Dalljonke sheep from Nigeria and Uganda also for whole genome sequencing, these samples were also genotyped on the Ovine 50K Chip, by the USDA, to identify the focal individuals for sequencing. |
Impact | The first round of data from the goat whole genome sequencing has been shared with the IGGC/ADAPTMap/Vargoats consortium for variant calling and analysis. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha - Belo Horizonte |
Organisation | Federal University of Minas Gerais |
Department | Department Of Animal Science |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hosted Dr. Fabio Luiz Buranelo Toral; joint research collaboration on disease resistance and tolerance of Brazilian cattle; provided statistical expertise and computing facilities |
Collaborator Contribution | Dedicated full time researcher Dr. Buranelo Toral to this joint collaboration; datasets |
Impact | Too early |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | VarGoats Consortium African Goat Sequencing |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Department | INRA Toulouse |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We have sequenced 300+ genomes from African goats from DNA samples provided by the USDA and contributed the raw sequencing data to INRA for variant calling as our collaborators in the VarGoats consortium. We will contribute to analysis of the genomes including gene content analysis, structural variation, functional analysis and comparative analysis with genomic data generated from African sheep. |
Collaborator Contribution | VarGoats is the first step of a 1000 goat genomes project and is lead by Gwenola Tosser-Klopp (INRA, France). Our collaborators at INRA are calling variants to generate .vcf files for the goat sequence data we provided. These files will then be provided to the VarGoats consortium for analysis by the various working groups. |
Impact | We have provided the raw data to INRA who have generated the a set of .vcf files which is the first output from this collaboration. The Vargoats project and Roslin's contribution was presented at the International Goat Genomics Consortium meeting at the Plant and Animal Genomes Conference, San Diego, USA, January 16th 2018. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Title | AlphaSimR |
Description | AlphaSimR is a next generation software package in the line of our successful earlier package AlphaSim. The new package is accessible in a user-friendly way via an interface in the public domain environment R. The package is used for stochastic simulations of breeding programs to the level of DNA sequence for every individual. Contained is a wide range of functions for modeling common tasks in a breeding program, such as selection and crossing. These functions allow for constructing simulations of highly complex plant and animal breeding programs via scripting in the R software environment. Such simulations can be used to evaluate overall breeding program performance and conduct research into breeding program design, such as implementation of genomic selection. Included is the 'Markovian Coalescent Simulator' ('MaCS') for fast simulation of biallelic sequences according to a population demographic history [Chen et al. (2009)]. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Impact | This package has rapidly expanded our possibilities to apply breeding simulation in research projects, both in academic research projects and for the breeding industry (most notably Driscolles and Bayer). Several graduate students used the package for their internship projects. |
URL | https://alphagenes.roslin.ed.ac.uk/wp/software/alphasimr/ |
Title | AlphaSimR: An R-package for Breeding Program Simulations |
Description | AlphaSimR is an R package for stochastic simulations of plant and animal breeding programs. AlphaSimR is a highly flexible software package able to simulate a wide range of plant and animal breeding programs for diploid and autopolyploid species. AlphaSimR is ideal for testing the overall strategy and detailed design of breeding programs. AlphaSimR utilizes a scripting approach to building simulations that is particularly well suited for modeling highly complex breeding programs, such as commercial breeding programs. The primary benefit of this scripting approach is that it frees users from preset breeding program designs and allows them to model nearly any breeding program design. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | AlphaSimR has been used widely by researchers and practitioners in breeding and genetics, most notably it drives and supports development of genomic and quantitative genetic methods and tools at Roslin, optimisation of world-leading breeding programmes, such as Genus, PIC, Bayer CropScience, KWS, Limagrain, BASF, Beta Bugs, and CGIAR Excellence in Breeding platform. |
URL | https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaSimR |
Title | AlphaSuite of software for data science, genetics, and breeding |
Description | AlphaSuite of software for data science, genetics, and breeding available from https://github.com/AlphaGenes The major tools include: * AlphaSimR for simulation of breeding programmes https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaSimR * AlphaBayes for estimation of SNP effects on phenotype https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaBayes * AlphaAssign for finding progeny-parent (pedigree) relationships https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaAssign * AlphaPhase for phasing and imputation of SNP array genotype data https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaPhase * AlphaImpute for phasing and imputation of SNP array genotype data https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaImpute * AlphaImpute2 for phasing and imputation of SNP array genotype data (version 2) https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaImpute2 * AlphaPeel for genotype calling, phasing, and imputation in pedigreed populations https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaPeel * AlphaFamImpute for genotype calling, phasing, and imputation in families https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaFamImpute * AlphaPlantImpute for phasing and imputation in plant populations (version 2) https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaPlantImpute * AlphaPlantImpute2 for phasing and imputation in plant populations (version 2) https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaPlantImpute2 * AlphaMate for balancing selection and management of genetic diversity in breeding programmes https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaMate * AlphaPart for analysing trend in genetic means and variances https://github.com/AlphaGenes/AlphaPart |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | AlphaSuite is used by leading public and private animal and plant breeding programmes that supply genetics worldwide in the Global North and Global South. |
URL | https://github.com/AlphaGenes |
Title | Den Haag |
Description | R package written to simulate populations and the techniques for control of genetic variance as an aid for teaching. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | Used in lectures. |
URL | https://github.com/jwoollia/DenHaag/blob/master/DenHaag.pdf |
Title | MAGpy |
Description | Recent advances in bioinformatics have enabled the rapid assembly of genomes from metagenomes (MAGs), and there is a need for reproducible pipelines that can annotate and characterise thousands of genomes simultaneously. Here we present MAGpy, a Snakemake pipeline that takes FASTA input and compares MAGs to several public databases, checks quality, assigns a taxonomy and draws a phylogenetic tree. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | This software was used to annotate 913 metagenome assembled genomes from the cattle rumen, a dataset which is expected to underpin rumen metagenomics research for the next 5-10 years |
URL | https://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/3009 |
Title | PULpy |
Description | Polysaccharide utilisation loci (PUL) are regions within bacterial genomes that encode all the necessary machinery for the cleavage of particular carbohydrates. For the Bacteroidetes phylum, prediction of PUL from genomic data alone involves the identification of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) co-localised with susCD gene pairs. Here we present the open prediction of PUL in 5414 public Bacteroidetes genomes, and an open-source pipeline to reproduce or extend the results. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | We use this software in our metagenomics and microbiome research |
URL | https://github.com/WatsonLab/PULpy |
Description | Improving egg quality; win - win traits |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation to breeders and geneticists from main breeding companies . X European Symposium on Poultry Genetics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/publications/wpsa-proceedings/2017/x-european-symposium-on-poultry-gen... |
Description | "Amazing Bodies" - Edinburgh Science Festiva |
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 | Members of my group and I presented an educational event over two days that explained canine health and welfare, focussing on skull morphology and its effects on breathing in dogs. The event was hosted by the the Edinburgh Science Festival and located within the National Museum of Scotland, one of the top tourist attractions within Edinburgh. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/festival |
Description | "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology & Wildlife, The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, USA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion and future collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | "Studying the microbial communities of livestock" Nuffield Research Placement |
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 | "Studying the microbial communities of livestock" Nuffield Research Placement. 4 week laboratory experience placement for high school pupil. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | 'Cute Egg' activities for P5 school pupils as part of Borders Agricultural Society Show |
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 | Primary school pupils at local schools were engaged in an event run by the Borders Agricultural Society involving c. 225 visitors. Our activities built on the BBSRC-funded 'Cute Egg' exhibit, which uses coloured eggs to demonstrate the presence of a cuticle under the shell that protects the egg from spoilage. The scope to measure cuticle thickness as a quantitative trait for genetic selection was described in simple terms. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 2 Day Mini Science Festival for Primary Schools: Eastgate Theatre, Peebles |
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 | Primary school children from P3-P7 from 4 primary schools attended workshops on "Brilliant Biology" activities involving DNA extraction from strawberries, personalised model chromosome building to reflect individual traits such as hair colour, eye colour, and a lung biology activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
Description | 2017 Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk given at the university and discussions with academics. Has inspired future collaborations with the University of Aberdeen. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 2017 Speaker: "Rat as a model for studying behaviour" 2nd Edinburgh Rat Genetics Workshop, University of Edinburgh. 17th November, 2017. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 2017 Speaker: "Rat as a model for studying behaviour" 2nd Edinburgh Rat Genetics Workshop, University of Edinburgh. 17th November, 2017.Provided information regarding behavioural equipment and uses at the Roslin Institute. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 2019 American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Symposium title: Can genome edited livestock transcend GMO regulatory stalemate? world's largest multi-disciplinary science society, fulfilling its mission to advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people through a broad array of initiatives focused on communication, public engagement, education, scientific responsibility, public policy, and science diplomacy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://meetings.aaas.org/about-the-meeting/ |
Description | 2019 Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" Department of Physiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion and collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | 2019 Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" Keio 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 | Discussion and collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | 2019 Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The University of Abuzu, 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 | Discussion and collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | 2020 Seminar: "Avian Behavioural Neuroendocrinology". Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Questions and discussion. Collaboration with the University of South Alabama. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | A presentation given at the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Science Symposium, 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Title of talk: Positive animal welfare revisited with a focus on the role of behavioural expression. Co-author Professor Peter Sandoe http://www.forskningsdatabasen.dk/en/catalog/2372695868 - the meeting is attended by a range of scientists interested in animal welfare but it also functions as a post-graduate conference with many of the audience studying at for post-graduate degrees - I had a number of discussions with students from various organisations during the meeting |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.ufaw.org.uk/ufaw-events/measuring-animal-welfare-and-applying-scientific-advances-why-is... |
Description | A talk given at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The Annual Meeting of the ISAE is now recognised as an excellent training for post-graduate students interested in applied animal behaviour and welfare. Following our talk on brain gene expression effects of enrichment I had a number of discussions with students about the work and their own interests. I also was involved in a session entitlied: Meet the Professors where students sign up to discuss their science and careers with a panel of senior scientists in the field. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://conferences.au.dk/isae2017/ |
Description | AG100 roadshow, Stewartry Show, Castle Douglas - celebrating 100 years of animal genetics research in Edinburgh |
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 | With 2019 marking 100 years of animal genetics research in Edinburgh, the Roslin Institute celebrated the centenary by showcasing its current research in animal genetics with a programme of public and scientific events throughout Scotland and the north of England. The events promoted conversation and debate about the use of new genetic technologies in animal breeding for health and welfare, and offered the opportunity to respond to questions and listen to comments from the public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Adebabay training |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Almas Gheyas trained ILRI staff (Adebabay Kebele) on bioinformatics analysis during his visit to the UK and is currently mentoring him on further analysis of the data |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Almas PAG 2018 talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk: "Genomic analysis of African local chickens to elucidate tropical adaptation" in the Animal Genomics and Climate Change Workshop in the PAG 2018 held during 13-18 Jan 2018 in SanDiego, California. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.intlpag.org/ |
Description | Animal Behaviour Toolkit - Opening a Can of Worms |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | "This toolkit is a free downlowdable resource and was created for teachers to support their learners in creating their own science investigations, it has been downloaded over 150 times and is estimated to be used with over 10,000 learners from around the world. It introduces the main concept that the study of animal behaviour is important for many reasons and that some of the researchers on the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus study the science of farm animal behaviour to help our understanding of what our farmed animals need in order to live comfortable lives. It outlines that the study of animal behaviour in the classroom provides opportunities for teaching pupils about the process of doing science using the scientific method. The toolkit includes a "Real-Life Research Fact File" about work done by Tayla Hammond (PHD student with Simone Meddle & Alistair Lawrence) on tickling rats, which can be used to talk about the real-world science that is happening here at the Roslin Institute. It also includes information about the use of animals in research and the 3Rs, this section of the toolkit was created in partnership with Understanding Animal Research. " |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/classroom-resources/animal-behaviour... |
Description | Animal Behaviour Toolkit - Opening a Can of Worms |
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 | "This toolkit is a free downlodable resource and was created for teachers to suporrt their learners in creating their own science investigations, it has been downloaded over 200 times and is estimated to be used with over 10,000 learners from around the world. It introduces the main concept that the study of animal behaviour is important for many reasons and that some of the researchers on the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus study the science of farm animal behaviour to help our understanding of what our farmed animals need in order to live comfortable lives. It outlines that the study of animal behaviour in the classroom provides opportunities for teaching pupils about the process of doing science using the scientific method. The toolkit includes a "Real-Life Research Fact File" about work done by Tayla Hammond (PHD student with Simone Meddle & Alistair Lawrence) on tickling rats, which can be used to talk about the real-world science that is happening here at the Roslin Institute. It also includes information about the use of animals in research and the 3Rs, this section of the toolkit was created in partnership with Understanding Animal Research. For the most significant outcome/impact of the activity, in addition to the audience reporting changes in views, opinions or behaviours, there were also plans made for future related activity |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Animal Genetics 100 Rural Outreach Programme. Peebles Show. |
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 | Display stand at Peebles agricultural show attended by General public and farming community With 2019 marking 100 years of animal genetics research in Edinburgh, the Roslin Institute celebrated the centenary by showcasing its current research in animal genetics with a programme of public and scientific events throughout Scotland and the north of England. The events promoted conversation and debate about the use of new genetic technologies in animal breeding for health and welfare, and offered the opportunity to respond to questions and listen to comments from the public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Animal Microbiome Congress London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Mick Watson presented his work on functional microbiome analysis at the Animal Microbiome Congress London. Attendees included industry/business, farmers, professional practitioners and academics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Annual Roslin Institute Open Doors Day |
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 | The annual Roslin Institute Open Doors day was held on 14 October 2017 and was attended by 491 people. It involved 81 members of staff and students and showcased a wide range of research arising from BBSRC strategic investment, including (but not limited to), food safety, influenza, genetic improvement, DNA, imaging and the ethical treatment of animals in research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Annual Seasonality Symposium |
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 | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Aviagen / CP workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | I presented our work on functional microbiome analysis during a one-day workshop which I set up and organised at The Roslin Institute. In attendance were employees of CP (a large Asian conglomerate) and Aviagen (one of the world's largest chicken breeding companies). The focus of the workshop was animal genetics and microbiome. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010,2017 |
Description | Avian Research Symposium (NARF) GABA simultaneously depolarises and inhibits activity in developing avian hypothalamic feeding circuits in vitro |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Avian Research Symposium 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research talk. RNA-seq analyses reveal environmental stress response genes in Lapland longspur. Stimulated questions and debate. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/national-avian-research-facility/events/avian-research-symposium-2022 |
Description | Avian Research Symposium 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research Talk: Short-term fasting increases food seeking behaviour and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y mRNA in Japanese quail chicks. Questions and discussions followed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/national-avian-research-facility/events/avian-research-symposium-2022 |
Description | BBC Country File interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | TV interview on genetically engineered pigs on mainstream BBC Country File programme |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | BBC Countryfile film related to the work of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health at Roslin |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Bill Gates was interviewed by BBC Countryfile on 26 January 2018 in relation to work funded by the Gates Foundation involving Roslin Institute scientists towards the genetic improvement of farmed animals in low- and middle-income countries. The programme aired on 11 February 2018 and reached an estimated audience in excess of 5 million. The interview took place on the same day as the launch of the Global Academy of Agriculture & Food Security, which was attended by the Secretary of State for the Department for International Development the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt (see separate activity) and generated significant press interest, featuring on BBC Scotland news. Particular emphasis was placed on the work of Roslin scientists to understand the genetic make-up of African diary cattle and chickens and to understand how this relates to performance traits in order to guide breeding decisions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | BBC at the Edinburgh Festivals: The Human Body. Lung Biology activity |
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 | Lung biology activity |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | BBSRC Japan Partnering Workshop on Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction |
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 | Japan Partnering Workshop. Invited speaker from Japan. Engaged with staff, post graduate students and undergraduate students. 20 People attended and presented. Much discussion and plans made for further collaboration and visits to Japan in 2019. In addition talks surrounding future careers for post docs and PhD students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | BBSRC Livestock research focus at international event plus associated news coverage |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | BBSRC Livestock research focus at international event and associated news coverage in The Guardian, Sky, The Telegraph, Hereford Times, Yahoo, Daily Mail, The Sun, Mail on Sunday, The Times, Aol, BT, Sky News, The Irish Sun, Scotsman Food and Drink, The Herald, The National, Breaking News.ie, The Irish News, Irish Examiner, Classic FM, Eagle Radio, Spirit FM, Capital FM, Heart, Gazette and Herald, Farm Week, Gazette, Evening Express, Border Telegraph, Times and Star, TalkTalk, Wales Farmer, Evening Telegraph, South West Farmer |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/livestock-research-focus-at-international-event |
Description | BUAS Schools Countryside Day |
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 | Primary 5 children and teachers from the entire Scottish Borders region. Ran activities around the cuticle and its importance. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.buas.org/calendar/buas_schools_countryside_day_23_may_17.html |
Description | Balloon blow-up helps pupils learn climate science |
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 | report around 'Balloon blow-up helps pupils learn climate science' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Big Baloon Blow Up - Project Science |
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 | This Project Science investigation (designed for teachers to use in the classroom with learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research in the microbiome and climate change (Mick Watson). For the most significant outcome/impact of the activity, in addition to the audience reporting changes in views, opinions or behaviours, there were also plans made for future related activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Big Data in Agriculture, Part of the DuPont Pioneer Plant Sciences Symposia Series, at Roslin Institute, 14-15 May 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Symposium held at the Roslin institute, organised by members of my group, sponsored by third parties from the breeding industry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Bioinformatics Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Each year, 20 to 22 participants received hands-on training in bioinformatics to analyse next generation sequencing omics data. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
Description | Biology Teachers CPD Event |
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 | Talk and discussions with 20 Higher Biology teachers about science, specifically about next generation sequence analysis technology and how that is being applied to address many different scientific questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Bird Stress in your Backyard, 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 | Bird Stress in your Backyard, Midlothian Science Festival. learn how we can observe, track and help local birds effected by towns, traffic, light and noise pollution. Sparked questions and discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://midlothiansciencefestival.com/event/bird-stress-in-your-backyard-3/ |
Description | CMVM Science Insights Research Taster Session: 2 hour lab session for S5 high school pupils |
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 | The event is the CMVM Science Insights Programme for S5 high school pupils. A week long activity to give interested pupils an insight into a career in science. A small group came to my lab for an afternoon hands-on practical session. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/medicine-vet-medicine/outreach/science-insights |
Description | COP26 - Future of food video |
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 | Took part in video entitled 'Changing World Conversations: The future of food' as part of the COP26 activities in Glasgow 2021 Discussion of CTLGH related work for understanding environmental resilience in indigenous chickens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFiXTAz3vbM&list=PLBcSHVMkBQZgnM7t4LFMV11oEofR2J1vX?dex=6 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFiXTAz3vbM&list=PLBcSHVMkBQZgnM7t4LFMV11oEofR2J1vX&index=6 |
Description | COP26 Big Baloon Blow Up - Project Science |
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 | University experts are helping school pupils see a future in science by critically engaging with the climate crisis through outreach linked to COP26. WE worked with 36 primary schools from accross Scotland and engaged them with a COP26 themed investigation and climate change reserach. During the live celebration event Dr AManda Warr carried out live sequencing of microorganisms found in local reservoir water. Read more here https://www.ed.ac.uk/impact/our-shared-world/you-can-t-be-what-you-can-t-see |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | COP26 showcase |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Almas Gheyas participated in submitting a case study to showcase in COP26 based on our research on improving climate resilience in African poultry. Our case study was selected to inform a 'solution showcase' hosted by livestockdata.org in October/November 2021, to align with the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. Relevant websites regarding this are: o https://projects.livestockdata.org/livestock-climate-resilience/ : showing a new visualization map of livestock and climate resilience innovations case studies; This visualisation is a joint production of SEBI-Livestock, The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security (GAAFS) (all at the University of Edinburgh), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) based in Nairobi, Kenya. These organisations are members of the Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) Community. o https://projects.livestockdata.org/livestock-climate-resilience/#19 (showing specific research project from our group) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | COST Action on harmful social behaviours |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave talks at 2 PhD training schools: COST Action on harmful social behaviours (Bratislava, October, 2018); Danish PhD school organised by the Aarhus University (November, 2018). A 3-day Training School on how Breeding and Epigenetics influence the behaviour and welfare of animals, and understanding of neurobiological processes. An opportunity for PhD students and Postdocs to learn about genetics of normal and damaging social behaviour in pigs and laying hens, to discuss the latest science and make new European connections and collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.grouphousenet.eu/Training%20school%202018-1.pdf |
Description | CTLGH five years highlight report |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Almas Gheyas collaborated with Ms. Maggie Bennet by providing highlights of our innovative research approach of integrating ecological modelling with genomics to study tropical adaptation in African chicken for the "CTLGH five years highlight report" for non-scientific broader audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | CUTICLE DEPOSITION DOES NOT AFFECT WATER VAPOUR CONDUCTANCE AND CAN BE MEASURED IN HATCHING EGGS WITHOUT COMPROMISING EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation to specialists in egg science, breeders and state veterinarians, an industry Science meeting. XVIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, XXIIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat. Increases awareness across Europe of applications in poultry science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/publications/wpsa-proceedings/2017/xxiii-european-symposium-on-the-qua... |
Description | CUTICLE DEPOSITION ENHANCES THE EGGS NATURAL DEFENCE AND IS A TRAIT WHICH DOES NOT TEND TO DECREASE WITH BIRD AGE |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation to specialists in egg science, breeders and state veterinarians, an industry Science meeting. XVIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, XXIIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat. Increases awareness across Europe of applications in poultry science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/publications/wpsa-proceedings/2017/xxiii-european-symposium-on-the-qua... |
Description | CUTICLE QUALITY GENETICS IN LAYERS AND BROILERS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation to specialists in egg science, breeders and state veterinarians, an industry Science meeting. XVIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, XXIIIth European Symposium on the Quality of Poultry Meat. Increases awareness across Europe of applications in poultry science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/publications/wpsa-proceedings/2017/xxiii-european-symposium-on-the-qua... |
Description | Campus Open Day- 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 | The Roslin Institute and Easter Bush Campus Open Day was an event undertaken within the Midlothian Science Festivals. Hands on public activities lead by scientists under "Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions" included Science is for Everyone, Brains and Behaviour, The Genetic Toolbox, Bio-imaging: The Nature of Fluorescence, Cells up close, The Cow Lab, Life through a Lens and Crafty Science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre |
Description | Cell Block Science: Chicken behaviour session for female prisoners at HMP 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 | Cell Block Science: Chicken behaviour session for female prisoners at HMP Edinburgh which sparked questions and discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Changing World Conversations - The future of food. Live online panel session plus prerecorded researcher interviews. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Changing World Conversations - The future of food. Live online panel session plus prerecorded researcher interviews. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Chief Veterinary Officer visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | UK Chief Veterinary Officer visited The Roslin Institute in July 2018. I contributed to the visit by giving a talk on "Genomic selection for genetic improvement of farm animals", which informed the CVO about the past, present and future of genetic improvement methods and how we are developing the methods and applying them in collaboration with public and private partners. It also informed the CVO about the power and potential of the available methods to solve some of the pressing needs of the UK agriculture and veterinary practice. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Conference presentation ASAB Elucidating potential neural correlates for positive affect induced by tickling in female and male juvenile Wistar rats. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Conference presentation ASAB Sex differences in the association of flat and trill 50 kHz USVs with play behaviour during tickling in juvenile Wistar rats. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.asabvirtual.org/ |
Description | Conference presentation ISAE 2021 54th Congress of International Society for Applied Ethology Acoustic playback paradigms alter affective states in juvenile male Wistar rats |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Conference presentation International Symposium on Animal Ethology (ISAE) 2020 Global Virtual Meeting 6-7 Aug 2020 Evidence for sex differences in behavioural and neural correlates to tickling in young Wistar rats |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Cost action Training School for the histological investigation of avian bone |
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 | Interest in collaboration and potential links with industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.keelbonedamage.eu/wp-content/uploads/FlyerTrainingSchool.pdf |
Description | Costing the Earth |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BBC radio interview on genetically engineered livestock for BBC Radio 4 Costing the Earcth |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Course on The Next Generation Breeding (Iowa State University) |
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 | We organised a course on The Next Generation Breeding at The Iowa State University in Ames in May 2018 to present and teach about our research, principles of the developed methods and application of our software with real data. The course was very well received with plenty of discussions involving both academia, research and industry participants. It also initiated a series of offline research and application discussions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Course on The Next Generation Breeding (University of Zagreb) |
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 | We organised a course on The Next Generation Breeding at The University Of Zagreb (Croatia) in July 2018 to present and teach about our research, principles of the developed methods and application of our software with real data. The course was very well received with plenty of discussions involving both academia, research and industry participants. It also initiated a series of offline research and application discussions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cutting edge Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on genome edited livestock at international science festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | DBT workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Indian Department of Biotechnology workshop on GM Livestock in Bangalore |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics course (2 weeks) on-line |
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 | The principles of animal and plant breeding are increasingly coalescing due to advances in technology and increasing demands and opportunities for agriculture. This two-week graduate level course of integrated lectures and practicals is designed to equip students, academics, and practitioners with theoretical and applied knowledge, skills and tools to design, optimise, and deploy Data Driven Breeding and Genetics techniques for Animals and Plants. It was jointly delivered by scientists and teachers from the University of Edinburgh and colleagues from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the CGIAR's Excellence in Breeding Platform, with guest lectures from various academic and industry collaborators. Due to the pandemic the course took place in virtual format from the 20th Sep and 1st Oct 2021. The course lectures were pre-recorded to enable asynchronous worldwide delivery. Course participants engaged with the lectures and practicals at their own pace. They engaged with course instructors and other participants via Slack and daily Zoom sessions (one in the UK morning and one in the UK afternoon time). Day 1 - Introduction to breeding Welcome and Introduction (Gregor Gorjanc) Introduction to breeding programme modelling (Gregor Gorjanc) AlphaSimR MOOC - Introduction (Gregor Gorjanc) AlphaSimR MOOC - Relationship between DNA & traits (Gregor Gorjanc) R crash course on using ggplot and tidyverse (Thiago Paula Oliveira) The role of livestock in global food security (Geoff Simm) Day 2 - Breeding programme design AlphaSimR MOOC - DNA lottery (Gregor Gorjanc) AlphaSimR MOOC - Response to selection (Gregor Gorjanc) AlphaSimR MOOC - Modelling complex breeding programmes (Gregor Gorjanc) How does a major multinational animal breeding programme operate in the 21st century (Andreas Kranis) How does a major multinational plant breeding programme operate in the 21st century (Brian Gardunia) Day 3 - Genomic data in breeding Genomic data, SNP array genotyping and sequencing, and Strategies to generate genomic data in breeding programmes (Gregor Gorjanc) Phasing genomic data with heuristic and probabilistic methods (Gregor Gorjanc) Imputation of genomic data (Gregor Gorjanc) AlphaPeel practical - probabilistic genotype calling, phasing, and imputation of genomic data in pedigreed populations (Jana Obsteter) AlphaImpute2 practical - fast phasing and imputation (Jana Obsteter) AlphaFamImpute practical - genotype calling, phasing, and imputation algorithm for large full-sib families (Jana Obsteter) AlphaAssign practical - parentage assignment (Jana Obsteter) Breeding in aquaculture (Ross Houston) Tea breeding and a genomic selection outlook (Nelson Lubanga) Day 4 - Modelling phenotype data to estimate environmental effects Introduction to experimental design of field trials (Daniel Tolhurst) Introduction to linear mixed models for plant breeding (Daniel Tolhurst) Analysis of phenotype data, including data collected from i) single field trials (with spatial) and ii) field trials across multiple (Daniel Tolhurst) ASReml practicals (Daniel Tolhurst & Thiago Paula Oliveira) Overview of forest tree breeding (Jaroslav Klapste) Genomic selection provides new opportunities for intercrop breeding (Jon Bancic) Day 5 - Population and Quantitative genetics for breeding Introduction to population and quantitative genetics for breeding (Martin Johnsson) Change in frequencies with drift (Martin Johnsson) Change in frequencies with mutation, migration and selection (Martin Johnsson) Additive effects (Martin Johnsson) Non-additive effects (Martin Johnsson) Inbreeding depression and heterosis (Martin Johnsson) Practicals (Martin Johnsson) Genetic evaluation in a multinational plant breeding programs AND/OR CGIAR Excellence in Breeding platform (Eduardo Covarrubias-Pazaran) Roadmap for black soldier fly breeding (Leticia de Castro Lara) Day 6 - Quantitative genetics for breeding II Variance, covariance, correlation and heritability (Eduardo Covarrubias-Pazaran) Correlated response to selection (Eduardo Covarrubias-Pazaran) Recurrent selection strategies (Eduardo Covarrubias-Pazaran) Practicals (Eduardo Covarrubias-Pazaran) National breeding programme for the Norwegian Red dairy cattle (Janez Jenko) Breeding a man's best friend (Joanna Ilska) Day 7 - Modelling phenotype data to estimate genetic effects Genetic evaluations with focus on pedigree-based BLUP (Ivan Pocrnic) Introduction to genome-wide association studies (Ivan Pocrnic) Genomic evaluations (Ivan Pocrnic) Practicals (Ivan Pocrnic) A multipart breeding strategy for introgression of exotic germplasm in elite breeding programs using genomic selection (Irene Breider) Population genetics tools with perspective in dog research (Mateja Janes) Day 8 - Sustainable breeding Breeders' dillema Optimal contribution selection Optimal cross selection AlphaMate practical - optimising selection, management of diversity, and mate allocation in breeding programs A walk-through of three examples AlphaPart - quantifying the drivers of genetic change (Jana Obsteter & Thiago Paula Oliveira) Recursive models in animal breeding (Maria Martinez Castillero) Economic objectives in animal and plant breeding (Cheryl Quinton) Day 9 - Exploiting modern technologies in breeding programmes The role of reproductive technologies to boost animal breeding (Gabriela Mafra Fortuna & Gerson Oliveira) Breeding for disease resistance in animals (Andrea Doeschel-Wilson) Editing livestock genomes (Simon Lillico) Evaluating the use of gene drives to limit the spread of invasive populations (Nicky Faber) The potential of genome editing and gene drives for improving complex traits (Gregor Gorjanc) Day 10 - Open-ended work on topics of participants' interest |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | EBSOC Lead Engagement Activities- Talks/Discussions |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC) which opened in January 2018 is the first of its kind in Scotland. EBSOC is a unique, purpose-built laboratory space where visitors, including primary and secondary pupils and their teachers, engage with real-life science. Supported by scientists from "Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions", EBSOC's schools workshops enable pupils to meet scientists from The Roslin Institute. As well as supporting scientist-lead workshops both to National and International audiences, scientists undertaking research within "Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions" undertake discussions and talks within these activities on research undertaken within this theme including improving farm animal productivity and health and understanding of animal behaviour. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre |
Description | EBSOC newsletter |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Regular communications from EBSOC about our resources, activities and workshops are communicated to all contacts. These contacts are working in or closely with Scottish education settings. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | EIFF Learning Event Ideas Laboratory Laugh Off |
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 | EIFF Learning Event Ideas Laboratory Laugh Off. Opportunity for school pupils to ask scientist questions and discuss ideas. Created interest in science especially for female pupils. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Easter Bush Campus Open Day - The Roslin Institute |
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 750 visitors from the general public were able to visit the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus and see behind the scenes at The Roslin Institute Building, Veterinary Teaching Building and the new Charnock Bradley Building, home of the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre and the Roslin Innovation Centre. They were afforded the opportunity to meet scientists and vets from The Roslin Institute, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Scotland's Rural College and the Roslin Innovation Centre and have a chance to find out about their work and get hands-on with fun activities suitable for all ages. Families found the experience very positive, with both children and adults relishing the opportunity to get 'hands on' with activities and ask questions about the science of the Institute. Building tours were available throughout the day. The Royal Society of Biology Scotland Branch Annual Symposium was hosted at the same event. This featured a series of short talks on the cutting-edge science of Genome Editing/CRISPR aimed at senior high school students, teachers and adults with an interest in new developmental biology. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/community-engagement/public-events/campus-open-day-2018 |
Description | Edinburgh Alliance for Complex Trait Genetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Co-organise a twice-yearly meeting to coordinate complex trait genetic research focussed on Edinburgh but with national participation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
URL | https://www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/eactg/Edinburgh+Alliance+for+Complex+Trait+Genetics |
Description | Edinburgh scientists working to create safer eggs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | News coverage of egg cuticle story. 'Cute egg' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-43605254 |
Description | Evonik research day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | I presented my work on precision analysis of microbiomes to Evonik, an international company with over 13000 employees and with interests in chemical and food production. This was part of a one day workshop with Evonik, hosted by Roslin and focused on microbiomes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The exhibition The Pig Park and Other Experiments is now open at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) and our newspaper and film are on show as part of the exhibition: https://merl.reading.ac.uk/event/the-pig-park/ and https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/Carnevale+/0_p0iqoasy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://merl.reading.ac.uk/event/the-pig-park/ |
Description | Gel Electrophoresis Wall Tank |
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 | A classroom resource developed by EBSOC to support teachers to explore how gel electrophoresis works with their pupils. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Gel Electrophoresis in Action |
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 | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of gel electrophoresis. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/teacher-zone/home-classroom-educatio... |
Description | Grant review for Institute Research Council of Norway |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Grant review for Institution Research council of Norway |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Great Science Share (online) |
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 | In 2018 the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre became the Great Science Share's Edinburgh Satellite and in 2020 the Roslin Institute's Education & Engagement Officer (Jayne Quoiani) became Regional Champion for Scotland. Supported by scientists and technicians from The Roslin Institute we offered Edinburgh and Midlothian participating schools our Big Balloon Blow Up Investigation kits, which included all the experimental materials, teacher CPD session, classroom resources and the creation of a celebration video for the pupils doing their investigations in school which was shared on the day in June 2021. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Great Science Share for Schools in Scotland Webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | In partnership with the Scottish Schools Research Center (SSERC) we will run a national information session for Scottish primary school practioners on the 2022 Great Science Share for Schools Campaign. Our Education & Engagement Officer is a Regional Champion of this global programme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Great Science Share | Penicuik Beeslack Cluster Project |
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 | In 2018 the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre became the Great Science Share's Edinburgh Satellite and in 2020 the Roslin Institute's Education & Engagement Officer (Jayne Quoiani) became Regional Champion for Scotland. Supported by scientists and technicians from The Roslin Institute we offerred our local participating schools to use our Science @Home Investigation packs and submit photos and vides of their pupils at home doing the investigations (first lockdown) so that we could create a video to be shared on the Great Science Share day in June 2020. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/teacher-zone/great-science-share-202... |
Description | Guest Lecturer on Canine Quantitative Genetics and Welfare (Roslin Institute/UoE Animal Biosciences) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Annual lecture to MSc students to provide examples of genetic and genomic studies to canine traits and diseases. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016,2017 |
Description | Hendrix Genetcic workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Closed industry workshop on application of genetic engineering technology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | 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 | Institute stand at the Royal Highland Show. Demonstrating focussed activity and discussing the work of the University and the institute in relation to food safety, farm animal welfare, production efficiency, disease resistance etc. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | HighlanderLab Twitter channel |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The HighlanderLab updates the scientific community and a broader audience about news around our research group, scientific output and engagement activities - on management and improvement of populations using data science, genetics, and breeding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020,2021,2022 |
URL | https://twitter.com/HighlanderLab |
Description | HighlanderLab website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The HighlanderLab updates the scientific community and a broader audience about news around our research group, scientific output and engagement activities - on management and improvement of populations using data science, genetics, and breeding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
URL | http://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/HighlanderLab |
Description | Hosted a PRRS eradication workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The purpose of the 1 day meeting was to determine how research in Roslin could contribute to eradicating PRRS in Scotland and the UK, and to map out future collaborations. Outcomes of the day include highlighting the need to consider pig genetics and other risk factors (e.g. transportation) in current and future studies, and has instigated regular dialogue with the pig farming community. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Hosted female German Erasmus exchange student on 3 month work experience 'researcher shadowing' in my lab. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Hosted female German Erasmus exchange student on 3 month work experience 'researcher shadowing' in my lab. Following her research experience she is going to apply for a masters or PhD program. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | ISAG 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Mick Watson presented work on cutting edge techniques that can be used to analyse metagenomics sequence data. ISAG is the international society for animal genetics and this was the very first microbiome session. In attendance were industry practitioners and academics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.isag.us/2017/ |
Description | Inaugural Lecture Seasonal Reproduction in Birds: From Seeing the Light to Weathering the Storm |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Inaugural lecture at the University of Edinburgh |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seasonal-reproduction-in-birds-from-seeing-the-light-to-weathering-th... |
Description | Industry Insights Day for Women in STEM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Opportunity for female undergraduate students considering a career in academia to be inspired by women in STEM. Talk and Q&A session. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Interview for Vet Record |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | News and reports in the Veterinary Record. Can play time on the farm promote animal health? (2018) Veterinary Record 182, 275. Published online 9 March 2018.http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/182/10/275.2.info . |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/182/10/275.2.info |
Description | Interview for podcast |
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 | The podcast featured three segment about canine genetics. I was interviewed as expert to talk about canine welfare, morphology, disease and selective breeding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://geneticsunzipped.com/news/2021/2/25/jeff-schoenebeck-building-a-boopable-snoot |
Description | Interviews for international news |
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 | Interviews provided to numerous media outlets including newspapers, podcasts, and radio |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Introduction to the Research of the Roslin Institute - Royal Society of Biology Scottish Branch Annual Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Professor Stevens provided an overview of the research of The Roslin Institute to members of the public and the Royal Society of Biology, who convened for the annual symposium of the RSB Scottish Branch on 14 October 2017 at Roslin. The event coincided with the annual Roslin 'Open Doors' day and featured BBSRC-funded research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited Seminar Environmental regulation of the neuroendocrine and behavioural systems in birds". Biology Department, University of Reading, UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited seminar. Questions and discussion followed and chance of collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Invited Seminar: Environmental regulation of the neuroendocrine and behavioural systems in birds. Biology Department, Tufts University, Boston USA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research seminar at University stimulated questions and discussion and potential collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited speaker - Avian Genetics and Immunity Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research on Avian Genetics and Immunity (RAGI) has been established to strengthen global partnerships and links between academic researchers, students and the poultry professionals working on the genetics of avian immunity. The purpose of the symposium was to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas around the single theme of exploiting available opportunities in ultimately dealing emerging and existing infectious avian diseases in poultry production systems and to safeguard food supplies and human health. The purpose of KW talk was to overview the current situation in industry for breeding for disease resistance and introduce the NARF. The overview of NARF included a review of facilities, lines available and current work being carried out using NARF avian lines. The presentation stimulated significant discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://geneticsandimmunity.com/ |
Description | Invited talk at the EggMeat Symposium, Opportunities for genetic improvement in egg quality. Turkey 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This invited talk at the XVIII European Symposium on The Quality of Eggs and Egg Products and XXIV European Symposium on The Quality of Poultry Meat reviewed the field an allowed a platform to publicise our work on the genetics of egg quality. It also allowed the opportunity to challenge researchers to address some of the unmet needs in the field. Its location meant a different audienc from the indian subcontinent and the middle east were reached. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.eggmeat2019.com/ |
Description | Invited talk University of Guelph, The 'Who ate all the pies gene', University of Guelph, 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the Animal Science department of the University of Guelph |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/events/2018/07/who-ate-all-pies-gene-and-its-implications |
Description | Invited talk at symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | North American PRRS symposium. Chicago, USA, Dec 2017. Novel insights about host response to PRRS from data driven mathematical models. Invited talk. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited talk at the 17th Intl. Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals. Phenotypes and genotypes for Bone Quality, Bern, 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The audience was a new one for me and it allowed access to veterinarians and others studying production diseases. The sessions were mixed but the theme of skeletal health and particularly keel bone damage was a theme through the different sessions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.icpd2019.unibe.ch/ |
Description | Invited talk at the Symposium in Statistics on "Modelling Genomic and Spatial Effects in Breeding" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Modelling Genomic and Spatial Effects in Breeding, NTNU Trondheim Symposium in Statistics 2019, 2019-09-28, Trondheim, Norway. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Japan Partnering Workshop Summer meeting |
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 | Japan Partnering Workshop. Two invited speakers from Japan. Engaged with staff, post graduate students and undergraduate students. 20 People attended and presented. Much discussion and plans made for further collaboration and visits to Japan in November 2019. In addition talks surrounding future careers for post docs and PhD students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Japan Partnering Workshop Winter Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Japan Partnering Workshop. Four Invited speakers from Japan. 1 speaker from the University of Liverpool. Engaged with staff, post graduate students and undergraduate students. 25 People attended and presented. Much discussion and plans made for further collaboration . In addition talks surrounding future careers for post docs and PhD students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Jedburgh Grammar: CF Gene Therapy Lecture to Higher/Advanced Higher Biology Pupils |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presentation about genetic mutations, genotypes & phenotypes and advances in gene therapy for CF |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
Description | Johnston AR & Meddle SL (2021) GABA and glutamate are depolarising during early development of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Edinburgh Neuroscience Day. September 23rd. https://www.edinburghneuroscience.ed.ac.uk/neuroscience-day-2021-programme. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research poster: Johnston AR & Meddle SL (2021) GABA and glutamate are depolarising during early development of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Edinburgh Neuroscience Day. September 23rd. Questions and discussion generated |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.edinburghneuroscience.ed.ac.uk/neuroscience-day-2021-programme. |
Description | LASA (Laboratory Animal Science Association) and UFAW 3Rs section meeting: Enrichment and science: a match made in heaven. 9th September. Addressing individual differences among rats in their response to playful handling. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research talk: Nielsen BL, Brown SM, Hammond TJ, Meddle SL, Tivey EKL, Lawrence AB & Vincent Bombail V (2021) Addressing individual differences among rats in their response to playful handling. LASA (Laboratory Animal Science Association) and UFAW 3Rs section meeting: Enrichment and science: a match made in heaven. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.lasa.co.uk/product-category/event/. |
Description | Lab Techniques: Gel Electrophoresis in Action |
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 | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Lab Techniques: PCR in Action |
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 | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of gel electrophoresis. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Lead Organiser of the BBSRC Cross Institute workshop on "The Future Role of Livestock in Food Production |
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 | In this 2 day workshop, funded by the BBSRC, scientists and industry experts examined the need and scope for change in the livestock sector in response to increasing societal and environmental challenges. The outcome of the workshop resulted in a recommendation document sent to BBSRC that outlined the status quo and research and funding needs for future livestock research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/future-of-livestock-production-in-the-spotlight |
Description | Maths and biology. James Gillespies' High School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 20-30 pupils and 3-4 teachers attended for presentations from my lab on how numerical skills (mathematics and computing) are applied in biological settings. One of these students, now at University has visited since the Roslin Institute to speak to other researchers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Media interest in ENM paper |
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 | Some media interest in the following paper: Gheyas AA, Vallejo-Trujillo A, Kebede A, Lozano-Jaramillo M, Dessie T, Smith J, Hanotte O. Integrated Environmental and Genomic Analysis Reveals the Drivers of Local Adaptation in African Indigenous Chickens. Mol Biol Evol. 2021 Sep 27;38(10):4268-4285. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msab156. -https://www.ctlgh.org/key-drivers-found-for-environmental-adaptation-in-ethiopian-chickens/ -https://www.scidev.net/sub-saharan-africa/news/climate-resilience-of-rural-chicken-is-in-the-genes/ -https://af24news.com/2021/06/18/dna-of-ethiopian-chickens-adapting-to-climate-change-study-finds/ -https://newsbeezer.com/ethiopia/environment-drives-dna-changes-in-ethiopian-chickens/ -https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/environment-drives-dna-changes-in-ethiopian-chickens -https://www.scidev.net/sub-saharan-africa/news/climate-resilience-of-rural-chicken-is-in-the-genes/ -https://phys.org/news/2021-07-climate-resilience-rural-chicken-genes.html -https://www.alphagalileo.org/en-gb/Item-Display/ItemId/210301?returnurl=https://www.alphagalileo.org/en-gb/Item-Display/ItemId/210301 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Media interview for Understanding Animal Research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Described the beneficial use of our mouse experiments from our study describing the effects of aging and the microbiota on Paneth cells and M cells to the blog Understanding Animal Research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/index.php?cID=1977 |
Description | Meet The Scientists |
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 | Visit to a local primary school to engage with a questions and answers session about science and science careers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Meet a Roslin Scientist |
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 | In response to the global pandemic, the Roslin PE team created an online schools engagement programme to replace the hands-on sesssions normally delivered at EBSOC. Meet a Roslin Scientist is an online, interactive event for school pupils and FE college students to get the opportunity to learn about Roslin research and meet with one of our researchers or technical staff. These sessions give young learners a unique opportunity to learn about some current science happening here in Scotland, hear about different career paths and give them the opportunity to ask their own questions. Sessions like this can increase pupils´ curiosity in STEM, help raise awareness of STEM careers and support pupils to reflect on their own science-related skills. So far sessions have involved postdocs, core scientists and technical staff from across the Institute. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/meet-roslin-scientist |
Description | Meet a Roslin Scientist - various scientists over 2021 and early 2022 (online) |
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 | In response to the global pandemic, the Roslin PE team created an online schools engagement programme to replace the hands-on sesssions normally delivered at EBSOC. Meet a Roslin Scientist is an online, interactive event for school pupils and FE college students to get the opportunity to learn about Roslin research and meet with one of our researchers or technical staff. These sessions give young learners a unique opportunity to learn about some current science happening here in Scotland, hear about different career paths and give them the opportunity to ask their own questions. Sessions like this can increase pupils´ curiosity in STEM, help raise awareness of STEM careers and support pupils to reflect on their own science-related skills. In the 2021/22 reporting period we ran 11 sessions which involved postdocs, core scientists and technical staff from across the Institute. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Meet our Scientists |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC) which opened in January 2018 is the first of its kind in Scotland. EBSOC is a unique, purpose-built laboratory space where visitors, including primary and secondary pupils, FE College students, teachers, families and adults engage with real-life science. Supported by scientists from "Genetic improvement of farmed animals", EBSOC's schools workshops enable the public to meet scientists from The Roslin Institute. EBSOC's programme of public engagement to local, national and international audiences give scientists undertaking research within the themes "Genetic improvement of farmed animals" and "Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions" the opportunity to discuss their research, for example in improving selective breeding of animals in the future and improving farm animal productivity and health and understanding of animal behaviour. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Meet the Cows, Midlothian Science Festival Langhill Farm tour |
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 | Meet the Cows, Midlothian Science Festival Langhill Farm tour for visitors to see the cows on the farm. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Meet the Cows: Midlothian Science Festival Langhill Farm Tour |
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 | Meet the Cows: Midlothian Science Festival Langhill Farm Tour. Public interactions with scientists and seeing animal/farm facilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Meet the Scientists Professor Simone Meddle on hormones and animal behaviour Birds turning down their stress responses during breeding season, rats enjoying being tickled, and time-travelling. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Web page interview. Professor Simone Meddle on hormones and animal behaviour Birds turning down their stress responses during breeding season, rats enjoying being tickled, and time-travelling. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/simone-meddle |
Description | Michigan State University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Michigan University Research Seminars with a wide variety of audience ranging from animal breeders and quantitative geneticists to medical doctors. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Midlorthian Science Festival Debate |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Constructive and lengthy debate Invited back to next festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Midlothian Science Festival Schools Programme |
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 | In response to the global pandemic the Roslin PE team created an online Midlothian Science Festival Schools Programme. In addition to coordinating the overall programme with partners from across the University of Edinburgh and wider STEM organisations, we also ran "Meet our Scientists" sessions for pupils aged 10 to 14 years old. These online, interactive events for Midlothian school pupils gave them the opportunity to learn about Roslin research and meet with one of our researchers or technical staff. These sessions give young learners a unique opportunity to learn about some current science happening here in Scotland, hear about different career paths and give them the opportunity to ask their own questions. Sessions like this can increase pupils´ curiosity in STEM, help raise awareness of STEM careers and support pupils to reflect on their own science-related skills. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/teacher-zone/msf-schools-programme-2... |
Description | Midlothian Science Festival Schools Programme(online) |
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 | In response to the global pandemic the Roslin PE team created an online Midlothian Science Festival Schools Programme. In addition to coordinating the overall programme with partners from across the University of Edinburgh and wider STEM organisations, we also ran "Meet our Scientists" sessions for pupils aged 10 to 14 years old. These online, interactive events for Midlothian school pupils gave them the opportunity to learn about Roslin research and meet with one of our researchers or technical staff. These sessions give young learners a unique opportunity to learn about some current science happening here in Scotland, hear about different career paths and give them the opportunity to ask their own questions. Sessions like this can increase pupils´ curiosity in STEM, help raise awareness of STEM careers and support pupils to reflect on their own science-related skills. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Modern plant and animal applied genomics driven by genotype and sequence data, University of Zagreb, Croatia, 17-19 July 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Workshop organised and given by me and two other members of my group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | National Autonomous University of Mexico Webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | National Autonomous University of Mexico Webinar on Positive Animal Welfare Practices to Vet Students and Staff |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Needle Felting with The Roslin Institute at Mini Maker Faire, EISF |
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 | 150 pupils attended. Opportunity for pupils to meet with scientists to ask questions and engage in discussion. Too early to determine impact. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds The University of Tokyo, 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 | Sparked discussion and future collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Nuffield Research Placement |St Mungo's High School(online) |
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 | Nuffield Research Placement |St Mungo's High School (online) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Online Workshop: Single cell transcriptomics: unlocking innovation in aquaculture research - Friday 18th June 2021, 1000-1300 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was an online workshop organized by my lab at the Roslin Institute. There were approximately 100 in the audience, largely representing aquaculture researchers, mainly from academic and research organizations from Europe, but also some multi-national companies. The workshop included multiple talks from experts in single cell transcriptomics and sessions about how this transformative technology can be uptaken for impact in aquaculture research and innovation. There was extensive discussion at the workshop and offline afterwards with several international groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://genetics.org.uk/events/single-cell-transcriptomics-unlocking-innovation-in-aquaculture-resea... |
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 | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018 |
Description | Opening a Can of Worms: Animal Behaviour downloadable resource |
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 | This toolkit is a free downlodable resource and was created for teachers to suporrt their learners in creating their own science investigations, it has been downloaded over 150 times and is estimated to be used with over 10,000 learners from around the world. It introduces the main concept that the study of animal behaviour is important for many reasons and that some of the researchers on the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus study the science of farm animal behaviour to help our understanding of what our farmed animals need in order to live comfortable lives. It outlines that the study of animal behaviour in the classroom provides opportunities for teaching pupils about the process of doing science using the scientific method. The toolkit includes a "Real-Life Research Fact File" about work done by Tayla Hammond (Dr Simone Meddle's student) on tickling rats, which can be used to talk about the real-world science that is happening here at the Roslin Institute. It also includes information about the use of animals in research and the 3Rs, this section of the toolkit was created in partnership with Understanding Animal Research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Opening a Can of Worms: Animal Behaviour toolkit |
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 | The Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre is proud to be an Edinburgh Satellite, working with local Primary schools to get them hands-on with real-life science and learn about some of the science we do here at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus. Following on the success of our pilot with Burnbrae Primary School, we worked with several schools from the Beeslack/Penicuik Primary schools to bring it to more Midlothian pupils. For 2019 we provided toolkits for Nursery to P7 (3-11 years old) (free of charge) that were used form the basis of many different open-ended experimental questions. In addition, each toolkit contained a relevant case study and a visit to the school from Roslin scientists. Kit includes: wormary, various stimuli materials, teaching guide, slideshow and pupil experiment recording sheet |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Oral presentation at CTLGH Annual Scientific Conference: The tropical bovine rumen metagenome associated with feed restricted diets |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Christelle Robert's talk presented the results of a pilot study focusing on the tropical bovine rumen metagenome associated with feed restricted diets. This talk led to further discussions with peers and provided scope for potential future partnerships. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Organised talk with general public about companion animal welfare and research. |
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 | Midlothian Science Festival "Walkie Talkie" companion animal welfare and research talk in regional park. General public and their pets were attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Our Changing World Series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | University of Edinburgh showcase lecture on genome editing animals for food security |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Oyster Research exhibit at the UKRI stand in the COP26 Green Zone |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | On Sunday, 7th of November 2021, members of Dr. Tim Bean's lab, Dr. Tim Regan and PhD student Hannah Farley joined Roslin Institute's Public Engagement with Research Manager Dr. Nicola Stock joined the UKRI stand in the COP26 Green Zone at Glasgow Science Centre. They spoke with delegates and visitors about their work that aims to keep farmed and wild oysters healthy. This included face-to-face communication in addition to a short video of their work being played on a large screen next to the stand. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | PAG 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Mick Watson gave a talk at PAG 2017 on Comparison of Methods for Functional and Phylogenetic Characterisation of Rumen Metagenomic Data. Attendees include industry, professional practitioners and academics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | PAG 2018 microbiome talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave a talk on microbiome bioinformatics at PAG 2018 in San Diego in the microbiome session. PAG includes attendees from industry, farming and academia. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | PCR in Action |
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 | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/teacher-zone/home-classroom-educatio... |
Description | PCR: A Question of Taste workshop for S5 Jedburgh Grammar 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 | PCR: A Question of Taste workshop for S5 Jedburgh Grammar school pupils. school pupils discussed science and asked questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Panel discussion on agriculture and net zero emissions |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Participation in a debate on how agriculture will move towards zero emissions - I presented on the implications for animal welfare |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Participated as one of 4 panellists in the Science Media briefing event Can We Have Our Meat and Eat It? - The Future of Meat Production" Science Media Centre London 2019 |
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 | The briefing resulted in a wide media coverage in many regional and national newspapers, including the Guardian, The Sun, The Times etc.: Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/28/gm-could-help-cut-livestock-methane-emissions-say-scientists PA via Hereford Times https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/national/18063917.breeding-help-cattle-become-environmentally-friendly-scientists-say/ Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2019/11/27/meat-crucial-feeding-planet-going-vegan-not-green-say-scientists/ PA via iNews Clips Sky News https://news.sky.com/story/cattle-may-be-bred-to-grow-faster-and-eat-less-and-could-cut-methane-emissions-by-a-third-11871988 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Peebles High School Careers Event |
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 | Sessions with individual or groups of pupils interested in careers in science. Advice on subject choices, degree programmes and shared my own experience in terms of pathways to current position. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
Description | Peebles High School: Lecture to Higher/Advanced Higher Biology Pupils |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Gave talk on career in Biological Research to approximately 25 Senior pupils. One of these pupils came and worked in my lab to get short experience and to include on University application |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Pint of Science public lecture on 'The nine months that made you, you' by Dr Paula Brunton. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Pint of Science public lecture on the effect of prenatal stress and positive behaviour on offspring performance by Dr Paula Brunton at The City Café, Edinburgh, on 15 May 2017. The informal lecture was attended by approximately 40 members of the public. Although the title attracted those interested in human foetal development, the presentation highlighted ISP-funded research at Roslin using rat and pig models of prenatal stress to study trans-generational effects on offspring behaviour. An opportunity for Q&A was provided. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Pipetting Pointilism |
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 | Developed and run through EBSOC at Easter Bush Campus and in local schools. Micropipetting is one of the most common techniques in a biological science laboratory, allowing us to transfer small and precise volumes of liquid. Older participants learned to use laboratory micropipettes by practicing with different volumes, the then used their new skill to create a pointillism style picture with paint. Younger participants used fixed volume pipettes to create their own pointillism picture. While participants are pipetting researchers undertaking research within "Genetic improvement of farmed animals" and "Complex phenotypes and genotype x environment interactions" had the opportunity to discuss research undertaken within these themes. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Pipetting Pointillism |
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 | Developed and run through EBSOC at Easter Bush Campus and in local schools. Micropipetting is one of the most common techniques in a biological science laboratory, allowing us to transfer small and precise volumes of liquid. Older participants learned to use laboratory micropipettes by practicing with different volumes, the then used their new skill to create a pointillism style picture with paint. Younger participants used fixed volume pipettes to create their own pointillism picture. While participants are pipetting researchers undertaking research within "The regulation an function of genes and cellular pheotypes in animal systems" had the opportunity to discuss and talk research undertaken within this theme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Plenary talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Disease in aquaculture workshop, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada Mexico, October 2017. Genetic resistance and vaccination analysis on infectious disease genetics and genetic-epidemiological modelling in aquatic animals. Keynote presentation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Pondering Pond Life (online) |
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 | This microbiology toolkit was developed with Roslin researchers and with funding provided by the Microbiology Society. The toolkit is availible to download for free and comes with teaching guide, pupil worksheet, classroom presentation and template risk assessement. We also worked in partnership with Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) a Wood Foundation and Education Scotland programme to engage teachers and pupils from all over Scotland to engage with this resource https://education.gov.scot/media/lcthsdlm/nih027-pondering-pond-life-case-study.pdf |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Pondering Pond Life Microbiology Toolkit |
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 | This microbiology toolkit was developed with Roslin researchers and with funding provided by the Microbiology Society. The toolkit is availible to download for free and comes with teaching guide, pupil worksheet, classroom presentation and template risk assessement. For the most significant outcome/impact of the activity, in addition to the audience reporting changes in views, opinions or behaviours, there were also plans made for future related activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Presentation during "Africa Week" SABI event: Changes in microbial composition and functional potential associated with sub-optimal feeding in African Zebu cattle |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Dr Toby Wilkinson presented a poster on the changes in microbial composition and functional potential associated with sub-optimal feeding in African Zebu cattle. This was associated with a 5-mn talk to show case the study and key findings to the audience. Very engaging audience with may discussions afterwards. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Presentation to USA academic visiting group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation of scientific work to USA agricultural faculty and students visiting Roslin Institute |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Press release - Hair colour |
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 | The story collected over 127 pieces of coverage with a potential reach of around 9 million in the UK alone. There was quite a bit of pick up in Australia too but we weren't able to get stats from there. The paper has been tweeted about more than 350 times and is still growing. The Altmetric score is already in the top 1% of all papers tracked, and is currently 14th of all Nature Communications papers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-07691-z/metrics |
Description | Primary School "Big Science" visit |
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 | Visit to local primary school as part of their Big Science activity. Discussing science and scientific careers with the pupils and presenting awards to them based on a science project they had recently completed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Projects Update Meeting regarding Circannual Clock in Lake District (With collaborators in University of Manchester, The Arctic University of Norway, and various interested emeritus professors) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Two days of talks, discussions and planning meetings with participants and scientific advisors regarding progress on sheep circannual related projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Public Event- Cute Egg |
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 | Cute Egg has been developed at The Roslin Institute and taken to a wide range of events including Campus Open Day Events, Agricultural Shows and school visits, Primary school pupils and members of the public took part in this hands-on activity which reveals the invisible cuticle layer on hen's eggs and the links to current research at The Roslin Institute. Participants were encouraged to make predictions about the outcome of their egg dyeing experiment and measure the outcomes, highlighting the process and importance of the scientific method. The activity also highlighted connections between fundamental research and improved food safety. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre |
Description | Public lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public lecture about clinical and basic research involving companion animals. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/medicine-vet-medicine/news-events/college-events/let-s-talk-about-health-lectur... |
Description | Question of Taste PCR Masterclass |
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 | Practical workshop run by the Roslin Institute public engagement outreach team to allow High School pupils to run PCRs and investigate the genetics of a specific taste receptor. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Real-Life Research: Do Rats Like Being Tickled? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for a primary school audience, to be downloaded by teachers and used in their classroom. It explores research on animal behaviour and welfare from the Meddle/Lawrence groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Real-Life Research: Do Rats Like Being Tickled? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for a primary school audience, to be downloaded by teachers and used in their classroom. It explores research on animal behaviour and welfare from the Meddle/Lawrence groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
Description | Real-Life Research: Does the type of home affect piglet play or fighting? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for a primary school audience, to be downloaded by teachers and used in their classroom. It explores research on animal behaviour and welfare from the Meddle/Lawrence groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Real-Life Research: Hunting Bacteria |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for upper primary pupils and their teachers. It explores Gerry McLachlan's work on identifying bacteria in sheep lungs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
Description | Real-Life Research: Hunting Bacteria |
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 | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for upper primary pupils and their teachers. It explores Gerry McLachlan's work on identifying bacteria in sheep lungs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Real-life Research: Do rats like being tickled? downloadable resource |
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 | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for a primary school audience, to be downloaded by teachers and used in their classroom. It explores research on animal behaviour and welfare. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Research helps lower emissions from animal farming |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | report around 'Research helps lower emissions from animal farming' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Research talk: TSH-ß as a signal of long photoperiod: Insights from field and natural photoperiod studies. The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 3rd-7th, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research talk. TSH-ß as a signal of long photoperiod: Insights from field and natural photoperiod studies. The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 3rd-7th, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Questions and discussion followed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://burkclients.com/sicb/meetings/2022/site/ |
Description | Researcher Links workshop at CNRG, INIFAP, Tepatitlán and Guadalajara, Mexico, 3-7 February 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Workshop organised and given by me and the members of my group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Roslin Doors 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 | Volunteer at Campus open day - Almas Gheyas. Describing CTLGH work to general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Roslin Institute Doors 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 | Volunteered at The Roslin Institute Doors Open Day with a CTLGH-dedicated activity (poster-based activity) describing the CTLGH objectives, work achieved within the center and future strategies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Roslin Open door day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open day to public to show case the work of the institute |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Roslin symposium in honour of Professor Robin Thompson |
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 | In June 2018 The University of Edinburgh has conferred the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa to Robin Thompson for contributions to statistics, quantitative genetics, and animal and plant breeding. To celebrate this occasion we organised a symposium at The Roslin Institute in his honour. More than 100 delegates came from Argentina, Australia, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, UK, and USA. Speakers' talks covered animal breeding, statistics in breeding, plant breeding and human genetics, which showed the breadth of impact of the work of Professor Robin Thompson. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Royal Highland Show, Roslin Institute Stand |
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 | Flu-fighters and Genetic Toolbox activities that highlight ongoing research at Roslin Institute |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Rumen microbiome article in Farmer's Weekly |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Mick Watson was personally interviewed for an article in Farmer's weekly on the potential impact of our rumen microbiome work (doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03317-6) on breeding for production traits in beef and dairy cattle. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/rumen-genotyping-advances-enhance-cattle-breeding.htm |
Description | Rumen microbiome work in the national press (print editions) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Various articles about our rumen microbiome work appeared in the national press, including: Scottish Daily Express, Scottish Sun, The Scotsman and the Press and Journal |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/farming/1427948/cow-digestion-discovery-could-boost-pr... |
Description | Rumen microbiome work on National Public Radio (NPR) in the USA |
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 | Our rumen microbiome work was featured on NPR.org, (National Public Radio), a US news network that has over 7 million followers on Twitter and reaches millions of people online and via radio. The article was immediately syndicated across an additional ~40 NPR-associated websites |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/03/06/589997622/mysteries-of-the-moo-crobiome-could-tweaki... |
Description | Saving the British Bulldog |
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 | I was interviewed to provide expert opinion of the health challenges facing the British bulldog. Topic ranged from morphology, genetics, disease, and welfare. At the time submitting this report, the episode has not been released (scheduled to do so March 2018). I am unaware of a public impact just yet. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | School Visit (Dunbar primary School) summer school workshop "Animals Inside and Out" for disadvantaged children |
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 | Animals Inside out. Summer workshop for disadvantaged school pupils at Dunbar Primary School about animals. 15 school pupils aged 8 to 10. The school reported a keen interest by the pupils and a request was received to run the workshop again next year. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | School Workshop- DNA Profiling: The Great Escape |
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 | This workshop was developed and run at the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre where pupils aged 13-18 took part in this hands-on, researcher-supported workshop linking the techniques of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis to research on animal behaviour. Participants gained an insight into real-life research and a chance to meet scientists as part of the session and reported an increased interest in science after the session. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre |
Description | School outreach visit for International Women and Girls in Science Day |
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 outreach visit for International Women and Girls in Science Day |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Science @Home- Big Balloon Blow Up |
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 | This Science @Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research in the microbiome and climate change (Mick Watson). For the most significant outcome/impact of the activity, in addition to the audience reporting changes in views, opinions or behaviours, there were also plans made for future related activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Science @Home- Big Balloon Blow Up |
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 | This Science @Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research in the microbiome and climate change (Mick Watson). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/science-home |
Description | Science @Home- Marvellous Mixtures |
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 | This Science @Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Can I separate my leafy mixture?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research using chromatography to analyse metabolites (Proteomics & Metabolomics facility, Kurian/Wishart). for significant outcomes/impact, in addition to plans being made for future related activity, the audience reported a change in views, opinions or behaviours |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Science @Home- Wonder with Worms |
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 | This Science @Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question"Do worms prefer wet or dry places?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research on animal welfare and the application of the 3Rs (Meddle/Lawrence). For significant outcomes/impact, in addition to plans being made for future related activity, the audience reported a change in views, opinions or behaviours. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Science @Home- Wonder with Worms |
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 | This Science @Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question"Do worms prefer wet or dry places?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals Roslin's research on animal welfare and the application of the 3Rs (Meddle/Lawrence). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre/science-home |
Description | Science Insights 2021: Webinar 1: Where Biology can take you |
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 | Science Insights 2021: Webinar 1: Where Biology can take you |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Science Insights Online work experience programme |
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 | A week-long online work experience programme for 60 penultimate year high school pupils, exploring research and work in biological, biomedical and animal sciences, with contributions from research staff and students from the Roslin Institute and across the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Science Insights for Schools |
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 | We ran our Science Insights work experience programme for local school pupils July 2018. 5 pupils attended, 20 of whom worked in the Roslin Institute for 2 days alongside BBSRC-supported researchers from this ISP, including our core-funded staff scientists. All pupils had a tour of the Langhill farm and attended a presentation and debate about the use of animals in research. Pupils ad the opportunity to discuss career paths and what it is like to work as a research scientist. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Science Insights work experience for S5 school pupils |
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 | We ran our Science Insights work experience programme for local school pupils on 24-28 July 2017. 38 S5 pupils attended, 20 of whom worked in the Roslin Institute for 2 days alongside BBSRC-supported researchers from this ISP, including our core-funded staff scientists. All 38 students also had a tour of the Langhill farm and attended a presentation and debate about the use of animals in research. Students also had the opportunity to discuss career paths and what it is like to work as a research scientist. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/working/opportunities/young-people/science-insights |
Description | Science skills: microscopy |
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 | Participants attending a three day International Primary Science Education Conference used research-grade light microscopes to look at real slides. They were encouraged to observe and draw what they see, with written clues they should be able to deduce what is on each microscope. Each slide demonstrated different areas of research across all ISPs and the clinical work happening on the Easter Bush Campus. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Seasonal breeding in birds: Environmental regulation of the neuroendocrine and behavioural systems" The 23rd International Symposium on Regulatory Peptides August 15th - 20th Acapulco, México. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Seasonal breeding in birds: Environmental regulation of the neuroendocrine and behavioural systems" The 23rd International Symposium on Regulatory Peptides August 15th - 20th Acapulco, México. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | http://www.regpep.org/ |
Description | Seminar - MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Part of research institution seminar series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The Department of Zoology and Physiology, The University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Seminar: "Neuroendocrine and environmental interactions underlying reproductive behaviour in birds" The Department of Zoology and Physiology, The University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA. Inspired women in STEm. This has sparked an exchange partnership between University of Wyoming and Roslin. I hosted a visiting group composed of undergraduate students in Jan 2018 from University of Wyoming. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Seminar: GnIH: A role in the control of reproductive behaviour in 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 | Discussion and collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Skull Morphology and Health (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 | Members of my group and I presented an educational event over two days that explained canine health and welfare, focussing on skull morphology and its effects on breathing in dogs. The event was hosted by the the Royal Highland Show, the premier farm show in Scotland. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.royalhighlandshow.org |
Description | Society for Neuroscience 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Research talk and poster: GABA and glutamate are depolarising during early development of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Discussion and questions from audience followed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2021 |
Description | Speaker at university seminar series - summer school in reproductive biotechnology, University of Chile |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | 20 students and staff attended the talk, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards, and the school reported increased interest in related subject areas |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Stand at the Royal Highland Show, including Genetic Toolbox exhibit. |
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 stand at the Royal Highland Show 22-25 June 2017. Approximately 25 Roslin Institute staff and students were involved. Exhibits of relevance to this ISP included A Genetic Toolbox exhibit, highlighting the heritable nature of traits and how these can be selected or changed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Student visit from the University of Wyoming USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 18 students and staff from the University of Wyoming (Honours year, Hope College) attended an afternoon discussion on research at the Roslin Institute. A tour of the Institute and outreach centre was also given. There was much discussion and questions. The was a request to run the event again next year and students reported that this was the best visit out off their whole visit to Europe. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Summer course |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Armidale Animal Breeding Summer Course 2018: Mathematical modeling of infection dynamics in genetically diverse livestock populations Teachers: Andrea Doeschl-Wilson and Osvaldo Anacleto Dates: Monday 5 February 2018 (9am) - Thursday 8 February 2018 (4pm) Venue: University of New England, Armidale, NSW Australia; ~40 post-graduate students, academics and industrial researcher attended the workshop in modelling. Based on the positive course evaluation, the course sparked new research in the important field of mathematical modelling of infection dynamics and genetics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://jvanderw.une.edu.au/aabc2018.htm |
Description | TEDx Talk by Professor Helen Sang on 'Why do we need GM chickens?' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Professor Helen Sang delivered a Tedx Talk in Glasgow on 2 June 2017 on 'Why do we need GM chickens?'. The event was attended by approximately 1700 people and has been shared online with over 900 views. It highlighted the challenge of achieving global food security and the potential of BBSRC-funded research to improve poultry, including via genetic alteration. Examples for ongoing research using GM poultry in this programme were shared. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUbqrh5otWs |
Description | Talk ISGC workshop PAGXXV, San Diego, CA, USA, 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |