Science Services

Lead Research Organisation: THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

Within the area of Science Services we have identified five areas that are vital for the efficient running of science for both internal and external users of materials and facilities. These are (1) Insectary Support; (2) Bioimaging; (3) Immunological Resources Support; (4) Sequencing and Bioinformatics; (5) Proteomics. These are national capabilities either due to the specialised and costly containment infrastructure required for their running and maintenance or that they have been built up as a result of long-term strategic funding and heavy use by both internal and external users.

The Science Services National Capability has been used to address COVID-19 related challenges from 1 April 2020.

Planned Impact

unavailable

Organisations

 
Title E17 Art Trail - STEAM theme (Jennifer Simpson) 
Description Laboratory of Tiny Things installation which ran in London for three weeks. Open to the general public. 
Type Of Art Image 
Year Produced 2017 
Impact No known impact 
 
Title The Pathologist - Through the Looking Glass (Jennifer Simpson) 
Description Article showcasing a gallery of beautiful images from all walks of laboratory medicine 
Type Of Art Image 
Year Produced 2017 
Impact No impacts known 
 
Description The Science Services strategic grant provides unique resources to scientists both within and external to Pirbright. During the reporting period to date we have 1) Supplied insects to a variety of external users under 25 extant Material Transfer Agreements. As a National Capability, we primarily supply unique lines of mosquitoes, biting midges and large biting flies free of charge to academic users that cannot otherwise access these resources. In addition, industrial income has been met as estimated within the impact plan. Staffing has also been strengthened towards lab management of the two main insectary facilities in line with requirements of users and areas requiring containment level 3 techniques have also been strengthened by the addition of a dedicated lab manager. 2) Bioimaging facilities for internal users have been maintained with more than 50 registered users and a range of outputs in line with impact plan estimates derived from both microscopy and advanced flow cytometry techniques. Workers in this area have retained direct links to relevant societies and provided a range of materials for outreach activities. In addition, a new strategic collaboration has been established with the Electron Bioimaging Centre at Diamond Light Source and a bid for a new Transmission Electron Microscope has been successful to facilitate this work (2019). 3) The second phase of sequencing of hybridoma collections has been initialized (>550 to date) and a continuing demand is focused internationally to underpin veterinary reagent availability. This enables the supply of standard and recombinant immunological resources that are not commercially viable but nonetheless a limiting factor in studies of host and virus. Outputs include a dedicated website that is accessible to the public and enables searching and ordering of available reagents (2019). 4) In addition to the current MiSeq facility, two HiSeq Illumina sequencers have been installed, with upstream robotics and 10x single cell capability. Almost all our research groups have accessed these facilities to date (2022), many through collaborative projects, as well as groups outside Pirbright.
Exploitation Route Facilities within Science Services are provided across the groups at Pirbright and every group leader has received at least some provision of support within the five distinct areas. We have targeted insect supplies and the immunological toolbox as being the most straightforward to provide to external users and both of these areas have made resources available that have enabled users to carry out science that would otherwise not be possible. Both of these areas rely on centralizing both expertise and resources which would not be normally be supported at a single institution, improving both continuity and critical mass and are within the range of reporting identified within the impact plan. Bioimaging and sequencing in containment operate on a slightly different model of external access due to the constraint of the training required to access facilities, but plans have been successful to increase training and trained resource in these areas. The proteomics service is a purely internal service operated in collaboration with the University of Liverpool.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

 
Description The provision of Science Services underpins a vast range of scientific discoveries funded by our two institute strategic programme grants and uplift funding outlined in the publications produced to date. These impacts would not be achieved without the supporting services described, facilitating a diverse range of areas. Major areas include the use of sequencing in containment where samples cannot be outsourced for this service and the production of both insect and animal lines that are unique to Pirbright under the national capability initiative. In addition, the development of bioimaging and cell sorting in containment has led to discussion with other groups active in the field in the UK and the formation of a working group around developing techniques. The production of insect and vertebrate hosts for viruses also forms a major aspect of our aim to carry out studies of virus infection in the natural hosts in addition to providing opportunities for methods to vaccinate or protect from infection.
First Year Of Impact 2017
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink
Impact Types Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description ALERT20 Co-Chair
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Provision of equipment to enhance and enable fundamental research within BBSRC remit
 
Description BBSRC 18ALERT panel member
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Provision of multi-user equipment to core facilities to enable BBSRC remit science. Part of the remit for this call was to allow shared access from other institutions, widening the impact of BBSRC investment.
 
Description BBSRC ALERT19 panel member (invited)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Panel for ALERT18 multi-user equipment award by BBSRC
 
Description BBSRC Bioimaging Review
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description BBSRC Transformative Technologies Strategic Advisory Panel - invited expert
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Criteria for the ALERT call have changed, there is an increased focus on RTPs, plus the amount available in the call has increased, and the maximum individual grant possible has increased.
 
Description BBSRC-Newton Fund Agricultural Data Re-use Advisory Group
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Advice on re-usability of data generated in research projects.
 
Description Bioimaging Steering Group
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
Impact Improving access and efficient organization of Bioimaging for researchers at Pirbright
 
Description Bioimaging Steering Group
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
Impact Better management of workload and facility internally
 
Description Chair of ALERT21/22 panel
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Enabled UKRI funded research, supporting cutting edge research across different disciplines.
 
Description Contribution to a POSTnote on 'Reducing UK Antibiotic Use in Animals'
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Data on SARS-COV-2 antigenicity for government committees, e.g. UKHSA variant technical group, NERVtag
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
Impact This information was routinely fed into UKHSA and government decision making on managing the Covid-19 pandemic
 
Description Grants Review Team
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
Impact More effective inclusion of microscopy technology in grants submitted from the Institute
 
Description Inter-institute imaging network
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases Dengue Advisory Group
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
URL https://www.isntd.org/dengue-advisory-group
 
Description Invited member of RCaH Science Advisory Board
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact The Research Complex at Harwell is a UKRI funded building with the remit of enabling researchers across many disciplines to take advantage of the national facilities on the Harwell campus. RCaH is going through significant change at the moment and the advisory board has been asked to contribute to defining its future direction.
 
Description Lumpy Skin Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description MSc research training
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact The immediate outcome of this impact activity is that these Masters students went on to the following subsequent career destinations: PhD programme: 2 students Technical position in research institution: 1 student
 
Description Member of RMS EM Section committee
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
Impact This committee informs the RMS on which areas to invest funds in regarding training, conferences, outreach events. RMS members are international.
 
Description Membership of MPEG-G (standardisation of the compression of genomic information) working group
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description Microbiology Society Members Panel
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact A number of initiatives have been implemented that have made activities within the Microbiology Society more accessible to historically marginalised groups, for example the promotion of pronouns, changes to alcohol provision to make conference sessions more accessible to people who cannot be around alcohol, introduction of a knowledge-exchange forum as a new session at the Society's annual conference, improved equality, diversity and inclusion training, introduction of quiet rooms for neurodiverse scientists.
URL https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/council-governance/standing-panels/members-...
 
Description Organised seminar series on Sequencing, Virus Evolution and Molecular Biology at Pirbright (with Luca Ferretti and Graham Freimanis)
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Oxford Brookes Bioimaging Steering Group
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description POSTnote Report on Climate and vector-diseases in humans in the UK
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description PhD research training
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact The concrete outcomes of this PhD training was the skills learnt by the respective students while under my guidance. Their immediate destinations after graduating were: Postdoctoral academic research (US): one student Postdoctoral academic research (UK): one student
 
Description Publication policy document for core facilities - EM-UK
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact I am a founder member of the network created for electron microscopists within UK, EM-UK. The annual meeting is highly productive, and training and managing core facilities is regularly discussed. Recognition of these facilities is essential for their continued existence so we produced a generic document hosted on the RMS website which can be adopted by any core facility in any institution, and describes the publication policy which users had to adhere to. This has already raised the profile of core facilities around the country and is a successful outcome from the EM-UK meetings.
 
Description Royal Microscopical Society Microscopy Training Focussed Interest Group
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Royal Microscopical Society Training Focussed Interest Group
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact A review of the microscopy training courses available globally has been undertaken. We are in the process of collating and preparing a gap analysis. This will be used to guide RMS policy on training provided in the UK, both UK and international delegates.
 
Description Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies Exercise (Royal Society: 11/06/19): Examined simulated emergence of arbovirus in the UK with main decision making bodies and personnel.
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Training MSc students
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Delivered a new training session to MSc students teaching viral quantification assays. This lead to a greater understanding of laboratory techniques and academic research.
 
Description Training of Masters students (Imperial College London)
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact The students gained specialist knowledge in vector-borne diseases - their transmission and emergence potential. Students came from multiple countries across the world and will take this knowledge back with them in the future.
 
Description Training of medical students (University of Oxford)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact The students on this medical degree programme were trained in tropical medicine.
 
Description University of Copenhagen PhD course
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact We train approx 20 students per year to use the microscopes which allows them to complete their PhDs
 
Description University of Surrey MSc Vet microbiology - teaching (Jennifer Simpson)
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Two days of teaching practical microscopy, a useful cross disciplinary skill for many researchers
 
Description (CloudButton) - Serverless Data Analytics Platform
Amount € 4,277,507 (EUR)
Funding ID 825184 
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 01/2019 
End 12/2021
 
Description 21ROMITIGATIONFUND Pirbright Institute
Amount £283,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W510725/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description A One Health Approach to Alkhumra Haemorrhagic Fever Virus Species Tropism, Pathogenesis and Epidemiology
Amount £99,082 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2022 
End 04/2026
 
Description A One Health approach to pan-valent morbillivirus vaccines
Amount £773,237 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R019843/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2018 
End 03/2021
 
Description African swine fever control tools
Amount £1,077,663 (GBP)
Funding ID SE1520 
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2023 
End 09/2026
 
Description An immunogenetic approach to guide the need for booster shots and combat immune failure in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response
Amount £987,464 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/W020629/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2021 
End 08/2023
 
Description Antigenic characterisation of infectious bursal disease virus to improve vaccination strategies and vaccine design
Amount £450,685 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S014594/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2020 
End 12/2023
 
Description Application of AI to profile the nasal and faecal microbiota of pigs following respiratory virus challenge
Amount £16,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2023 
End 07/2024
 
Description Assessing the functionality of avian BST2 as a viral restriction factor.
Amount £50,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Oxford 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 09/2025
 
Description Assessment of the immunogenicity of bovine herpesvirus 4-based vectors delivering Nipah virus glycoproteins in swine
Amount £41,895 (GBP)
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 02/2019 
End 04/2019
 
Description Aviagen Industry Funding
Amount £422,383 (GBP)
Organisation Aviagen Group 
Sector Private
Country United States
Start 08/2019 
End 12/2020
 
Description BBSRC IAA
Amount £25,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S506680/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description BBSRC IAA The Pirbright Institute
Amount £300,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S506680/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2018 
End 03/2021
 
Description BBSRC Impact Accelerator Award: Evaluation of RNA-vectored delivery of PRRSV glycoproteins as a novel vaccine platform to combat emergent strains
Amount £27,600 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2022 
End 03/2023
 
Description BBSRC Industrial CASE (iCASE) studentship programme Oxford Interdisciplinary Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership
Amount £80,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Oxford 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2019 
End 09/2023
 
Description BBSRC International Institutional Award - Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of a Nipah virus neutralising monoclonal antibody
Amount £70,385 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2022 
End 03/2023
 
Description BBSRC business case for sequencing capacity in containment.
Amount £560,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2017 
End 03/2018
 
Description BBSRC responsive mode grant
Amount £367,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/P006841/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2017 
End 03/2019
 
Description Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and University of Oxford joint Doctoral Training Project
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2018 
End 08/2022
 
Description Blood Markers for prediction of respiratory virus infection
Amount £21,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2023 
End 07/2024
 
Description British Egg Marketing Board PhD studentship
Amount £76,000 (GBP)
Organisation British Egg Marketing Board 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2018 
End 09/2022
 
Description Broad and effective protection against influenza achieved by viral vectored vaccines
Amount £1,668,741 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/S037160/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2019 
End 04/2023
 
Description Capital Infrastructure - PIrbright
Amount £23,533 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2017 
End 12/2017
 
Description Commonwealth Scholarship. Molecular determinants impacting avian influenza H9N2 virus evolution, replication fitness and virulence
Amount £200,000 (GBP)
Funding ID LKCS-2019- 665 
Organisation British Council 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2019 
End 10/2022
 
Description Components of the Medea gene drive system in a mosquito Aedes aegypti
Amount £758,098 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S001964/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2019 
End 10/2022
 
Description Conserved molecular mechanisms of replication for mosquito-borne flaviviruses
Amount $199,350 (USD)
Funding ID 1R21AI168716-01 
Organisation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 
Sector Public
Country United States
Start 02/2022 
End 01/2024
 
Description DARPA PREEMPT
Amount $2,700,000 (USD)
Organisation Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 
Sector Public
Country United States
Start 09/2018 
End 03/2022
 
Description Defining the circadian clock in chicken cells and its impact upon viral replication
Amount £4,500 (GBP)
Organisation The Houghton Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2019 
End 11/2020
 
Description Dengue haemorrhage: a novel role for perivascular cells
Amount £74,137 (GBP)
Organisation University of Surrey 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 09/2024
 
Description Development of next generation vaccine technology inducing rapid and strong immunity through targeted delivery of antigens to chicken immune cells
Amount £473,080 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/T013087/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2021 
End 05/2024
 
Description Development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for coronaviruses
Amount £120,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2022 
End 09/2026
 
Description Dysregulation and evasion of the adaptive immune system by PRRSV
Amount £47,760 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W510725/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description ERA-NET Cofund on International Coordination of Research on Infectious Animal Diseases (ICRAD)
Amount £1,526,000 (GBP)
Funding ID SE1518 
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2021 
End 03/2024
 
Description EU VetBioNet Transnational Access Fund: Evaluation of the immunogenicity of a bivalent PRRS-Nipah virus vaccine
Amount £61,000 (GBP)
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 04/2021 
End 07/2021
 
Description Emerging porcine influenza and coronaviruses" (EPICVIR)
Amount £596,027 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/X019780/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2023 
End 10/2026
 
Description Enhancing protective efficacy of avian influenza vaccines through targeted delivery of protective antigens to chicken immune cells
Amount £98,212 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R50595X/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2017 
End 09/2021
 
Description G2P-UK; A National Virology Consortium to address phenotypic consequences of SARSCoV-2 genomic variation
Amount £4,021,993 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/W005611/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2021 
End 07/2023
 
Description Genomia Project Grant
Amount £174,052 (GBP)
Organisation Genomia fund 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2019 
End 01/2020
 
Description Global characterisation of interlinked mosquito immune networks
Amount £38,936 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W510725/1 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description H2020 work programme topic 9 Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy, work topic SFS-10-2017 Research and approaches for emerging diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock
Amount € 5,986,250 (EUR)
Organisation European Commission H2020 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 04/2018 
End 04/2023
 
Description How does the lung protect itself against influenza?
Amount £120,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2022 
End 07/2026
 
Description IAA - Characterising the mechanism of 2-DG inhibition of coronavirus RNA synthesis
Amount £8,500 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2022 
End 03/2023
 
Description Identification and evaluation of swine mAbs in pig influenza challenge model
Amount $599,944 (USD)
Funding ID OPP1201470 
Organisation Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United States
Start 09/2018 
End 10/2019
 
Description Identification of innate immune genes in Aedes aegypti
Amount £10,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2022 
End 03/2023
 
Description In vitro evaluation of peptide-based immune checkpoint inhibitors as potential molecular adjuvants for improved PRRS vaccines
Amount £4,921 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2019 
End 03/2020
 
Description In-year funding - Characterisation of the role of CoV accessory proteins in cross species transmission
Amount £53,096 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W510725/1 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description Investigation of Canonical and Noncanonical Transcription during Coronavirus Replication
Amount £122,000 (GBP)
Funding ID STUD312000 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2022 
End 12/2025
 
Description Market research and technical feasibility of a bivalent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome / Nipah virus vaccine
Amount £10,880 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2019 
End 03/2020
 
Description NC3Rs Research Project Grant
Amount £436,339 (GBP)
Funding ID NC/R001138/1 
Organisation National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2017 
End 11/2019
 
Description OIE Twinning: Development of capacity for independent assessment of FMDV vaccines in Africa
Amount $1,466,186 (USD)
Organisation World Organisation for Animal Health, France 
Sector Public
Country France
Start 03/2019 
End 03/2021
 
Description Oxford DTP - Diamond Light Source/Harwell
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2018 
End 09/2022
 
Description PRCV model to better understand immunity to SARS-CoV2
Amount £50,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description Pathogenesis, immunity, and control of coronaviruses in a large natural host animal, the pig
Amount £893,800 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/X014266/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2023 
End 09/2026
 
Description Pirbright Institute Flexible Talent Mobility Account
Amount £255,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S507945/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2018 
End 03/2022
 
Description Pirbright Institute PhD studentship
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2018 
End 08/2022
 
Description Pirbright Institute PhD studentship
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2019 
End 09/2023
 
Description Pirbright Institute PhD studentship
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2018 
End 09/2022
 
Description Protecting poultry from avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and Gumboro disease with a single dose of a multivalent vaccine
Amount £448,937 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W003325/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2022 
End 12/2024
 
Description Recombinant pseudorabies virus as a multivalent vectored vaccine platform for emerging and endemic porcine diseases
Amount £80,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2020 
End 09/2024
 
Description Reducing the Economic and Zoonotic Impact of Avian Influenza (REZIAI): delivering novel vaccines and diagnostics from laboratory to the field.
Amount £400,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S013792/1 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2019 
End 01/2021
 
Description SFS-10-2017 - Research and approaches for emerging diseases and pests in plants and terrestrial livestock: Addressing the dual emerging threats of African Swine Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease in Europe (DEFEND)
Amount € 5,986,250 (EUR)
Funding ID 773701 
Organisation European Commission H2020 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 05/2018 
End 05/2023
 
Description Seed Catalyst Award
Amount £25,527 (GBP)
Funding ID ISCF-TFPSA-Pirbright 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2018 
End 02/2019
 
Description Smart biomimetic nanomaterials for novel treatment and prevention of viral infection
Amount £60,000 (GBP)
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 03/2019 
End 03/2022
 
Description Society Conference Grant
Amount £380 (GBP)
Organisation Microbiology Society 
Sector Learned Society
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 04/2022
 
Description Society Conference Grant
Amount £380 (GBP)
Organisation Microbiology Society 
Sector Learned Society
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 04/2022
 
Description Society Conference Grant
Amount £380 (GBP)
Organisation Microbiology Society 
Sector Learned Society
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 04/2022
 
Description The Global Challenges Research Fund
Amount £640,473 (GBP)
Organisation Research Councils UK (RCUK) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2019 
End 03/2024
 
Description The Pirbright Institute - University of Surrey PhD studentship
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2019 
End 03/2023
 
Description The Pirbright Institute - University of Surrey collaborative studentship: Not all viruses come alone - the impact of orbivirus co-infections on bluetongue virus reassortment and diversity
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 03/2025
 
Description The Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub
Amount $5,530,900 (USD)
Funding ID INV-003007 
Organisation Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United States
Start 09/2019 
End 09/2024
 
Description Towards a novel multivalent poultry vaccine: Development of a recombinant infectious bursal disease vectored vaccine encoding conserved B- and T- cell epitopes from infectious bronchitis virus
Amount £5,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Houghton Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2019 
End 11/2020
 
Description Turnover of porcine lung tissue resident memory cells
Amount £25,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Pirbright Institute 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description UK International coronavirus network (UK-ICN)
Amount £510,207 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W003287/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 09/2025
 
Description Viral entry at the human-animal interface; dissecting the pan-tropic nature of zoonotic viruses.
Amount £393,707 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/W006162/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 03/2025
 
Description Workpackage within a Horzion 20:20 grant
Amount € 6,000,000 (EUR)
Funding ID EU project 727393 Horizon 20:20 PALE-Blue 
Organisation European Union 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 05/2017 
End 11/2021
 
Description [YY-EEID US-UK XXXX] Evaluating how immunosuppression influences influenza A virus transmission and evolution in wild and domestic birds
Amount £606,360 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/T008806/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2019 
End 06/2023
 
Description iCASE studentship: Production and assessment of antiviral prophylactic properties of natural biomolecules against avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses affecting poultry
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2019 
End 09/2023
 
Title A ligation and restriction enzyme independent cloning technique: an alternative to conventional methods for cloning hard-to-clone gene segments in the influenza reverse genetics system 
Description we developed an easy and efficient ligation and restriction enzyme independent (LREI) cloning method for cloning influenza gene segments into pHW2000 vector. The method involves amplification of megaprimers followed by PCR amplification of megaprimers using a bait plasmid, DpnI digestion and transformation. ligation and restriction enzyme independent (LREI) cloning method represents an alternative strategy for cloning influenza gene segments that have internal restriction sites for the enzymes used in reverse genetics. Further, the problem of genetic instability in bacteria can be alleviated by growing recombinant bacterial cultures at a lower temperature. This technique can be applied to clone any influenza gene segment using universal primers, which would help in the rapid generation of influenza viruses and facilitate influenza research and vaccine development. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The method will help in the rapid generation of reverse genetic base influenza viruses and facilitate influenza research and vaccine development. 
URL https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-020-01358-2
 
Title A male-specific cell line from a mosquito Anopheles gambiae 
Description A new male-specific cell line from a mosquito Anopheles gambiae has been isolated from sexed neonate larvae. To our knowledge this is the only cell line derived exclusively from male mosquitoes. 
Type Of Material Cell line 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The cell line will greatly facilitate studies on components of the sex determination pathway and of dosage compensation machinery in mosquitoes. There are only several cell lines derived from Anopheles gambiae available and these are female-like. Over-expression of genes involved in male sex determination or dosage compensation is detrimental to female cells, hence use of male-derived cells is necessary for such studies. The cell line will become available upon acceptance of a manuscript describing characterization of that cell line. 
 
Title A novel optimized pre-embedding antibody-labelling correlative light electron microscopy technique 
Description This method provides a protocol and tips for further optimisation to allow fusing of standard immunofluorescence with electron microscopy of the same cells. This is an accessible correlative light electron microscopy protocol that does not require specialised equipment or availability of biological resources expressing fluorescent proteins. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This method has been used by others at TPI to study bRSV inclusion bodies. 
 
Title An ex vivo IBDV infection model using a chicken primary B cell culture system 
Description Recently, it has become possible to culture chicken primary B cells in vitro in the presence of a soluble construct of chicken CD40L that was made at The Pirbright Institute. We have demonstrated that these chicken primary B cells can be infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). This system will be validated and expanded to other B cell tropic viruses in order to replace the use of infected chickens in research, in an NC3Rs funded grant. 
Type Of Material Model of mechanisms or symptoms - in vitro 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Using this system, we have determined that chicken primary B cells respond to IBDV infection by inducing Type I IFN responses. However, the induction is more pronounced in cells infected with an attenuated strain compared to a very virulent strain. This is consistent with the very virulent strain down-regulating antiviral responses to a greater extent than other strains which may, in part, explain its enhanced virulence. We also observed a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in B cell proliferation and activation following IBDV infection which was only possible by using the primary B cell culture system. 
URL https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=broadbent+dulwich
 
Title Appropriate FMD vaccine strains for East Africa and South East Asia and new adjuvants for FMD vaccines that provide longer duration immunity 
Description We have identifies appropriate Vaccine strains for Serotyoe O and A for East Africa and for South east Asia which are published now. Additionally we have identified potent and safe adjuvants which has been tested in cattle and provides longer duration immunity. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2014 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Governments of East Africa and Regional OIE centre at South East Asia and vaccine producers are aware about the strains and adjuvants. 
 
Title CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing of avian herpesvirus vectors to develop novel recombinant vaccines 
Description Development of recombinant herpesvirus vaccines are usually achieved by classical homologous recombination methods. The advent of new genome editing tools has enabled its application on avian herpesvirus vaccine strains to develop new recombinant vaccines potentially capable of expressing protective antigens from multiple pathogens 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The major impact will be in the generation of novel vaccines that can simultaneously protect against multiple avian diseases 
URL http://www.poultryworld.net/Health/Articles/2016/12/Is-GM-technology-the-future-of-poultry-vaccines-...
 
Title Cattle MHC genotyping 
Description Using the sequence data generated through the targeted pull down of MHC, we developed a full gene and more targeted PCR approach to genotype cattle for the MHC class I region. This has been applied to many hundreds of samples to enable us to select individuals for breeding as well as survey genetic diversity in beef and diary herds. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact After publication which we anticipate in 2019, we will appy this method to targeted herds and are already attracting industry interest. 
 
Title Deep sequencing to identify RNA packaging signals 
Description A novel and simple approach to identify predicted RNA secondary structures involved in genome packaging in positive sense RNA viruses (e.g. the picornavirus foot-and-mouth disease virus [FMDV]). By interrogating deep sequencing data generated from both packaged and unpackaged populations of RNA, we have determined multiple regions of the genome with constrained variation in the packaged population. Predicted secondary structures of these regions revealed stem-loops with conservation of structure and a common motif at the loop. Disruption of these features resulted in attenuation of virus growth in cell culture due to a reduction in assembly of mature virions. This study provides evidence for the involvement of predicted RNA structures in picornavirus packaging and offers a readily transferable methodology for identifying packaging requirements in many other viruses. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Impact so far is fundamental knowledge but with several potential avenues for future impact in for example improved vaccines. 
 
Title Detection of HA antigens of avian influenza viruses 
Description Assay for detection of recombinant HVT expressing HA antigens of avian influenza viruses 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This new method will help to detect recombinant HVT vaccine expressing HA antigen in infected cell. 
 
Title Development of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotypes 
Description Method to allow assessment of SARS-CoV-2 entry, which can be used in various experiments including VNTs to assess humoral immune response (in convalescent or vaccinated individuals) 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Application in the establishment of the SARS-CoV-2 international reference standard by NIBSC 
 
Title Development of a serological standard for Nipah virus in collaboration with NIBSC 
Description We have helped to test and characterise a serological standard for NIBSC. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact None to date - the reagent has yet to be released. 
 
Title Development of assays for quantifying fusion inhibitory antibodies in sera (mFIT assay) 
Description We have developed a micro-fusion inhibition test (mFIT) assay to identify and quantify antibody responses (to vaccines etc.) which are capable of inhibiting viral induced cell-cell fusion. This test has been developed for various negative strand viruses (Nipah and RSV) as well as SARS-CoV-2 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This assay was used to aide development of the NIBSC WHO international standard for SARS-CoV-2 
 
Title Development of high-throughput assay for examining viral mediated cell-cell fusion 
Description We have developed and optimised high-throughput assays (96 well plate format) to examine viral induced cell-cell fusion, using an adapted Bi-FC approach. We are using this to identify inhibitors of paramyxovirus, e.g. measles and RSV, fusion and attachment proteins as well as SARS-CoV-2. This has been integrated with next-generation platforms such as the Incucyte real-time imaging system available at The Pirbright Institute, and the system has been rationalised so that it is entirely inducible. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact We are using this assay to examine the innate immune restriction of paramyxovirus replication. 
 
Title Establishment of the First WHO International Standard for anti-Rift Valley fever virus antibody 
Description We contributed to the characterisation of a panel of anti-RVFV antibodies to be used as an international standard. Our data and those of other national and international collaborators were collated by colleagues at NIBSC. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The antibody panel will we used as a standardised reference panel to normalise antibody responses to RVFV against. This will be particularly useful in diagnostics. 
 
Title Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP) of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) replication factories 
Description Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP) of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) replication factories. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact We have used this technology to determine that IBDV replication factories display qualities of liquid-liquid phase separation 
 
Title Hybridomas NGS data analysis method 
Description The method enables the accurate identification of heavy and light chain antibody variable regions from diverse data, including aberrant variable chains, PCR artifacts, and indexed hoped products within sequencing datasets. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The method is helping in securing unique hybridoma collections globally through sequencing. 700 hybridomas have sequenced till date, reducing cost of liquid nitrogen storage and allowing engineering of these reagents to meet diverse research needs and facilitating reagents sharing with research community as sequences. 
 
Title IBDV Reverse Genetics System 
Description We have developed a reverse genetics system for IBDV. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact We have used the reverse genetics system to generate recombinant IBDVs and chimeric recombinant IBDVs that contain genes from classical and very virulent strains of IBDV in the background of a cell culture adapted attenuated strain. This will enable us to study the effect of individual virus genes on pathogenicity. 
 
Title Library of Arenavirus and alphacoronavirus receptors and attachment proteins 
Description We have developed a wide database of attachment proteins and receptors for two different virus groups to help better understand virus host range. This was developed in collaboration with a bioinformatician to help select a representative database. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact None to date - project still ongoing. 
 
Title Method for sequencing of ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus) based on long reads 
Description The ASFV genome is repetitive, due to the presence of families of genes that are present in multiple copies (>10). As a result, sequencing based on short reads only would not be able to reconstruct the genome in its entirety. In addition, good quality full genome sequencing of ASFV is complicated by persistence contamination with fragments of host DNA. We are developing a novel protocol that will allow the sequencing of the virus using long-read technologies (PacBio or Oxford Nanopore). Probe-capture libraries have been designed to mitigate the problem of host contamination by selectively purifying viral DNA from a wide range of different ASFV genotypes. Protocols are being developed to prepare high quality high molecular weight viral DNA from different sample types suitable for generating sequencing libraries for long-read sequencing. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact More than 100 samples from 18 different LMIC countries have been identified and collated for sequencing with the new protocol. They will be added to the web-portal for transboundary pathogens which is currently being developed thanks to BBSRC funding. 
 
Title Method to evenly load flowcells with multiple samples 
Description Pirbright has an Illumina NextSeq sequencing machine installed in containment. Given the large amount of sequencing reads produced by each run, multiple samples are usually multiplexed on the same flowcell. However, determining the correct concentrations needed to obtain the same amount of reads for each sample is a hard problem, and usually requires a number of expensive and material-consuming kits to be run prior to sequencing. We have developed a method that allows samples to be evenly multiplexed based only on Bioanalyzer data (we routinely run Bioanalyser on the samples anyway as a form of quality control). The method works well, and reliably across a wide range of sample concentrations and sequenced organisms. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The method greatly increased the quality of our output, and drastically simplified our workflow by eliminating the external quantification steps that were previously required. 
 
Title Optimisation of chicken kidney cell culture preparation 
Description We have optimised the method of extracting kidneys and preparing chicken kidney (CK) cell cultures from chickens. CK cells are used for in vitro assays to study avian viruses, in particular infectious bronchitis virus. 
Type Of Material Cell line 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This has increased the yield of viable cells and the quality of the cell cultures. We can now obtain the number of cells we require using fewer chicken kidneys, therefore requiring fewer chickens to be culled. This is an important development for the 3Rs. We hope to publish this method for others' information. 
 
Title Optimisation of preparation of TOCs from adult chickens 
Description Tracheal organ cultures (TOCs) are prepared from chicken embryos and used to assess growth of avian viruses that are not able to be propagated in cell culture. We have optimised the method of TOCs preparation from 3-week old chickens and are using these to assess viral genetic stability and phenotype in organ cultures that are a similar environment to the site of replication in whole chickens. 
Type Of Material Cell line 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact We hope that this technique will reduce the number of chickens required for in vivo experiments, in line with the 3Rs, and plan to publish the method in due course. 
 
Title Panel of ACE2 proteins for screening SARS-CoV-2 host range 
Description A biological library of ACE2 expression constructs representing receptors from 22 different human and animal species. In 2022 we extended this to over 60 proteins to widen our understanding of sarbecovirus host range. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Establishment of surveillance tools to examine the potential reverse zoonotic spillover of SARS-CoV-2 into anima species 
 
Title Recombinant antibody generation pipeline - WM 
Description Validated a sequencing protocol at Pirbright for mouse hybridomas, cattle heterohybridomas, and porcine B cells. Vector constructed for humans, mouse, cattle, pigs and chicken to allow ligation of commercially generated antibody gene blocks or PCR products generated by degenerate or 5' RACE PCR. These methods allow the following: • Sequencing mAbs • Making Fab fragments from mAbs • Class switching mAbs • Species switching mAbs 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The methods developed have enabled a standardised pipeline that allows cloning of PCR products or synthetic gene constructs for recombinant antibody generation from various species. This uniform approach avoids development of bespoke protocols for each species thus saving time and resources. 
URL http://www.immunologicaltoolbox.co.uk
 
Title Reverse genetics system for Rift Valley fever virus and other bunyaviruses 
Description We developed a T7-based reverse genetics system for RVFV including for the rescue of a panel of novel reporter viruses. Using this system, virus will be rescued by transfection of cells with three plasmids encoding the three genome segments, driven by T7 polymerase which needs to be provided (e.g. stably or transiently expressed). Helper plasmids are no longer needed. RVFV-specific sequences can be easily replaced by those of other bunyaviruses of interest. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This research tool is used by my team and by collaborators and will be made available to the research community on request without MTA. The development of this system has reduced our reliance on other systems with restricted use (by MTA) and thus increases the UK's preparedness for bunyaviruses emergences as well as provides opportunities for commercial use. 
 
Title Stable chicken cell lines overexpressing chicken IFITM1,2 and 3 
Description In collaboration with Mark Fife, we have produced chicken stable cell lines overexpressing chicken IFITM1,2, 3 and a mutant chicken IFITM3 lacking palmitoylation sites. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact These cell lines will be used to evaluate the effect of the IFITM proteins on the replication of different viruses, including IBDV. 
 
Title UniMMap- a pipeline for mapping RNAseq data over repetitive immune complexes. 
Description To exploit the abundance of available short read sequencing data we have developed a pipeline that uses mappability to accurately measure transcription over repetitive gene complexes. This methods uses known haplotypes to examine regions of uniqueness, and then the RNAseq data from the individual to train the method to be species or individual specific. This is particularly important over gene complexes that contain genes involved in the immune system, that are often highly similar in sequence but can have profoundly different functions. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact the immediate impact will be adding fine resolution data to livestock gene expression atlas projects lead by the FAANG consortium. Further impact will be arising as this method is published and we apply it to numerous existing datasets the are publically avaialable as well as generated at Pirbright and by our collaborators. 
 
Title Use of reverse genetics to develop PPR DIVA vaccines 
Description Reverse genetics technique has been established for PPR virus in our laboratory. As PPR vaccine is a live attenuated virus, it is not possible to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals (DIVA) in existing antibody assays. However using reverse genetics technique we have manipulated/mutated residues in the full-length cDNA of virus and rescued the live attenuated vaccine strain which worked as a DIVA vaccine. Using this technique a GFP ( Green fluorescent protein) has been introduced into the virulent PPR virus that helped to follow the virus in the infected goats. Similarly using this technique we have modified the existing live attenuated viruses ( Nigeria 75/1) and Sungri 96/1) in to recombinant marker vaccines that enables to differentiate between infection and vaccination ( DIVA). So we have demonstrated that reverse genetics tool can be used to study the pathogenesis and to develop the marker vaccines. This technique can be adapted for other negative strand viruses to design the DIVA vaccines. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2015 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact PPR DIVA vaccine developed that can differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. This will be helpful to know the efficacy of vaccine by knowing the presence antibodies in animal is due to vaccination or infection. This will reduce the eradication time and will facilitate to declare freedom of diseases as soon as Possible without long waiting period. 
 
Title chimeric IBDVs 
Description Andrew Broadbent has engineered chimeric IBDVs expressing individual genes from a very virulent strain in the backbone of an attenuated strain. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact These chimeric strains can be used to define viral determinants of virulence. 
 
Title porcine TOCs 
Description We have developed the method of preparing and infecting tracheal organ cultures (TOCs) from pigs with porcine coronaviruses. 
Type Of Material Cell line 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The development of the porcine TOCs will allow us to study the replication, tropism and evolution of porcine coronaviruses in biologically relevant tissues, without the requirement for an in vivo study. Porcine coronaviruses can be used as a model for SARS-CoV-2 infection of humans. 
 
Title replication competent recombinant split-GFP infectious bursal disease virus 
Description We have generated a replication competent recombinant split-GFP infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) where a small GFP11 molecule is tagged to the virus polymerase (VP1) to make IBDV-VP1-GFP11. Infected cells that express the GFP1-10 molecule fluoresce green when the GFP11 tag complements the GFP1-10. The IBDV-VP1-GFP11 colocalises with VP3 and dsRNA and therefore is likely to be present at the sites of virus replication. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This tool can be used to study IBDV replication complex development in infected cells. 
 
Title scRNA seq analysis of porcine BAL 
Description We describe for the first time scRNA-seq analysis of porcine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a cell source increasingly used to analyse respiratory immune responses, and which has been shown to be major correlate for protection against respiratory infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Our work reveals both similar and unique cell subsets and divergent transcriptome profiles of BAL immune cells compared to publicly available data from blood cells. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The data we have generated will provide an atlas for future pig BAL scRNA-seq studies. 
 
Title tetracysteine-tagged IBDV 
Description Andrew Broadbent has engineered a tetracysteine (TC)-tagged IBDV that can be used in live cell imaging and co-infection studies with the split-GFP IBDV. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This tool, combined with the split-GFP IBDV, will enable us to study co-infection, super-infection exclusion, and the intracellular requirements for viral reassortment. 
 
Title Additional file 3 of Low pathogenic avian influenza virus infection retards colon microbiota diversification in two different chicken lines 
Description Additional file 3. Supplementary Table S5. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_3_of_Low_pathogenic_avian_influ...
 
Title Additional file 3 of Low pathogenic avian influenza virus infection retards colon microbiota diversification in two different chicken lines 
Description Additional file 3. Supplementary Table S5. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_3_of_Low_pathogenic_avian_influ...
 
Title Additional file 4 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 4: Dataset 1. Full data set of collected Culicoides including site, trap location, collection date and morphological identification. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_4_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 4 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 4: Dataset 1. Full data set of collected Culicoides including site, trap location, collection date and morphological identification. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_4_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 5 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 5: Table S1. Species composition of blood-fed Culicoides caught in traps. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_5_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 5 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 5: Table S1. Species composition of blood-fed Culicoides caught in traps. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_5_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 6 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 6: Table S2. Results of blood meal analysis of Culicoides collected from ZSL London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_6_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 6 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 6: Table S2. Results of blood meal analysis of Culicoides collected from ZSL London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_6_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 7 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 7: Table S3. Comparison of different models for the number of Culicoides biting midges caught at London and Whipsnade zoos. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_7_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 7 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 7: Table S3. Comparison of different models for the number of Culicoides biting midges caught at London and Whipsnade zoos. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_7_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 8 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 8: Table S4. Effect of seasonality, year, temperature and trap location on the number of Culicoides collected. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_8_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Additional file 8 of Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK 
Description Additional file 8: Table S4. Effect of seasonality, year, temperature and trap location on the number of Culicoides collected. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/Additional_file_8_of_Culicoides_species_composition_and...
 
Title Analysis of paramyxovirus replication using Incucyte real-time imager 
Description We have optimised a data analysis pipeline for the Incucyte real-time imager to allow us to track viral replication in a high-throughput fashion (up to 6 x 96-well plates). This is based on simultaneous analysis of phase, as well as green and red fluorescence. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Only preliminary data to date. 
 
Title Babraham pig genome assembly and transcriptome atlas 
Description A long-read whole genome assembly of the Babraham pig (TPI_Babraham_pig_v1; GCA_031225015.1) 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None yet. 
 
Title Boosting the FM-index on the GPU 
Description The FM-index is a data structure that lies at the core of most modern short-read aligners. Our work describes what is perhaps the first implementation of the FM-index on the GPU able to take full advantage of the high hardware parallelism (large number of computing cores) offered by modern Graphical Processing Units. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2016 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Short-read aligners are instrumental to the analysis of high-throughput sequencing experiments. As alignment is central to most analysis pipelines, speeding it up is essential to improve the performance of many bioinformatics tools. Thanks to our new algorithm FM-index based searches can be sped up by a large factor on all computers where a suitable GPU is present. 
 
Title Capsid-Specific Antibody Responses of Domestic Pigs Immunized with Low-Virulent African swine fever virus 
Description Excel file contains the raw data (P/N ratios) and results of statistical analyses that were used to plot the figures outlined in the publication Tng et al. Capsid-Specific Antibody Responses of Domestic Pigs Immunized with Low-Virulent African swine fever virus.Graphs were produced with GraphPad Prism v.9 and statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism v.9. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Capsid-Specific_Antibody_Responses_of_Domestic_Pigs_Immunized_...
 
Title Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses after Immunisation with Low Virulent African Swine Fever Virus in the Large White Inbred Babraham Line and Outbred Domestic Pigs 
Description Raw data for manuscript. Contains temperature, clinical scores, qPCR, blood cell numbers and immune responses over time for two groups of pigs immunised with low virulent African swine fever virus and challenged with highly virulent virus. Data for each panel or figure is displayed on a separate worksheet in the file. The readme worksheet contains a brief description of each figure. The majority of data is displayed in an XY table format, with the number of days post immunisation with low virulent virus indicated. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None as yet 
URL https://zenodo.org/record/6794942
 
Title Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses after Immunisation with Low Virulent African Swine Fever Virus in the Large White Inbred Babraham Line and Outbred Domestic Pigs 
Description Raw data for manuscript. Contains temperature, clinical scores, qPCR, blood cell numbers and immune responses over time for two groups of pigs immunised with low virulent African swine fever virus and challenged with highly virulent virus. Data for each panel or figure is displayed on a separate worksheet in the file. The readme worksheet contains a brief description of each figure. The majority of data is displayed in an XY table format, with the number of days post immunisation with low virulent virus indicated. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://zenodo.org/record/6794941
 
Title Data from: A field study evaluating the humoral immune response in Mongolian sheep vaccinated against sheeppox virus 
Description Sheeppox is a transboundary disease of sheep caused by infection with the capripoxvirus sheeppox virus (SPPV). Sheeppox is found in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and is characterised by fever, multifocal cutaneous raised lesions, and death, with substantial negative impact on affected flocks. Vaccination with live attenuated capripoxvirus (CPPV) strains is an effective and widely used means of controlling sheeppox outbreaks, however there are few reports of post-vaccination field surveillance studies of sheeppox. This study used a commercially available ELISA and a fluorescence-based neutralisation assay (FVNT) to examine quantitative and temporal features of the humoral response of sheep vaccinated with a live attenuated CPPV strain in Mongolia. 400 samples were tested using the ELISA, and a subset of 45 also tested with the FVNT. There was substantial agreement between the FVNT and ELISA tests. Antibodies to CPPV were detected between 40 and 262 days post vaccination. There was no significant difference between serological status (positive / negative) and sex or age, however an inverse correlation was found between the length of time since vaccination and serological status. Animals between 90 and 180 days post-vaccination were more likely to be positive than animals greater than 180 days post vaccination. This data provides temporal parameters to consider when planning sheeppox post-vaccination monitoring programmes. In summary, our results show a commercial CPPV ELISA kit is a robust and reliable assay for use in resource-restricted low and low-middle income countries for post CPPV vaccination surveillance on a regional or national level. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact In summary, our results show a commercial CPPV ELISA kit is a robust and reliable assay for use in resource-restricted low and low-middle income countries for post CPPV vaccination surveillance on a regional or national level. 
URL http://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.msbcc2fvx
 
Title FDA drug screening of RSV and SARS-CoV-2 cell-cell fusion 
Description Using inducible cell-cell fusion assays for SARS-CoV-2 and RSV we have screened the FDA approved use drug library for inhibitors of these viral-induced processes 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact No impact as yet, data still being validated in live virus assays 
 
Title Full length cattle MHC genes 
Description Using our method for full length MHC gene amplification, the largest reference set ever produced from common haplotypes has been sequenced and deposited in the publicly available data IPD-MHC with associated research tools. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact None yet, but it will allow far greater resolution when analysing MHC polymorphism and evolution in cattle populations. 
URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/mhc/group/BoLA/
 
Title Method to detect the expression of repetitive genes 
Description Reconstructing expression levels of genes having a high repeat content is difficult, due to the impossibility of assigning RNA-sequencing that have multiple mappings to their correct originating location. In collaboration with the Immunogenetics group, the Integrative Biology and Bioinformatics groups are developing a data analysis method to circumvent the problem.The method has already been shown to be effective on some KIR genes in cattle. An essential component of the immune system, their family is rich in repeated members and repetitive regions, making the technique essential if one wants to study them. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Being able to resolve the expression of repetitive genes, which are plentiful in most mammalian genomes, would be essential to the high-precision study of many important gene families, including most of the genes of the immune system. The technique has already proven itself effective on a real-life problem, and holds the potential to be extended to many more biological systems 
 
Title Supporting data for "De novo assembly of the cattle reference genome with single-molecule sequencing" 
Description Major advances in selection progress for cattle have been made following the introduction of genomic tools over the past 10-12 years. These tools depend upon the Bos taurus reference genome (UMD3.1.1), which was created using now-outdated technologies and suffers from a variety of deficiencies and inaccuracies. We present the new reference genome for cattle, ARS-UCD1.2, based on the same animal as the original to facilitate transfer and interpretation of results obtained from the earlier version, but applying a combination of modern technologies in a de novo assembly to increase continuity, accuracy, and completeness. The assembly includes 2.7 Gb, and is >250x more continuous than the original assembly, with contig N50 >25 Mb and L50 of 32. We also greatly expanded supporting RNA-based data for annotation that identifies 30,396 total genes (21,039 protein coding). The new reference assembly is accessible in annotated form for public use. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL http://gigadb.org/dataset/100669
 
Title Technique for analysing interferon stimulated gene inhibition of RSV cell-cell fusion 
Description We have developed the techniques and performed the experiments to examine the effect of over-expressing individual interferon stimulated genes on RSV (bovine and human) replication and cell-cell fusion. This was achieved through integration of library technologies (for the ISGs) and high throughout imaging platforms. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact No impact yet as data has still to be published. Manuscript in preparation. 
 
Title The molecular basis of antigenic variation among A(H9N2) avian influenza viruses 
Description Avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses are an increasing threat to global poultry production and, through zoonotic infection, to human health where they are considered viruses with pandemic potential. Vaccination of poultry is a key element of disease control in endemic countries, but vaccine effectiveness is persistently challenged by the emergence of antigenic variants. Here we employed a combination of techniques to investigate the genetic basis of H9N2 antigenic variability and evaluate the role of different molecular mechanisms of immune escape. We systematically tested the influence of published H9N2 monoclonal antibody escape mutants on chicken antisera binding, determining that many have no significant effect. Substitutions introducing additional glycosylation sites were a notable exception, though these are relatively rare among circulating viruses. To identify substitutions responsible for antigenic variation in circulating viruses, we performed an integrated meta-analysis of all published H9 haemagglutinin sequences and antigenic data. We validated this statistical analysis experimentally and allocated several new residues to H9N2 antigenic sites, providing molecular markers that will help explain vaccine breakdown in the field and inform vaccine selection decisions. We find evidence for the importance of alternative mechanisms of immune escape, beyond simple modulation of epitope structure, with substitutions increasing glycosylation or receptor-binding avidity, exhibiting the largest impacts on chicken antisera binding. Of these, meta-analysis indicates avidity regulation to be more relevant to the evolution of circulating viruses, suggesting that a specific focus on avidity regulation is required to fully understand the molecular basis of immune escape by influenza, and potentially other viruses. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/dataset/The_molecular_basis_of_antigenic_variation_among_A_H9N2_...
 
Title The molecular basis of antigenic variation among A(H9N2) avian influenza viruses 
Description Avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses are an increasing threat to global poultry production and, through zoonotic infection, to human health where they are considered viruses with pandemic potential. Vaccination of poultry is a key element of disease control in endemic countries, but vaccine effectiveness is persistently challenged by the emergence of antigenic variants. Here we employed a combination of techniques to investigate the genetic basis of H9N2 antigenic variability and evaluate the role of different molecular mechanisms of immune escape. We systematically tested the influence of published H9N2 monoclonal antibody escape mutants on chicken antisera binding, determining that many have no significant effect. Substitutions introducing additional glycosylation sites were a notable exception, though these are relatively rare among circulating viruses. To identify substitutions responsible for antigenic variation in circulating viruses, we performed an integrated meta-analysis of all published H9 haemagglutinin sequences and antigenic data. We validated this statistical analysis experimentally and allocated several new residues to H9N2 antigenic sites, providing molecular markers that will help explain vaccine breakdown in the field and inform vaccine selection decisions. We find evidence for the importance of alternative mechanisms of immune escape, beyond simple modulation of epitope structure, with substitutions increasing glycosylation or receptor-binding avidity, exhibiting the largest impacts on chicken antisera binding. Of these, meta-analysis indicates avidity regulation to be more relevant to the evolution of circulating viruses, suggesting that a specific focus on avidity regulation is required to fully understand the molecular basis of immune escape by influenza, and potentially other viruses. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/dataset/The_molecular_basis_of_antigenic_variation_among_A_H9N2_...
 
Title Viral assembly pipeline 
Description The Integrative Biology and Bioinformatics group has developed a data analysis pipeline to obtain sensitive and robust viral assemblies out of high-throughput sequencing data. In spite of the relatively short genomic length of most viruses, assembling of viral sequences can be challenging due to several reasons, such as: low amount of material in the sample, which might require amplification, introducing biases, and/or generates low-quality sequences; uneven coverage due to low-quality material or the genomic material of the virus being RNA; the viral nucleic acid being almost lost in the background of nucleic acid of the host. Our pipeline overcomes most of those problems, and is even able to detect different viral strains being present together in the same sample. It can also be used on metagenomic environmental samples. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The pipeline is being deployed as the tool of choice for the nascent sequencing facility at Pirbright. It has been used by several groups at Pirbright, and the FMDV World Reference Lab, in order to assemble very different kinds of viruses. 
 
Title Viral variant calling pipeline 
Description The Integrative Biology and Bioinformatics group has developed a data analysis pipeline to obtain sensitive and robust variant calling for viral sequences out of high-throughput sequencing data. In spite of the relatively short genomic length of most viruses, calling variant for viral sequences can be challenging due to several reasons, such as: low amount of material in the sample, which might require amplification, introducing biases, and/or generates low-quality sequences; very high genome coverage, which slows down most existing variant callers; the presence of a potentially very high number of different haplotypes for RNA viruses, which is an unusual scenario in variant calling. Our fast and sensitive Bayesian pipeline overcomes most of those problems. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The pipeline is being deployed as the tool of choice for the nascent sequencing facility at Pirbright. It has been used by several groups at Pirbright, and the FMDV World Reference Lab, in order to assemble very different kinds of viruses. 
 
Description ASFV Structure 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have prepared samples for analysis
Collaborator Contribution Electron tomographic analysis of the samples we provided.
Impact None as yet.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Anihwa Call 1 
Organisation Friedrich Loeffler Institute
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution 1. Conducted challenge experiments in goats to study pathogenicity. 2. Developed NGS technology to sequence PPR whole genome.
Collaborator Contribution FLI has conducted transmission study between different species ( Goats, pig, camel). For the first time they showed that pigs are clinically infected by PPR virus.
Impact Joint Publications
Start Year 2013
 
Description Arbovirus reverse genetics systems (AM) 
Organisation University of Tartu
Country Estonia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We brought our expertise in flaviviruses, in particular emerging flaviviruses including Zika virus and Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus. We also brought our expertise in high containtment virology up to ACDP Hazard Group 3, SAPO3 and Schedule 5 for molecularly characterising recombinant viruses.
Collaborator Contribution The partner brought their expertise in making viral reverse genetics systems for dissecting the function of viral proteins.
Impact A number of reverse genetics systems for flaviviruses have been generated, which are allowing us to interrogate questions about how viruses jump between host and vector species.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Assembly of CHIKV in host cells/JEOL TEM training 
Organisation National Cheng Kung University
Country Taiwan, Province of China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Visit to Tainan in May 2017, provided training in cellular imaging of virally infected cells. Gave a seminar entitled Bioimaging at The Pirbright Institute. Hosted two visitors for two weeks in Bioimaging at Pirbright, provided training in EM sample preparation and data interpretation.
Collaborator Contribution Professor Shang-Rung Wu hosted me for one week in Taiwan. During the visit to Pirbright, the Taiwanese researchers provided training on JEOL 2100F TEM to Pirbright researchers. Professor Wu provided prepared samples for imaging at a later date.
Impact No outputs yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC - Oxford University iCASE Studentship (October 2019- September 2023). Production and assessment of antiviral prophylactic properties of natural biomolecules against avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses affecting poultry production 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This collaboration between The Pirbright Institute (UK), Oxford University (UK) and industrial partners in Italy. This project will conceived and developed bu MI. The PhD student (Holly Everest) in my group is investigating the antiviral prophylactic properties of natural biomolecules against avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses affecting poultry production.
Collaborator Contribution The partners in Italy will produce and purify natural antiviral molecules effective against avian influenza and other poultry viruses.
Impact This project started in January 2020.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Belsham 
Organisation Technical University of Denmark
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Joint PhD studentship and ongoing collaboration on capsid assembly
Collaborator Contribution Joint PhD studentship and ongoing collaboration on capsid assembly
Impact Joint PhD studentship Further funding
Start Year 2016
 
Description Belsham 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Joint PhD studentship and ongoing collaboration on capsid assembly
Collaborator Contribution Joint PhD studentship and ongoing collaboration on capsid assembly
Impact Joint PhD studentship Further funding
Start Year 2016
 
Description CUI at King's College London 
Organisation King's College London
Department Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Joint PhD student based at King's
Collaborator Contribution Primary supervisor is at King's
Impact Student has attended Imaging meetings in Ireland and UK and has given a talk and submitted two posters.
Start Year 2022
 
Description CVR-TPI collaboration on Rift Valley fever virus and arboviruses 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided technical expertise, identified objectives, shared protocols, undertook project and time management, established collaborations with third parties, provided leadership.
Collaborator Contribution The collaborators provided technical expertise and reagents.
Impact Generation of a Rift Valley fever virus reverse genetics system for use in research and commercialization. The RG system enhanced our preparedness to bunyavirus emergence in the UK and Europe more broadly. Over the years, we have published several research articles on arbovirus-insect interactions. We have a joint PhD studentship that commenced in October 2022.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Characterisation of ASFV isolates 
Organisation Friedrich Loeffler Institute
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Full genome sequencing of uncharacterised ASFV isolates
Collaborator Contribution Biological characterisation of ASFV isolates
Impact Non as yet.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Chicken Microbiome - Robert La Ragione - University of Surrey 
Organisation University of Surrey
Department School of Veterinary Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Providing sequencing data of gut microbiome from chickens infected with avian influenza viruses.
Collaborator Contribution Sharing expertise in the analysis of microbiome data
Impact Joint manuscripts and funding opportunities are being explored
Start Year 2019
 
Description Collaboration on replication of mumps virus in cells 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input so far, training research assistant to prepare samples, imaging samples in transmission electron microscopes
Collaborator Contribution Preliminary confocal microscopy to optimize sample conditions. Preparation of samples for EM.
Impact No outcomes yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Collaboration on replication of mumps virus in cells 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input so far, training research assistant to prepare samples, imaging samples in transmission electron microscopes
Collaborator Contribution Preliminary confocal microscopy to optimize sample conditions. Preparation of samples for EM.
Impact No outcomes yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Collaboration on the development of intranasal live-attenuated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 
Organisation Lancaster University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Contributed reagents to tests the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an intranasal live-attenuated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical animal models including mice and hamster.
Collaborator Contribution The partners undertook most of the work to complete the study detailed in the publication entitled "Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an intranasal live-attenuated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical animal models". https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.08.425974v1 Abstract of publication. The global deployment of an effective and safe vaccine is currently a public health priority to curtail the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we evaluated a Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-based intranasal vectored-vaccine in mice and hamsters for its immunogenicity, safety and protective efficacy in challenge studies with SARS-CoV-2. The recombinant (r)NDV-S vaccine expressing spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 administrated via intranasal route in mice induced high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG2a antibodies and T cell-mediated immunity. Hamsters vaccinated with two doses of vaccine showed complete protection from clinical disease including lung infection, inflammation, and pathological lesions after SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Importantly, a single or double dose of intranasal rNDV-S vaccine completely blocked SARS-CoV-2 shedding in nasal turbinate and lungs within 4 days of vaccine administration in hamsters. Taken together, intranasal administration of rNDV-S has the potential to control infection at the site of inoculation, which should prevent both the clinical disease and transmission to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact The partnership resulted in a joint publication. "Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an intranasal live-attenuated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical animal models". https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.08.425974v1 Abstract of publication. The global deployment of an effective and safe vaccine is currently a public health priority to curtail the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we evaluated a Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-based intranasal vectored-vaccine in mice and hamsters for its immunogenicity, safety and protective efficacy in challenge studies with SARS-CoV-2. The recombinant (r)NDV-S vaccine expressing spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 administrated via intranasal route in mice induced high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG2a antibodies and T cell-mediated immunity. Hamsters vaccinated with two doses of vaccine showed complete protection from clinical disease including lung infection, inflammation, and pathological lesions after the SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Importantly, a single or double dose of intranasal rNDV-S vaccine completely blocked SARS-CoV-2 shedding in nasal turbinate and lungs within 4 days of vaccine administration in hamsters. Taken together, intranasal administration of rNDV-S has the potential to control infection at the site of inoculation, which should prevent both the clinical disease and transmission to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with Bauchi State Veterinary Services, Nigeria 
Organisation Bauchi State University
Country Nigeria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have provided expertise on sheeppox, goatpox and lumpy skin disease virus diagnosis and epidemiology
Collaborator Contribution Our collaborators in Bauchi State have provided virus samples and epidemiological data
Impact Preliminary data was used to support successful funding via a BBSRC Impact Accelerator Award, and a Pathways to Impact project in BBSRC project BB/R008833/1 "Development of rationally designed live-attenuated lumpy skin disease vaccines"
Start Year 2016
 
Description Collaboration with Dr. Lindsay Broadbent on RSV 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We worked together to write a joint application for a PhD project between Pirbright and Surrey on examining the innate immune response to RSV in ALI models of the lung.
Collaborator Contribution We worked together to write a joint application for a PhD project between Pirbright and Surrey on examining the innate immune response to RSV in ALI models of the lung.
Impact The PhD project was funded and a student has been recruited to start in October 2022.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Collaboration with Keith Chappell on virus neutralisation 
Organisation University of Queensland
Country Australia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Assessment of neutralisation to a range of viral immunogens by VNT using pseudotyping technology Assessment of neutralisation to a range of viral immunogens by microfusion inhibition test
Collaborator Contribution Provision of sera from vaccination studies Provision of constructs for pseudotyping and cell-cell fusion
Impact None yet, publications in preparation
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with Moredun to develop secondary reagents to detect different Immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes in pig and cattle. 
Organisation Moredun Research Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The Pirbright Immunological Toolbox provided the recombinant IgG constructs and proteins for this project.
Collaborator Contribution To develop and validate the new reagents against cattle and pig IgGs.
Impact No impact yet as the work is still in progress
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with NIBSC: Establishment of the First WHO International Standard for anti-Rift Valley fever virus antibody 
Organisation National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)
Country United Kingdom 
PI Contribution We have tested a set of antibodies provided by NIBSC for their neutralization efficiency against RVFV using viral neutralization assays. We reported results to NIBSC and edited a manuscript.
Collaborator Contribution NIBSC project managed, provided reagents, analysed data and prepared a manuscript for publication.
Impact Generation of research reagents.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Collaboration with Prof. Jane McKeating on RSV and SARS-CoV-2 virology 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 cell-cell fusion under various conditions, and with chemical inhibitors Provision of RSV reagents
Collaborator Contribution Provision of inhibitors and other reagents Experimentation with RSV
Impact None yet, paper under review
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with State Central Veterinary Laboratory, Mongolia 
Organisation State Central Veterinary Laboratory
Country Mongolia 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution We provided tools, techniques and expertise on sheeppox and goatpox
Collaborator Contribution Our colleagues provided data and field samples
Impact A workshop was held in Pirbright in March 2017, and a return workshop in Ulaanbaatar in July 2017. Preliminary data supported successful grant applications for an Impact Accelerator Award, and a Pathways to Impact project in BB/R008833/1 "Development of rationally designed live-attenuated lumpy skin disease vaccines".
Start Year 2016
 
Description Collaboration with Surrey University on proteomics 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Sharing of ideas and reagents to work on RSV data sets and new experimental approaches.
Collaborator Contribution Provision of expertise in analysing mass spec data and access to high-tech machines for downstream analysis.
Impact None to date, although papers are being written up.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Collaboration with Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 on bunyavirus-host interactions 
Organisation Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (UCBL)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We undertake research studies on bunyavirus-host interactions.
Collaborator Contribution Our partners undertake research studies on bunyavirus-host interactions and provide reagents to us.
Impact Exchange of technologies and reagents.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Collaboration with University of Cambridge 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have performed in vitro experiments with infectious bronchitis virus, contributed to data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and discussed further funding opportunities.
Collaborator Contribution Our partners have analysed viral transcription and translation, and host gene expression after infection of host cells with infectious bronchitis virus, prepared manuscripts and discussed further funding opportunities.
Impact Dinan, A., Keep, S., Bickerton, E., Britton, P., Firth, A. and Brierley, I. (2019) Comparative analysis of gene expression in virulent and attenuated strains of infectious bronchitis virus at sub-codon resolution. J. Virol. 93(18) e00714-19. PhD studentship funding from The Pirbright Institute "Investigation of Canonical and Noncanonical Transcription during Coronavirus Replication" which commenced in 2021.
Start Year 2012
 
Description Collaboration with University of Copenhagen CFIM on cell biology of virus-host interactions 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input into virus projects which come in to the microscopy core facility at the University. Limited practical work and training given to researchers there. Includes lecturing/organisation of MSc and PhD courses at Copenhagen. PH awarded Visiting Professorship.
Collaborator Contribution Research projects are presented to the core facility, I advise on the best route for achieving the data required and those researchers complete preliminary data following my advice. Collaborators are then able to produce the best possible samples for further advanced microscopy as necessary.
Impact No tangible outcomes yet as we are in early stages. This is multi-disciplinary as projects can come from several University departments (medical, pathology, cell biology, veterinary, food), and other Universities in Denmark (DTU). University awarded Visiting Professorship
Start Year 2018
 
Description Collaborative PhD student project on virus-bacteria-host-vector interaction 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Department The Roslin Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This is a collaborative PhD studentship funded by The Pirbright Institute between Pirbright and the Roslin Institute. The student is investigating how bacteria or bacterial compounds will effect bluetongue virus replication in mammalian host cells with a specific emphasis on skin derived migratory cells. While mainly based at Pirbright the student will visit the Roslin Institute and spend some time in the lab of Prof. Jane Hope.
Collaborator Contribution The student will carry out the main laboratory work at Pirbright including infection studies of ruminant primary host target cells in the presence/ absence of bacterial compounds. There will be regular meetings between the students and supervisors at Pirbright and at Roslin (at least monthly by skype) and the student will visit the Roslin group for specific work aspects such as flow cytometry of skin derived pseudo-afferent lymph cells. Roslin will also make cattle pseudo-afferent lymph cells available to the student and Pirbright for ex vivo BTV infection studies.
Impact bacteriology, virology, immunology, virus-host interaction
Start Year 2019
 
Description Collaborative PhD studentship on the mechanisms and importance of BTV co-infections on viral reassortment and diversity 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on BTV infections of relevant host and vector cells, carrying out synchronous and asynchronous BTV co-infection between multiple strains, identification of superinfection exclusion, assay development for BTV strain specific detection, NGS sequencing
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on analysis of large data sets especially bioinformatic analysis of NGS sequence data and identification of reassortment, application of advanced mathematical analysis
Impact Shared supervision of a PhD candidate, regular team meetings, training and development of a PhD candidate across both organizations, inter-disciplinary exchange between virology, genetics, molecular diagnostics, NGS sequencing and bioinformatics, mathematical modelling
Start Year 2021
 
Description Collaborative network with Ed Wright, Nigel Temperton and Giada Mattiuzzo on SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyping 
Organisation National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)
Country United Kingdom 
PI Contribution Development and establishment of SARS-CoV-2 research tools, including pseudotypes and cell-cell fusion assays
Collaborator Contribution Provision of reagents, protocols and technical guidance
Impact We aided in NIBSC's development of WHO international standard for SARS-CoV-2 and have a publication in press on sarbecovirus neutralisation: bioarchived here https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.17.456606v1
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborative network with Ed Wright, Nigel Temperton and Giada Mattiuzzo on SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyping 
Organisation University of Kent
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development and establishment of SARS-CoV-2 research tools, including pseudotypes and cell-cell fusion assays
Collaborator Contribution Provision of reagents, protocols and technical guidance
Impact We aided in NIBSC's development of WHO international standard for SARS-CoV-2 and have a publication in press on sarbecovirus neutralisation: bioarchived here https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.17.456606v1
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborative network with Ed Wright, Nigel Temperton and Giada Mattiuzzo on SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyping 
Organisation University of Sussex
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development and establishment of SARS-CoV-2 research tools, including pseudotypes and cell-cell fusion assays
Collaborator Contribution Provision of reagents, protocols and technical guidance
Impact We aided in NIBSC's development of WHO international standard for SARS-CoV-2 and have a publication in press on sarbecovirus neutralisation: bioarchived here https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.17.456606v1
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborative project between The Pirbright Institute, UK and Miyazaki University, Japan 
Organisation University of Miyazaki
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provision of expertise in foot-and-mouth virus research; use of high containment facilities to perform experiments
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in tetramer production, analysis and provided financially towards a travel bursary.
Impact The protection afforded by most foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines depends to a large extent on humoral immunity, dictating the need to characterise the underlying mechanisms that mediate antibody production. To address this, we have developed novel major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) class II tetramers to identify antigen specific CD4+ T-cells that are present following vaccination against FMD. To date, we have used a MHC II tetramer (MHC serotype: A18) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MHC-matched cattle vaccinated against FMD (O serotype). Importantly, we have identified CD4+ T-cells that recognise 15 epitopes (identified from 137 peptides) in the FMDV structural proteins; one in VP1, five in VP2, six in VP3 and three in VP4. This work will further our understanding of the repertoire of capsid epitopes recognised by the host's immune response following FMD vaccination and facilitate the identification of new correlates of protection. A first manuscript is in the final stages of preparation and will be submitted shortly.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Collaborative studentship PPRV 
Organisation University of Surrey
Department School of Veterinary Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Practical laboratory work and in vivo animal studies carried out
Collaborator Contribution Intellectual input in scientific remit of studentship, training of student, use of facilities and lab
Impact DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01471-18 Thesis: The immune response to live, attenuated peste des petits ruminants virus vaccines
Start Year 2014
 
Description Commonwealth Scholarship. Molecular determinants impacting avian influenza H9N2 virus evolution, replication fitness and virulence 
Organisation Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I develop a research project proposal in which we are investigating how evolutionary changes in the H9N2 avian influenza virus modulate virus fitness and virulence in chickens. This PhD studentship project was funded by Commonwealth scholarship commission for 3 years.
Collaborator Contribution The collaborating Partner Dr Nicola Lewis at Royal Veterinary College is a co-supervisor of the PhD student Thusitha Karunarathna. she provide necessary guidance to achieve prescribed objectives of this project.
Impact The project is at its initial stage.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Components of the Medea gene drive system in a mosquito Aedes aegypti 
Organisation National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) Taiwan
Department Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine
Country Taiwan, Province of China 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Developed joined research project and lead successful application for funding
Collaborator Contribution Various lines of research, including construction of plasmids and development and characterisation of transgenic mosquito strains; and group discussions about results, conclusions and research progress.
Impact No impact yet.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Components of the Medea gene drive system in a mosquito Aedes aegypti 
Organisation National Institute of Genetics
Department NIG-FLY, Mishima (Drosophila RNAi resources)
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Developed joined research project and lead successful application for funding
Collaborator Contribution Various lines of research, including construction of plasmids and development and characterisation of transgenic mosquito strains; and group discussions about results, conclusions and research progress.
Impact No impact yet.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Development of a bivalent PRRS/Nipah virus vaccine 
Organisation National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
Country Thailand 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV and Nipah virus vaccine research
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in genetically engineering PRRSV
Impact Too early.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Dr Carol Cardona, University of Minnesota- avian influenza virus challenge of IBDV or mock-infected chickens 
Organisation University of Minnesota
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We will challenge birds that have been exposed to IBDV, or mock exposed, with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains to determine how IBDV-mediated immunosuppression impacts upon HPAI infection in chickens.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Cardona's group will challenge birds that have been exposed to IBDV, or mock exposed, with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains to determine how IBDV-mediated immunosuppression impacts upon LPAI infection in chickens.
Impact we have been successful in obtaining funding (Grant Ref: BB/T008806/1)
Start Year 2019
 
Description Dr Holly Shelton, The Pirbright Institute- avian influenza virus challenge of IBDV or mock-infected chickens 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We will expose birds to IBDV, compared to mock controls
Collaborator Contribution Holly will train my group in conducting studies with avian influenza viruses and, together, we will challenge birds with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains to determine how IBDV-mediated immunosuppression impacts upon HPAI infection in chickens.
Impact we have been successful in obtaining funding (Grant Ref: BB/T008806/1)
Start Year 2019
 
Description Dr Liam Morrison 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Department The Roslin Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Analysis is single cattle B cell antibody sequences
Collaborator Contribution Single cattle B cell antibody sequences
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Dr Michael Skinner, Imperial College London 
Organisation Imperial College London
Department Department of Primary Care and Public Health
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We aim to compare the host transcriptional response of primary chicken B cells infected with different strains of IBDV of varying virulence. We have the specialist reagents and expertise in house that are required to culture primary chicken B cells, and we have access to different strains of IBDV.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Michael Skinner and his team at Imperial College London have the expertise and facilities to generate and analyse RNA-Seq data in order to determine host transcriptional responses. This is required in order to complete the aim of the project.
Impact Further funding: PhD studentship (£102,800) - Dr Andrew Broadbent at The Pirbright Institute and Dr Michael Skinner at Imperial College London are joint supervisors for a PhD student working on this project. Further Funding: Houghton Trust (£8,000)- Dr Andrew Broadbent was awarded a Houghton Trust Small Research Grant to contribute to this project. Further funding: NC3Rs (Grant Ref: NC/R001138/1)
Start Year 2014
 
Description Dr. John D. Phillips 
Organisation University of Utah
Department School of Medicine Utah
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Additional IAA funding for long-read sequencing, assembly, and analysis of Babraham genome and transcriptome
Collaborator Contribution Long- and short-read sequencing and assembly of Babraham genome.
Impact Manuscript in BioRxiv. Genome assembly and reads publicly available through GenBank.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Dr. Sabine Hammer 
Organisation University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Country Austria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Characterization of pig MHC, TCR, and WC1 genes
Collaborator Contribution Characterization of pig MHC, TCR, and WC1 genes
Impact Two manuscripts (DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104214; 10.1111/tan.13281) in 2018 and 2021.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Dundee 
Organisation University of Dundee
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Co-INvestigator on BBSRC sLoLa award
Collaborator Contribution Co-INvestigator on BBSRC sLoLa award
Impact BBSRC sLoLa award ongoing
Start Year 2012
 
Description Edinburgh - Haas 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Co-Investigator on BBSRC sLoLa award Co-Investigator on BBSRC project grant Collaboration in virus-host interactions
Collaborator Contribution Co-Investigator on BBSRC sLoLa award Co-Investigator on BBSRC project grant Collaboration in virus-host interactions
Impact BBSRC sLoLa award BBSRC project grant
Start Year 2012
 
Description Establishment of a novel poultry vaccine platform inducing rapid and strong immunity through targeted delivery of antigens to chicken immune cells 
Organisation MSD Animal Health
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The research focus is to develop next-generation of poultry vaccines that induce rapid and strong immune responses in chickens. The candidate vaccine constricts will be developed at the Pirbright Institute
Collaborator Contribution The collaborating partner "MSD Animal Health" will evaluate the potency and efficacy for registration and feasibility for commercial production.
Impact Based on the project preliminary data a new project was developed entitled Protecting poultry from avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and Gumboro disease with a single dose of a multivalent vaccine". This project further strengthened the collaborative research work with MSD Animal Health.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Evaluate the potential of AstraZeneca's sialic acid tag technology for treating influenza viruses with Fc molecules 
Organisation Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Department Parasite Immunology Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Established partnership to investigate the antiviral properties of novel antiviral ( fragment-crystallisable (Fc) molecules) compounds that potentially block influenza virus infection. These compounds will be used to test their antiviral activity against avian influenza and Newcastle Disease virus that are causing sever economic looses to the poultry industry.
Collaborator Contribution The Partners have developed these antiviral compounds and showed that these compounds bids to specific cell surface receptors that are required by the virus to bind to and enter into the cell to cause infection.
Impact Project is just started
Start Year 2022
 
Description Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine candidate immunogenicity in pigs 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in evaluating vaccine immunogenicity in pigs
Collaborator Contribution Provided COVID-19 vaccine candidates
Impact Joint publication on the evaluation of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41541-020-00221-3). Data included in in the pre-clinical dossier submitted to regulators (e.g., European Medicines Agency) and supported the successful Marketing Authorisation application.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine candidate immunogenicity in pigs 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in evaluating vaccine immunogenicity in pigs
Collaborator Contribution Provided COVID-19 vaccine candidates
Impact Joint publication on the evaluation of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41541-020-00221-3). Data included in in the pre-clinical dossier submitted to regulators (e.g., European Medicines Agency) and supported the successful Marketing Authorisation application.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Evaluation of RNA vector delivery of PRRSV glycoproteins 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV immunology and vaccine research.
Collaborator Contribution Construction and formulation of an RNA vectored PRRSV vaccine candidate.
Impact Work in progress.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Evaluation of a PRRSV-vectored Nipah virus vaccine 
Organisation National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
Country Thailand 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Expertise in porcine immunology/vaccinology, inc. PRRSV and Nipah
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in PRRSV reverse genetics
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Evaluation of adjuvanted liposome delivery of PRRSV glycoproteins 
Organisation University at Buffalo
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution PRRSV immunology and vaccine research.
Collaborator Contribution Provision of adjuvanted liposomes for display of PRRSV glycoprotein.
Impact Ongoing.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Evaluation of bovine herpesvirus-4 as a vaccine vector for pigs 
Organisation University of Parma
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in porcine vaccinology/immunology
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in the generation of recombinant bovine herpesvirus-4 (BoHV-4) vectors expressing heterologous antigens
Impact We demonstrated that immunisation of pigs with recombinant BoHV-4 vectors expressing Nipah virus glycoproteins are highly immunogenic in pigs. Most promising and as hypothesised, were the potent CD4 and CD8 T cell responses which were an order of greater than those induced by other viral vaccine vectors. These data have led to the external funding of projects by two companies to evaluate BoHV-4 vectors in the context of other porcine diseases.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibitors as molecular adjuvants for improved PRRSV vaccines 
Organisation Leidos
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV immunology
Collaborator Contribution Patented immune checkpoint inhibitors
Impact No yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Evaluation of mRNA vectored vaccines in pigs 
Organisation University of Pennsylvania
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in porcine immunology/vaccinology
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in mRNA vaccines
Impact We evaluated in pigs the immunogenicity an mRNA vector encoding a Nipah virus glycoprotein. This vaccine formulation induced high virus neutralising antibody titres (comparable with protein subunit in adjuvant) and T cell responses (comparable with viral vectors). We also utilised mRNA immunised pigs to isolate Nipah virus neutralising monoclonal antibodies.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Evaluation of multivalent viral hemorrhagic fever vaccine candidates immunogenicity in pigs 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Supported the pre-clinical development of multivalent viral hemorrhagic fever vaccine candidates by evaluating their immunogenicity in pigs
Collaborator Contribution Conceived and produced vaccine candidates
Impact Still ongoing.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Evaluation of solid dose vaccines for livestock 
Organisation Enesi Pharma
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV and vaccine evaluation
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in vaccine formulation
Impact Multidisciplinary collaboration between formulation scientist and viral immunologists.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of a Nipah virus neutralising monoclonal antibody 
Organisation Government of Canada
Department Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Country Canada 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Expertise in Nipah virus immunology, vaccinology and antibody discovery.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in animal models of Nipah virus infection.
Impact Work ongoing.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Exploiting mosquito immunity for generating refractory mosquitoes 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I brought my expertise in mosquito immunology and viral evasion of innate immune responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. I provided intellectual input into the project and provided training for three research assistants and one undergraduate placement student.
Collaborator Contribution The partner (Luke Alphey, The Pirbright Institute) brought their expertise in mosquito transgenesis and molecular approaches to developing refractory mosquitoes that cannot transmit viruses. The partner also provided intellectual input into the project.
Impact The following publications are associated with this collaboration: DOI: 10.3390/v13112116
Start Year 2020
 
Description FLU-Trailmap: Transmission and risk of avian influenza: learning more to advance preparedness 
Organisation Animal and Plant Health Agency
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution This project brought together eight leading scientific organizations in the UK to develop strategies for mitigating bird flu. Its main objective is to devise tools that bridge significant knowledge gaps concerning the virus's prevalence in wild birds and the factors leading to its emergence in poultry. We are exploring molecular determinants potentially related to changes in virus virulence, antigenicity, cross-species transmission, and the capacity to infect humans.
Collaborator Contribution The partners provided field samples and sequence data of viruses isolated from disease outbreaks. This data was used to identify molecular determinants linked to virus phenotype changes.
Impact At the frontline, ethnographic surveys were designed and implemented to understand farmers perceptions of farm biosecurity. Studies highlighted the need for an improved understanding of key biosecurity risk points and the implementation of effective biosecurity practices. Outputs showed that high quality facilities and management systems can be undermined by weaknesses in procedural compliance. As such, targeted farm worker education could help mitigate against future incursions which will be addressed in the follow-on research programme, FLUTRAILMAP. Recent work indicates that farm-to-farm spread is rare and that the virus is not spread long distances as an aerosol. Linked to biosecurity, virulence for poultry and the potential role of airborne spread of the virus was evaluated. Active sampling on infected premises across different hosts supported the experimental evaluation of pathogenesis and transmission (FLUMAP: Pathogenesis) by demonstrating that this virus is not spread long distances by the aerosol route (FLUMAP: Aerosol). Further, studies demonstrated that different bird species represent different risk levels for excretion of infectious material and potential transmission routes (FLUMAP: Gannets; FLUMAP: Environment; Pheasants). Ultimately, experimental, field and genetic data supported a lack of aerosol spread between premises. In support of this, genetic analysis of over 800 full bird flu virus genomes demonstrated that farm-to-farm spread was very rare with independent incursions from wild birds driving infection in poultry (FLUMAP: Genetics; Phylodynamics). Several genetic characteristics were identified that expanded our knowledge, explaining the explosive success of the current H5N1 bird flu viruses to spread fast and infect a greater range of bird species including a shift of infection dynamics to affect seabirds (FLUMAP: Infection dynamics) and via long distance and transatlantic spread (Transatlantic). These traits have contributed to the current H5N1 viruses having increased fitness across multiple species. Contemporary H5N1 viruses have enhanced fitness to infect, transmit and persist in birds, but remain of low risk to humans (FLUMAP: Characterization; Human Case). This project has defined a role for multiple virus genes which have switched and evolved over time to act together in a highly efficient manner. To better understand key species that may tolerate infection with this virus in the absence of clinical disease, sampling of hunter harvested wild birds was undertaken. Virus positive birds were detected in a small subset of Teal, Wigeon, and Pink-Footed Geese although carcasses were not available to evaluate the distribution of virus in these birds (Healthy birds). Further assessment of different avian species using this approach are planned. Gannet populations around the UK have been severely impacted by High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), at Bass Rock the number of occupied nest sites decreased by over 70%. Linked to the detection of the virus in apparently healthy birds, interrogating survival from infection, and in particular the role of antibodies in birds that may have been infected, but survived infection was a key interest (FLUMAP: Gannets). FLUMAP has enabled the development of a suite of laboratory tools that will enable us to dissect the immune response in birds that may have been exposed to multiple and different influenza viruses in their lifetime. Tools are now available to dissect antibody responses to each of the two different viral surface proteins (both individually and in tandem). How these two different viral coat proteins interact with each other and what optimal protein combinations mean with respect to stability of interaction has also been assessed. These tools will enable a better understanding of how different key surface proteins drive immune responses and what that means where viruses emerge containing different coat proteins. The periodic switching of the neuraminidase (NA) protein (i.e., N8 to N1) is an important factor in influencing the emergence of new strains and the tools developed in FLUMAP will enable the impact of these genetic reassortment events to be assessed. Whilst further outputs are realised from the FLUMAP project, the follow-on project, FLUTRAILMAP, will enable the application of these data to this continually emerging global situation and will enable better prevention and mitigation approaches to be defined.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Flavivirus microvascular pathogenesis 
Organisation University of Surrey
Department Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I brought my expertise in dengue and virology, and had significant intellectual input into shaping the research question and methodological approach. I also directly contributed to the training of one shared MSc student, two shared PhD students and three undergraduate students who have contributed to this project so far.
Collaborator Contribution The partner (Dr. Paola Campagnolo, University of Surrey) brought their expertise in cardiovascular biology and had significant intellectual input into shaping the research question and methodological approach. They also directly contributed to the training of one shared MSc student, one shared PhD student and three undergraduate students who have contributed to this project so far.
Impact The collaboration has resulted in the following publications: DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00258-20 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001634 This is an interdisciplinary collaboration. The disciplines are microbiology/virology (me) and cardiovascular biology (Dr. Paola Campagnolo, University of Surrey).
Start Year 2018
 
Description Genetic analysis orbiviruses 
Organisation University of Surrey
Department Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Virus sequences provided for analysis. Meeting and discussion for analysis by virologist employed on this project and biomathematican at the University of Surrey
Collaborator Contribution Analysis of data, training of the virologist and computational and mathematical methodology, discussion about analysis strategies
Impact The collaboration is multi-disciplinary - between mathematical modelling and virology. Data analysis is still ongoing but is envisaged as preliminary data for future funding applications
Start Year 2017
 
Description HMS 
Organisation Harvard University
Department Harvard Medical School
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration
Impact Collaborative research
 
Description High containment microscopy with Thermo Fisher 
Organisation Thermo Fisher Scientific
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Provide advice on decontamination protocols
Collaborator Contribution Development/optimisation of microscope decontamination procedures
Impact No outputs, other than knowledge exchange. Thermo Fisher later developed heat inactivation for the microscope at STRUBI.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Identification of conserved B-cell epitopes of highly pathogenic coronaviruses for broadspectrum immunotherapy and vaccine design. 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have performed experiments to generate preliminary data for a collaborative grant application, contributed to the writing of the grant proposal and responded to reviewers comments.
Collaborator Contribution My collaborators have performed experiments to generate preliminary data for a collaborative grant application, contributed to the writing of the grant proposal and responded to reviewers comments.
Impact Submission of proposal entitled "Identification of conserved B-cell epitopes of highly pathogenic coronaviruses for broadspectrum immunotherapy and vaccine design" to the "One Health Approaches to Accelerate Vaccine Development" call that forms part of the UK government's commitment to Official Development Assistance (ODA) in October 2017.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Identification of conserved B-cell epitopes of highly pathogenic coronaviruses for broadspectrum immunotherapy and vaccine design. 
Organisation University of Kent
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have performed experiments to generate preliminary data for a collaborative grant application, contributed to the writing of the grant proposal and responded to reviewers comments.
Collaborator Contribution My collaborators have performed experiments to generate preliminary data for a collaborative grant application, contributed to the writing of the grant proposal and responded to reviewers comments.
Impact Submission of proposal entitled "Identification of conserved B-cell epitopes of highly pathogenic coronaviruses for broadspectrum immunotherapy and vaccine design" to the "One Health Approaches to Accelerate Vaccine Development" call that forms part of the UK government's commitment to Official Development Assistance (ODA) in October 2017.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Identification of sows with antibodies broadly neutralising PRRSV 
Organisation University of Lleida
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV immunology
Collaborator Contribution Access to large numbers of sows routinely vaccinated and exposed to PRRSV
Impact Not yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Imperial 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Joint supervision of PhD student
Collaborator Contribution Joint supervision of PhD student
Impact One successful completed PhD student. Papers published or in preparation. Another PhD student in progress.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Industrial partnership-Aviagen 2018 
Organisation Aviagen Group
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have established a significant industrial partnership with Aviagen group Ltd. The nature of this work remains confidential.
Collaborator Contribution The nature of this work remains confidential.
Impact The nature of this work remains confidential.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Interferon stimulated genes 
Organisation Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Hosted meetings and carried out preliminary experiments
Collaborator Contribution Contributed reagents and expertise
Impact Preliminary data was used to support an MSc project. This has since led to a publication and a PhD project.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Investigating antigenic determinants inducing stronger and broader cross-protective immunity among H5 avian influenza viruses 
Organisation Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Department Veterinary Basic Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The overarching aims of the proposed research are to improve controls against H5 subtype of avian influenza viruses infecting poultry by investigating underlying mechanisms that define how vaccines renders effectiveness and develop novel approaches enhancing the effectiveness of H5 avian influenza vaccines. We recently generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognise a variety of different clades of H5 viruses. Propagation of AIV in eggs or cultured cells together with mAbs drives virus to escape from mAbs neutralisation activity. These classical virus neutralization assays (VN) followed by HA gene sequence analysis allowed us to defined the role of amino acid substitutions that are associated with evasion of antibody neutralization through emergence of antigenic variants and failure of vaccine efficacy.
Collaborator Contribution provided intellectual input for achieving prescribed objectives of this work.
Impact Talk entitled "Molecular determinants for antigenicity and vaccine efficacy of avian influenza viruses" was presented at Newton Agham Researcher Links Workshop " Novel Vaccines and Diagnostic Technologies against Emerging and re-emerging Veterinary Pathogens" at Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, Philippines, 4-7 February 2019.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Investigating antigenic determinants inducing stronger and broader cross-protective immunity among H5 avian influenza viruses. 
Organisation Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We developed research programme to characterise diversity of antigenic epitopes induce protective immunity in chickens against H5 subtypes of avian influenza viruses.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborating partner Dr Nicola Lewis at Royal Veterinary College provide advise to on cartography programme to visualize the antigenic similarity or difference among different strains of influenza viruses.
Impact The work under this collaborative determined the antigenic differences among different clades of H5 avian influenza viruses circulating in birds. This project is multi-disciplinary. our laboratory mainly work on virology and immunology part of the project and we seek help on computer modeling part from the collaborating partner Dr Nicola Lewis.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Invitation to participate in the Vaccine Innovation Forum 2017 at Shanghai 26-27 April 2017 
Organisation Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Department Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute
Country China 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Prof. Nair was invited to participate in the Vaccine Innovation Forum 2017 at Shanghai 26-27 April 2017 to present a talk on 'Novel Vaccine Development for Avian Virus Diseases'. He also participated in the round table discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the vaccines and vaccination sector
Collaborator Contribution Vaccine Innovation Forum will help in expanding the future collaborations and activities of the UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (http://www.uk-china-cerad.org/).
Impact organised joint meeting in China and the UK to discuss on challenges and opportunities
Start Year 2017
 
Description JN - Preparation of capped mesoporpus silica nanoparticles 
Organisation Polytechnic University of Valencia
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We were involved with testing the nanoparticles once they had been made. We also contributed purified antibody and shipped it to our collaborators for the generation of one type of nanoparticle, which we subsequently tested. We were involved with the intellectual design of experiments
Collaborator Contribution Our partners generated the nanoparticles and shipped them to us for testing. Our partners were also involved with the intellectual design of experiments.
Impact Experimental work performed to investigate the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to detect FMDV proteases in clinical samples
Start Year 2016
 
Description JS - Production of monoclonal antibodies that recognise FMDV VP4 from mouse spleens 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Department The Roslin Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution VLPs displaying the N-terminal 15 amino acids of FMDV were designed and produced at The Pirbright Institute and then mice were immunised with them. The spleens of the immunised mice were harvested and splenocytes stored. The response to the VP4 sequence was checked by ELISA and the mouse with the best response was selected to send the splenocytes for monoclonal production.
Collaborator Contribution The collaborators took the splenocytes obtained from the mouse experiments and carried out the fusions. They then screened the supernatants for positive wells that detected the VP4 sequence.
Impact Positive wells have been identified indicating some monoclonals that are specific for VP4 have been generated. These will be further screened for ability to recognise virus and to neutralise infection.
Start Year 2017
 
Description LMB 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration
Impact Collaborative research
Start Year 2016
 
Description Lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus infection in mice as a model to study arterivirus induced immune dysregulation 
Organisation Babraham Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration to establish lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus infection in mice as a model to study arterivirus induced immune dysregulation.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in arterivirus immunology.
Impact Ongoing work.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Leeds FBS 
Organisation University of Leeds
Department Faculty of Biological Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research
Collaborator Contribution Research and student supervision
Impact Research
Start Year 2009
 
Description Linking sex determination and dosage compensation in a mosquito Anopheles gambiae 
Organisation University of Zurich
Department Institute of Molecular Life Sciences
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Developed a new research program.
Collaborator Contribution Provided intellectual input, contributed to drafting a joined grant proposal.
Impact No output yet.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Merial/BI 
Organisation Sanofi
Department Merial Plc
Country Global 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Collaborative BBSRC Link award
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative BBSRC Link award
Impact BBSRC Link award helped develop/validate FMDV reverse genetics for commercial vaccine production. Relationship with Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim) is still active.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Next-generation PRRSV vaccines 
Organisation Eco Animal Health Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Know how in terms of genetically manipulating PRRSV and evaluating PRRSV vaccines.
Collaborator Contribution Financial contribution and know how in terms of developing a commercial vaccine.
Impact Too early.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Next-generation PRRSV vaccines 
Organisation Huvepharma
Country Bulgaria 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRSV virology and immunology
Collaborator Contribution Funding
Impact Too early, project ongoing.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Nicolas Locker - Investigation of translation regulation by infectious bronchitis virus 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution My team provide experience in molecular virology and cellular interactions of coronaviruses including previous experience of accessory proteins regulating cellular translation. One PhD student has successfully completed his studies working jointly between our labs and a second is due to begin in October 2022.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Locker's team provide expertise in viral regulation of cellular translation and stress granule signalling. Dr Locker is also providing protocols, advice and training for techniques including ribopuromycylation and ribosome profiling.
Impact PhD student funding (studentship Oct 2017- Sept 2021) - Control of host cell translation by infectious bronchitis virus PhD student funding (studentship Oct 2022- Mar 2026) - Coronavirus regulation of cellular antiviral responses and cross species transmission
Start Year 2016
 
Description Novel PRRS and swine influenza vaccines 
Organisation National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
Country Thailand 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Expertise in PRRS immunology and vaccine evaluation.
Collaborator Contribution Novel vaccine strains and SE Asian field strains
Impact Collaborative grant proposal funded under the BBSRC Newton Fund UK-China-Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative
Start Year 2017
 
Description Oxford - Strubi 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration on virus structural biology and joint PhD studentship
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration on virus structural biology and joint PhD studentship
Impact Collaboration on virus structural biology has produced a number of novel virus structures and new understanding of virus entry and packaging
Start Year 2008
 
Description PARTNERSHIP: Nanoparticle Vaccines Against Emerging Poultry Infections 
Organisation University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department Department of Pathobiological Sciences
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We established a joint project with School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. My team will contribute in the development of Novel Target antigen delivery vaccines that selectively delivers antigens to the chicken immune cells and induces faster and stronger immune responses in vaccinated chickens.
Collaborator Contribution The partner developed a novel DNA nano-vaccine platform. This partnership will merge both technologies to enhance both the potency and delivery systems for poultry vaccines.
Impact The partnership submitted a joint research grant proposal to USDA-NIFA-AFRI (Program A1181 Agricultural Biosecurity) entitled "Partnership: Nanoparticle Vaccines Against Emerging Poultry Infections". This grant proposal has been approved by the funders.
Start Year 2022
 
Description PRRS and Influenza co-nfection studies 
Organisation Government of Thailand
Department National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Country Thailand 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The Pirbright team of 4 scientists with expertise in immunology and animal care visited Thailand in July 2018 to train Thai colleagues to perform animal experiments (Chiang Mai) and analyse immune responses by ELISPOT and Flow cytometry (Bangkok). This provided Thailand with trained personnel and expertise in testing vaccines in pigs. As a result of the joint work, the Chiang Mai animal facility is currently being renovated. Development of such an animal facility will promote the production and testing of more vaccines by Thai scientists.
Collaborator Contribution Our Thai colleagues provided us with local Thai PRRS and Influenza virus strains which we use in our co-infection studies.
Impact None yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Partnering with National Taiwan University 
Organisation National Taiwan University
Country Taiwan, Province of China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have prepared and submitted an application for a BBSRC-Taiwan Partnering Award to study "Assembly of Recombinant Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Determination of Antigenic Sites that Confer Hemagglutination Activity".
Collaborator Contribution The partners conceived the project and got in contact about submitting an application for funding together.
Impact An application has been made for a BBSRC-Taiwan Partnering Award in November 2018.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Placement Studentship: Production and characterisation of nanobodies recognising avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus surface glycoproteins using phage display technology 
Organisation University of Bath
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Studentship allocated to Roddy Brookes producing and characterising llama nanobodies which recognise avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus surface glycoproteins, using our established methods of phage display technology.
Collaborator Contribution Supervisory contributions, expertise and research guidance for undergraduate placement, attributed to the Bachelor of Science award.
Impact On-going.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Prof. Jayne Hope 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Analysis of cattle NK cell subsets, and NK cell receptor ligands. 50% PhD studentship.
Collaborator Contribution 50% PhD studentship. MHC constructs for identifying receptor-ligand interactions.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2023
 
Description Prof. Subrayal Reddy 
Organisation Lancaster University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Electron microscopy of nano particles
Collaborator Contribution Provided the nano particles
Impact Papers have been published
Start Year 2019
 
Description Professor Helen Sang,The Roslin Institute - GFP1-10 expressing transgenic chickens 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Department The Roslin Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have developed IBDV tagged to GFP11
Collaborator Contribution Helen Sang's group at the Roslin Institute have developed transcgenic chicken lines that constitutively express GFP1-10 in every cell.
Impact we have been successful in obtaining funding (Grant Ref: BB/S014594/1)
Start Year 2019
 
Description Protein Production UK (Formerly the Oxford Protein Production Facility) 
Organisation Rosalind Franklin Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We are providing the sequences of antibodies from various species to add into the vectors at Oxford to produce species specific antibodies. We are also providing and devloping assays to measure recombinant antibody confirmation and binding.
Collaborator Contribution PPUK is providing access to all their facilities as well as expertise. They are also providing their vector backbone as the template for antibody production.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description RMS Training Focussed Interest Group 
Organisation The Royal Microscopical Society
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Expertise towards shaping the standards of UK microscopy training.
Collaborator Contribution Reviewing and maintaining microscopy training across the UK.
Impact Maintaining and improving training standards across the UK for microscopy.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Rapid acquisition of mammalian characteristics by avian influenza virus in single host infections. 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided reagents and day to day technical help for undertaking this project and supervising postdoctoral researcher working on this project. Reagents include influenza reverse genetic plasmids and H9N2 and H7N9-specific antibodies.
Collaborator Contribution this project will aim to understand AIV genetics that facilitate the rapid acquisition of mammalian adaptation characteristics in a single host infection. The partners with our collaborations determined adaptive genetic changes in the H9N2 avian influenza virus following infection in mice (mammalian hosts). Different strains of avian influenza Viruses generated by reverse gentic techniques were inoculated into mice and lungs sampled daily. RNA recovered from lung homogenates were deep sequenced and mutations arising were characterised for adaptation. Relative viral fitness and the rapidity of the accumulation of mutations was measured and compared amongst the viral strains.
Impact The results of the our experimental studies showed the avian-origin viruses rapidly acquired mutations that increase virus fitness in mammalian species. Therefore, these viruses pose zoonotic and pandemic threat to public health.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Rapid acquisition of mammalian characteristics by avian influenza virus in single host infections. 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided reagents and day to day technical help for undertaking this project and supervising postdoctoral researcher working on this project. Reagents include influenza reverse genetic plasmids and H9N2 and H7N9-specific antibodies.
Collaborator Contribution this project will aim to understand AIV genetics that facilitate the rapid acquisition of mammalian adaptation characteristics in a single host infection. The partners with our collaborations determined adaptive genetic changes in the H9N2 avian influenza virus following infection in mice (mammalian hosts). Different strains of avian influenza Viruses generated by reverse gentic techniques were inoculated into mice and lungs sampled daily. RNA recovered from lung homogenates were deep sequenced and mutations arising were characterised for adaptation. Relative viral fitness and the rapidity of the accumulation of mutations was measured and compared amongst the viral strains.
Impact The results of the our experimental studies showed the avian-origin viruses rapidly acquired mutations that increase virus fitness in mammalian species. Therefore, these viruses pose zoonotic and pandemic threat to public health.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome 
Organisation Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Generated and provided RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae Manually browsed the transcriptomic data in the genome context and provided coordinates for genome regions with not annotated genes or genes requiring annotation corrections. Generated and provided FAIRE-seq data from embryo samples of Anopheles gambiae to identify regulatory elements controlling early embryo development.
Collaborator Contribution Conducting reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome based on RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome. Mapping the FAIRE-seq data to the genome and linking the mapped data the RNA-seq data.
Impact No outputs yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description Reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome 
Organisation Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Generated and provided RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae Manually browsed the transcriptomic data in the genome context and provided coordinates for genome regions with not annotated genes or genes requiring annotation corrections. Generated and provided FAIRE-seq data from embryo samples of Anopheles gambiae to identify regulatory elements controlling early embryo development.
Collaborator Contribution Conducting reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome based on RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome. Mapping the FAIRE-seq data to the genome and linking the mapped data the RNA-seq data.
Impact No outputs yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description Reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Generated and provided RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae Manually browsed the transcriptomic data in the genome context and provided coordinates for genome regions with not annotated genes or genes requiring annotation corrections. Generated and provided FAIRE-seq data from embryo samples of Anopheles gambiae to identify regulatory elements controlling early embryo development.
Collaborator Contribution Conducting reannotation of the Anopheles gambiae genome based on RNA-seq data from the developmental transcriptome. Mapping the FAIRE-seq data to the genome and linking the mapped data the RNA-seq data.
Impact No outputs yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description Reporter PRRS viruses 
Organisation Kansas State University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A new application for recombinant reporter PRRS viruses i.e. to use them as a high throughput screen for neutralizing (monoclonal) antibodies. Use as tools to assess the tropism of PRRSV for dendritic cell subsets and the functional consequences.
Collaborator Contribution Provision of plasmids encoding GFP-expressing PRRSV-1 and -2.
Impact Not yet
Start Year 2016
 
Description Retroviral-mediated genetic programming of porcine memory B cells 
Organisation AIMM Therapeutics
Country Netherlands 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Provided a novel 'model' system to test their technology to isolate novel monoclonal antibodies
Collaborator Contribution To provide their patented platform technology to genetically program porcine memory B cells to enable the isolation of memory B cells
Impact Not yet
Start Year 2016
 
Description SiSaf Ltd, FMDV + carriers 
Organisation SiSaf Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Advice on experimental design, provision of FMDV empty capsids (Alison Burman). Will do practical work in the future.
Collaborator Contribution Preparation of carrier formulations
Impact No outputs. Company did not respond to proposed experimental plan.
Start Year 2019
 
Description St Andrews 
Organisation University of St Andrews
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Co-investigator on BBSRC sLoLa
Collaborator Contribution Lead-investigator on BBSRC sLoLa
Impact BBSRC sLoLa ongoing
Start Year 2012
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation APS Biocontrol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Animal and Plant Health Agency
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Animal and Plant Health Agency
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Bern University of Applied Sciences
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Charles University
Country Czech Republic 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation ETH Zurich
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Friedrich Loeffler Institute
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Department Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Lancaster University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Lancaster University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Liverpool John Moores University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Queen's University Belfast
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Rothamsted Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Country Sweden 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Greenwich
Department Natural Resources Institute Greenwich
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Greenwich
Department Natural Resources Institute Greenwich
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Department School of Veterinary Science Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Lyon
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Reading
Department School of Biological Sciences Reading
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Reading
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of St Andrews
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation University of Zurich
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation VUC Aarhus
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Wageningen University & Research
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Wageningen University & Research
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution A total of approximately 300000 biting midges and several tens of thousand mosquitoes were supplied as a national capability to receiving institutes. These were used in a wide range of studies from assessment of host location to teaching resources. The grant funds a Culicoides technician (100% FTE) and a mosquito technician (50% FTE) who are responsible for production. All use is acknowledged in papers arising and research is conducted under MTAs throughout held by the Pirbright IP department.
Collaborator Contribution A range of scientific studies around biting midges and mosquitoes. For outputs see publications.
Impact Both internal and external outputs have resulted in a clearer understanding of the risk of arbovirus incursion in the UK and additionally has contributed to the development of control techniques for vectors. Outputs also include outreach activities, student training and other societal and cultural collaborations.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Supply of Arthropods to External Partners 
Organisation Zoological Society of London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Culicoides nubeculosus, C. sonorensis (biting midge) and Culex pipiens (mosquito) provided as pupae for insecticide, repellent and vector competence trials as a resource. UK supplies conducted under National Capability Grant. Approximately 30 000 insects shipped during reporting period for academic users. All insect production took place at Pirbright and training in maintenance was provided to a worker from FLI (Germany).
Collaborator Contribution Daughter line of C. sonorensis was established at FLI (improving security around sustaining the lines). Training and advice on insect maintenance and handling was provided by Pirbright to LSHTM, Liverpool and Reading. Studies then carried out included investigation of bacteria in Culicoides (University of Liverpool), modeling of mosquito populations (Reading) and development of novel insecticides and repellent formulations (LSHTM). These specialist expertise were driven by the host organizations for the studies.
Impact Products are still in development.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Surrey DTP Studentship: Pathogens and Host Defences Doctoral Training Partnership 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Studentship allocated to Oenone Bodman-Harris defining immune potentiating mechanism of vaccines targeting antigens to chicken immune cells.
Collaborator Contribution Supervisory contributions, expertise and research guidance for PhD award.
Impact On-going
Start Year 2023
 
Description Syngenta UK 
Organisation Syngenta International AG
Department Syngenta Ltd (Bracknell)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This collaboration aims to identify functional relationships between insecticide resistances in mosquitoes and competence of vector mosquitoes for arboviruses. Further, this collaboration aims at the generation of transgenic mosquitoes overexpressing proteins involved in certain insecticide resistances as tools to study the mechanism for such resistances. We have selected candidate proteins and overexpressed them in cell culture and in mosquitoes for vector competence studies as well as functional studies (insecticide uptake bioassays).
Collaborator Contribution Syngenta UK has provided intellectual input into our study design and expertise in the field of insecticide resistance mechanisms.
Impact No outputs yet. Collaboration between The Pirbright Institute and agrochemical industry.
Start Year 2019
 
Description The GCRF One Health Poultry Hub 
Organisation Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The focus of the research is to achieve sustainable global intensification of poultry meat and egg production whilst reducing risks to human and animal health and welfare. We are undertaking research to investigate the diversity of avian influenza viruses prevalent in poultry and wild birds in south east Asia.
Collaborator Contribution Royal Veterinary College, London is leading this GCRF One Health Poultry Hub. The project will address the need to meet rising demand for poultry meat and eggs in developing countries, while minimising risk to international public health. Population growth is driving global demand for poultry, meat and egg production; this unfortunately creates conditions in which animal diseases can spread to humans ('zoonoses'). These include bacterial food poisoning and strains with avian influenza with epidemic or pandemic potential. The GCRF One Health Poultry Hub will adopt a 'One Health' approach to the issue of combatting animal-to-human diseases by bringing together a team of laboratory, clinical, veterinary and social scientists. This team will test and evaluate novel interventions. The need for safe poultry production is most urgent in South and South East Asia, so the RVC and its partners will then use their local networks in these regions to put its positive research to immediate use.
Impact Development of international interdisciplinary partnership of 55 investigators from 13 countries to address the emerging global challenges of food security and public health associated with intensification of poultry production.
Start Year 2018
 
Description The Pirbright "Livestock Antibody Hub" funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Me and my team established collaboration in the "Livestock Antibody Hub" funded ($5.5 million) by the from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Focus of our partnership is to develop techniques and capacity to analyse immune cells (B cells) of cattle, poultry and pigs that produce virus neutralizing antibodies. This research will support rational development of next generation of vaccines and to explore antibody-based passive immunization approaches for treatment and prophylaxis of infectious viral diseases affecting livestock and humans. Our initial focus is to target major animal viral pathogens that cause severe losses within Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) animal production systems including avian influenza virus (AIV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).
Collaborator Contribution This is a collaborative project and partners are providing help in provision of reagents and techniques for analysis of diversity of B cells repertoire that produce infleunza virus-specific antibodies, single cell sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. This project will further strengthen our on-going research collaborations with many research groups in academia as well as with animal health industry (Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Merck, CEVA, Jovac, YeBio, ILRI, Galvmed, The Roslin Institute, HuMabs, AbCellera and Distributed Bio) to take the research outputs from laboratory to the field. The outputs of research will be improved vaccines and diagnostics enabling to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on farm animals, which offer substantial direct and indirect economic, public health, environmental and social benefits to the UK and rest of the world.
Impact Development of passive immunization approaches against avian influenza viruses affecting poultry (project incited in January 2020).
Start Year 2020
 
Description Thomas Bowden - STRUBI - University of Oxford - Glycoprotein structure collaboration 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provision of data and advice about the biological properties of viral glycoproteins, e.g. their fusion capacity with various receptors, their role in determining host-range
Collaborator Contribution Advice and technical support at the structural level supporting future project development and design
Impact No outcomes as yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description TrailMap-One Health 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is panzootic in birds. Its widespread geographical distribution, sheer numbers of infections and frequent incursions in mammals indicate it to be a virus with pandemic potential. We are working as a consortium to achieve a coordinated in-depth risk assessment of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses particularly zoonotic potential of the current clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses.
Collaborator Contribution The collaborating partners are jointly providing data and samples necessary for evaluating the threat posed by H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) to human health. This effort aims to understand the risks, potential spillover routes into humans, the virus's capacity to adapt for human transmission, and the probable severity of human infections should they occur. We will meet these objectives through three interconnected work packages: (1) assessing the infection likelihood in non-human mammals that could serve as bridging species, (2) evaluating the risk of direct or adapted virus spillover infections in humans, and (3) examining the potential for Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses to become transmissible among humans.
Impact The work is currently in its initial stages, with anticipated outcomes expected by the end of this current year, 2024/2025.
Start Year 2024
 
Description Trevor Sweeney - University of Cambridge PhD Studentship 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development of PhD studentship project in collaboration with Dr. Sweeney's lab at Cambridge and application at Pirbright.
Collaborator Contribution Development of PhD studentship project and application at Cambridge.
Impact The PhD studentship has been funded and is currently been advertised.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Understanding animal health threats from emerging H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses 
Organisation Animal and Plant Health Agency
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution This is a collaborative research project funded by the UKRI-BBSRC to understand how the high pathogenicity Avian Influenza virus (H5N1) persisting in different species of wild birds and transmits from wild birds to farmed poultry, the gaps in biosecurity that allow the virus to penetrate premises, and how this could be addressed. My team contributing by by generating research reagents (such as viruses generated using reverse genetic technique) that allows the identification of molecular markers in the virus genes responsible for virus virulence, transmission and/or antigenic change. The data generated helped the partners to utilise the viruses and reagents for testing their biological behaviors ( such as infectivity and transmission parameters) via animal infection studies. The outcome of this collaborative work will provide insights for assessing threats from new and emerging strains, enabling national and international agencies to design and execute contingencies as part of risk mitigation and disease control. This will provide vital information when considering how to invest scarce resources for surveillance design aimed at early warning of the threat.
Collaborator Contribution The collaboration enhance both the capacity of my team by providing field data ( such as sequences of viruses isolated from the field) and reagents such as post-infection antiserum containing antibodies specific to the field virus. This allowed the investigation of field virus antigenic profiles that can be used for selection of candidate vaccine seeds for the production of effective vaccines.
Impact The data generated provided a risk assessment of contemporary H5Nx HPAIVs that are acquiring adaptive changes to increase fitness within domestic and wild avian populations. This partnership identified viral and host factors that potentially contribute to increased transmissibility, persistence, and pathogenicity in wild birds and those that enhance their potential to disseminate and manifest disease in poultry. We identified genetic changes that drive the virological, immunological, and zoonotic infection potential of these H5N1 viruses. The data generated allowed us an establishment of current and future risks from these viruses to both animals and humans if they continue to remain prevalent in wild bird populations.
Start Year 2022
 
Description University of Liverpool Proteomics Collaboration 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Generation of samples to analyse the membranous proteome of cells infected with paramyxoviruses.
Collaborator Contribution Proteomic analysis of samples and technical support. Access to previous data-sets and expertise.
Impact Preliminary data sets only to date.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Use of fluorescent virions to isolate PRRSV-specific porcine B cells 
Organisation University of Minnesota
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Deployment of a novel technology to facilitate isolation of PRRSV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies
Collaborator Contribution Provision of a method to fluorescently tag purified virions to label PRRSV-specific B cells
Impact None to report to date
Start Year 2016
 
Description Wilhelm Gerner 
Organisation University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Country Austria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Our lab hosted Dr Gerner who brought samples for RNA-seq. My lab planned and executed the sequencing and is contributing to the analysis.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Gerner did all the animal work and cell sorting to produce the samples reading for RNA-seq
Impact None as yet, analysis is ongoing
Start Year 2019
 
Description Y chromosome-linked X-shredding gene drives 
Organisation Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Country Israel 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We shared with the partner Y chromosome-linked docking lines generated in our lab.
Collaborator Contribution Provided some plasmid constructs.
Impact No outputs yet.
Start Year 2021
 
Description York 
Organisation University of York
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration
Impact Collaboration
Start Year 2015
 
Title AVIAN CELLS FOR IMPROVED VIRUS PRODUCTION 
Description The present Invention provides as avian cell in which the expression or activity of one or more of the following genes, or a homologue thereof: Chicken IFITM 1 (SEQ ID No. 1); Chicken IFITM2 (SEQ ID No. 2) and Chicken IFITM3 (SEQ ID No. 3) is reduced. The invention also provides methods for passaging viruses in avian cells, embryos and/or avian cell lines which have reduced expression of one or more IFITM genes and methods which involve investigating the sequence of one or more of the following genes, or a homologue thereof: Chicken IFITM1 (SEQ ID No. 1); Chicken IFITM2 (SEQ ID No. 2) and Chicken IFITM3 (SEQ ID No. 3). 
IP Reference WO2014195692 
Protection Patent granted
Year Protection Granted 2014
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact The present invention provides an avian cell in which the expression or activity of one or more of the following genes, or a homologue thereof: Chicken IFITM1 (SEQ ID No. 1); Chicken IFITM2 (SEQ ID No. 2) and Chicken IFITM3 (SEQ ID No. 3) is reduced. The invention also provides methods for passaging viruses in avian cells, embryos and/or avian cell lines which have reduced expression of one or more IFITM genes and methods which involve investigating the sequence of one or more of the follow
 
Title PPR DIVA vaccine 
Description We ahve developed two PPR live attenuated DIVA vaccines that can differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. 
IP Reference PCT/GB2019/053641,WO2020128496 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2020
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact Till date there is no PPR vaccine avalable that can differentiate between vaccination and infection. This causes a huge issue on eradication of the didease and declare freedom from the disease. Therefore our newly develped chimeric live attenauted PPR vaccine and DIVA tests can differentiate between vaccination and infection which is a great achievement for ongoing PPR eradication. Please see detail from the below web. https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2020128496
 
Title CARGO: effective format-free compressed storage of genomic information 
Description CARGO is a compressor compiler. Given a high-level description of a file format (such as FASTQ or SAM) and compression methods for each field, it automatically generates optimized (de)compressors for such a format. Random access and range queries are provided for sorted datasets. Arbitrary sets of CARGO-compressed files can be stored together in a CARGO container. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2016 
Impact Technical solutions derived from CARGO are being discussed for incorporation into the upcoming MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for the compression of genomic information 
 
Description "Challenges for Poultry Industry". Organised by Fakieh Poultry at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2nd -3rd December 2018, 
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 Conference discussed prevention and control of infectious diseases affecting poultry production.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description "Interactive session with poultry stakeholders". Title: Overview of Avian Influenza group Research at The Pirbright Institute. Presented at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, Pakistan, 3rd August 2018. 
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 workshop discussed the economic impacts and prevention strategies against avian influenza viruses affecting poultry production and zoonotic infections.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description 1st Research Coordination Meeting (RCM) of the Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on "Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications" Vienna, 7-11 October 2019 
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 FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Project on exploring genetic and molecular methods of sex separation in insect pests; aimed at promoting specific areas of research, exchange of ideas and networking among the experts in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description 2. Overview of Avian Influenza group Research at The Pirbright Institute. Presented at "Interactive session with poultry stakeholders" at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, Pakistan, 3rd August 2018. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Dissemination of research Project outcomes These include presenting research data for vaccine seed strains with emergent field avian influenza variants; The zoonotic risk posed by emerging avian influenza viruses circulating in the wild birds and poultry. Impact of virus evolution on vaccine efficacy and persistence in poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description 360 degree Lab Animal Tour (and film) of The Plowright Building, The Philip Mellor Insectary, and Animal Isolation Facilities 
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 The website provides unique access to the animal research facilities at The Pirbright Institute which support its world-leading scientific research into livestock viral diseases and helps save countless animal and potentially human lives, globally. Produced and filmed by Understanding Animal Research, the Lab Animal Tour was filmed at Pirbright, and at three other research centres, and provides the viewer with an interactive 360 virtual tour of the animal facilities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.labanimaltour.org/pirbright
 
Description 7th European Veterinary Immunology Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Selected oral presentation: Developing a 'One Health' Nipah virus vaccine to protect animal and public health
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 7th European Veterinary Immunology Workshop - William Mwangi 
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 I was tasked with reading abstracts, inviting speakers, organising the timetable and moderating the VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY TOOLKIT session as a co-chair.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.7theviw.org
 
Description A talk at a symposium entitled: Using the 3Rs to support good science 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I gave a talk at a Symposium held at The Pirbright Institute entitled: "Using the 3Rs to support good science". The talk was entitled: "A chicken primary B cell culture model to study the pathogenesis and improve the control of immunosuppressive viruses of poultry"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description A talk at the British Poultry Diseases Group meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact The Poultry Diseases Group meet quarterly and is comprised of representatives from private veterinary practices, vaccine and pharmaceutical industries, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). I gave a talk at one of the meetings outlining my research to date and future directions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description AHSV talk on transmission for OIE (Thailand online) 
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 Talk on transmission of AHSV to interested parties following outbreak in 2020. Talk given on 9/6/20 to approx 150.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description AN INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR VENUGOPAL NAIR 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Professor Venugopal Nair is a Research Group Leader at The Pirbright Institute, a visiting Professor of Avian Virology at the Department of Zoology, and a Jenner Investigator at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford. He is also a member of the Microbiology Society, and in this interview, he tells us more about his research into viral diseases of livestock.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://microbiologysociety.org/membership/meet-our-members/focus-area-viruses/an-interview-with-pro...
 
Description Amin Asfor presented the findigs of the project at the Microbiology Society Annual meeting, 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Amin Asfor presented the findigs of the project at the Microbiology Society Annual meeting, 2019. Title: in vivo and ex vivo models of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) in inbred chicken lines differing in their resistance to the disease.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Amin Asfor presented the work at the NC3Rs Fellows Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Amin Asfor presented a poster at the NC3Rs Fellows Day entitled: Chicken primary B cell culture model to study the pathogenesis and improve the control of immunosuppressive viruses of poultry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Article in Microscopy & Analysis - ELMI, Joanna Wells 
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 Joanna wrote a summary of the ELMI meeting as an article for the publication.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Ash Manor GCSE Mentoring 2018 - BA 
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 Stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Attend SEMT 
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 Attend in person conference, Society for Electron Microscopy Technology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Attend SEMT - Joanna Wells 
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 Engaged with microscopy community
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Avian Influenza H9N2 and H7N9 evolution, fitness in poultry and zoonotic potential presented by Munir Iqbal at UC DAVIS EDUCATION CONFERENCE ON ONE HEALTH FOR FOOD SAFETY, AGRICULTURE, AND ANIMAL HEALTH 
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 research was discussed with academic and non-academic participants the risks of avian influenza viruses currently circulating in poultry and carry potential to cause zoonotic infections. Since avian influenzas viruses (AIVs) exist in many subtypes and co-infection of two or more different AIV subtypes in an individual bird can lead to the generation of novel reassortant viruses. The emergent reassortant viruses may carry differential phenotypic characteristics (virulence, host-transmission and host-range) compared to their parental viruses. Our studies revealed that experimental co-infection of chickens with two different subtypes of avian influenza viruses (H9N2 and H7N9) led to the emergence of novel reassortant H9N9 viruses which carry greater virulence for poultry and an increased zoonotic and pandemic potential.

Our results also provided evidence that both H9N2 and H7N9 viruses can rapidly acquire antigenic changes in vaccinated birds causing vaccine failure and cocirculation of these viruses can also rapidly lead to rapid generation of novel reassortment viruses with increased virulence and host-range posing threat to both animals and humans.

This presentation increased awareness among the audience risk posed by co-circulation of different subtypes of avian influenza viruses in poultry and wild birds and how best we can detect emerging threats and develop the disease risks and disease mitigation strategies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.wifss.ucdavis.edu/onehealthsummer21/
 
Description Avian Influenza Research at Pirbright 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker to the Animal Diseases Surveillance and Control Team at The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), London, UK sharing the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute. The topics focused on (i) understanding the genetic and antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses, (ii) drivers of zoonotic potential, (iii) improvement of poultry vaccine potency, (iv) investigating molecular markers of antigenic variants, (v) improving avian influenza detection and diagnostic approaches, e.g. lateral flow devices and (vi) development of novel vaccine candidates to improve protective efficacy including vector- and multivalent-based vaccines and targeted delivery of antigens.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Avian Influenza Vaccines Research at Pirbright 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Delivered a presentation to key research grant funders and stakeholders in the UK, including BBSRC and DEFRA, associated with animal welfare, disease control, and the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute. The topics focused on (i) understanding the genetic and antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses, (ii) drivers of zoonotic potential, (iii) improvement of poultry vaccine potency, (iv) investigating molecular markers of antigenic variants, (v) improving avian influenza detection and diagnostic approaches, e.g. lateral flow devices and (vi) development of novel vaccine candidates to improve protective efficacy including vector- and multivalent-based vaccines and targeted delivery of antigens.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Avian Influenza: Global Situation & Control Strategies 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the International Symposium on Poultry Health Challenges in Pakistan. Organized by the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA-Pakistan Branch) at Serena Hotel Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Avian flu: our food chain is in crisis. 
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 New paper "Telegraph" correspondent Sarah Newey (GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY CORRESPONDENT) Interviewed Professor munir Iqbal regarding the impacts and threats of current wave if high pathogenicity avian influenza virus causing disease widespread losses to poultry production, mortality of wild birds and mammalian species (otters, foxes, minks sealions), The discussion focus on the impacts of avian influenza infections on the livelihood of farming comunities and threat of zoonotic infection to wider public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/what-bird-flu-pandemic-killedmillions-...
 
Description Avian influenza virus evolution impacts on virulence and antigenicity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A talk was presented at Royal Veterinary College, London, by Thusitha Karunarathna (a PhD student in the Avian Influenza group at The Pirbright Institute). The Talk described the mechanisms used by the avian influenza viruses to evade host immunity to cause disease outbreaks and persists in poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Avian influenza viruses can combine two techniques to evade vaccine immunity 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A study by researchers at The Pirbright Institute reveals more clues about how avian influenza viruses can evade vaccine immunity, aiding their spread in the field. The findings are published in Emerging Microbes and Infections.

Influenza viruses are able to mutate, which can enable them to evade immunity generated by natural infection or vaccination. Influenza viruses have four main ways of duping the immune system so that they can continue to infect and spread between birds. Pirbright scientists investigated two of these to further understand how the H9N2 avian influenza virus can change its genetic makeup to overcome poultry vaccines.

One of the methods the virus can use is to alter one of its surface proteins, haemagglutinin (HA), which enables the virus to enter the cell and replicate. HA is also a common target for the immune system's antibodies, which block the virus from binding to cell receptors. By changing just one or two protein components, HA can latch on far more tightly to the cell, preventing antibodies from stopping the virus. However, this can come at a cost, as particularly strong binding can prevent effective replication.

The other method scientists investigated is how H9N2 viruses disguise themselves by adding sugar chains to the surface of their HA proteins. This can block antibodies from binding, but also has varying fitness outcomes for the influenza virus. The researchers found that the location of the sugar chain on HA could determine how effectively the virus replicated.

They also demonstrated that the two evasive techniques could either compliment or act against each other - if an influenza virus had gained mutations that enable it to bind more strongly to cells, a sugar chain in the right position could restore its ability to replicate effectively. In contrast, weakly binding influenza viruses do not benefit from HA sugar additions, which instead reduce the virus's ability to replicate.

Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza Group at Pirbright said, "We can use this knowledge to develop new vaccines that will help antibodies to recognise how the flu virus can change. This will provide protection to birds even as the virus evolves. We can also use this information to understand how viruses survive in poultry despite vaccination and monitor new adaptions that may appear in the field."

This research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the British Council with support from the Newton Fund.

Article: Sealy, J. E., Peacock, T. P., Sadeyen, J. R., Chang, P., Everest, H. J., Bhat, S., Iqbal, M. (2020). Adsorptive mutation and N-linked glycosylation modulate influenza virus antigenicity and fitness. Emerging Microbes & Infections, advance online publication, 12 November 2020, doi: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1850180

[SOURCE: The Pirbright Institute]
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.star-idaz.net/2020/12/avian-influenza-viruses-can-combine-two-techniques-to-evade-vaccin...
 
Description Avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka: investigating genotype to phenotype (antigenicity, virulence, host-range). Webinar on 28th March 2021. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presented talk by Munir iqbal describing ongoing research outcomes. We identified genetic determined that modules avian influenza H5 and H9 antigenicity virulence and transmission fitness in different host species. The role of identified markers that change the virus binding to host cells and impact on virus-host interaction leading to mild or severe disease manifestation in chickens and mammalian species (humans).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Avian influenza: tackling large numbers of outbreaks this winter in the UK 
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 Nearly two years on, the COVID-19 pandemic is still dominating the news and continues to cause concern for populations across the globe. However, UK poultry and wild bird populations are currently facing their own health threat. We are not the only ones that have faced lockdowns because of spreading viruses, UK poultry and captive birds have also faced a similar situation to protect them from avian influenza. Scientists at The Pirbright Institute are working to increase understanding of how genetic changes in influenza A viruses can impact disease spread, host responses to infection and the pathology associated with the disease.

What is the avian influenza virus?
Avian influenza viruses are Influenza A viruses that circulate and transmit amongst birds. The disease is what we commonly know as 'bird flu'. Influenza A viruses can infect a range of hosts, including humans and two subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 circulate as seasonal flu each winter in the UK. Avian influenza viruses are different to those that can infect humans in that they cannot easily infect humans and must change and adapt to do so.

Aquatic birds are a natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses, these birds typically experience fewer clinical symptoms but can spread disease to domestic birds, particularly in the migratory season, between October and March. Avian influenza viruses are categorised as either highly pathogenic (HPAI) or low pathogenic (LPAI) and this categorisation is linked to the severity of disease in chickens.

HPAI has a high mortality rate which can be up to 100%, other symptoms can include swelling of the head, death of cells in the comb and wattle, red discolouration of legs and feet and diarrhoea. HPAI causes disease in more organs than just those in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts like LPAI, which mostly presents as respiratory symptoms such as a snick (like a sneeze), a rattle in the chest (known as rales) and discharge from the eyes and nose.

What is causing bird flu outbreaks in domestic birds now?
We are currently in the normal migratory season of wild birds. In the spring and summer months, these birds spend their time breeding and raising their young in North-eastern Asia where they mix with other bird species which enables virus transmission and mutation. Then, when they migrate for the autumn and winter months, they shed virus in their faeces along the way.

One of the migratory paths is across Northern Europe and this includes the UK. This year, in the UK, the first avian influenza outbreak was on 15 October and was discovered in captive aquatic birds. To date (17 December 2021) there have been 50 outbreaks in England, 1 in Wales and 2 in Scotland, this has resulted in over half a million birds being destroyed to control the spread of disease.

Are there more outbreaks this year compared to other years?
The number of outbreaks this year has been the most extensive ever. There have been over 50 outbreaks in the UK, compared to 26 outbreaks last year. Although it is hard to pin down the reason for this high number, we know it is not linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK's response to the spread of avian influenza has been rapid, and from 29 November birds were required to be housed inside with additional biosecurity measures put in place such as foot dips and disinfecting clothing.

Testing and surveillance of wild birds have shown that there is a high prevalence of the virus in these birds currently, and this is contributing to the spread of disease to farm and domestic bird populations.

A more detailed look at the genetic make-up of these viruses shows that they are different to those from previous years. This is predicted to be as a result of the virus infecting multiple birds across a range of species, and this provides the perfect opportunity for the virus to evolve. Analysis of these genetic changes does not raise any alarm bells for increased transmission to humans, but they are likely impacting the spread and severity of disease in birds.

What should we do if we find a dead bird or are concerned about bird health?

If the public finds dead waterfowl birds they are encouraged not to touch them but to report them to Defra using the appropriate phone number that can be found on the website, also any other wild birds found dead in numbers of five or greater should be reported.

What is Pirbright doing to tackle this virus?

Researchers at Pirbright are attempting to enhance the control and detection of avian influenza in poultry populations as well as extend our basic knowledge about the virus in avian and mammalian hosts. The research groups led by Professor Munir Iqbal and Dr Holy Shelton are investigating how avian influenza virus strains originated from wild birds can rapidly adapt to cause disease outbreaks in poultry and gain the potential to infect humans. In addition, Professor Munir Iqbal is developing improved poultry vaccines that prevent virus replication and spread. These vaccines are particularly useful in countries where avian influenza is regularly found in the domestic poultry and the control and prevention of spread isn't easy, such as in the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2021/12/avian-influenza-tackling-large-numbers-outbreaks-winter-uk
 
Description BBC Today programme 24/01/2019 
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 Interview on BBC Today programme regarding potential development and use of gene drives in mice
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00025bt
 
Description BBC4 Big and Small series of programmes filmed 2021 
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 Filming for section on electron microscopy of viruses. Programme not due to be scheduled until Spring 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description BBSRC Impact Showcase 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I was asked to record an interview answering questions relating to the impact of BBSRC funding on our research. This has been included as an impact case study on the BBSRC research outcomes and impact pages.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description BBSRC Partnering Seminar, University of Liverpool, Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Science 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 Talk presented entitled " Molecular determinants of antigenicity of H7 and H9 avian Influenza viruses". The research data shared with the colleagues working to reduce the impact of avian infectious diseases on poultry production. The discussion led to more collaboration and work together, acquiring reagents and protocols for further research and development activities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description BSI report on the future of veterinary immunology and vaccinology 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Organised and published a joint IVVN/BSI report to raise awareness of the UK's research status in veterinary vaccinology and immunology and the importance of maintaining this for the R&D landscape 'Securing Our Future: the value of veterinary vaccines'. This was aimed at influencing policymakers to support and commit to maintaining the UK's leading position.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description BSI webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I presented a webinar hosted by the British Society for Immunology entitled "BSI Coronavirus webinar: What can we learn from the animal coronaviruses?", which sparked questions and discussions afterwards. I have since been contacted to establish new collaborations with people in the audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Big Band Science Event- AH, ER, LVC, MdP 
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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Big Bang Fair South East - RC 
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 Regional science festival/event - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Big Bang SE 
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 Participation (HB and MA) in Big Bang SE
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/
 
Description Big Bang UK- Jennifer Simpson 
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 Big Bang UK is a science competition. JS acted as moderator for final projects submitted by students from across the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity Pre-2006,2019
 
Description Biggs facility official opening ceremony - YC 
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 Other audiences
Results and Impact YC helped host visitors during the Bigg's building opening ceremony event. This included directing visitors on site, answering questions and generally interacting.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BioimagingUK meeting 2022 
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 UK bioimaging community meet to discuss future directions of technology and what UK facilities are required in the future
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Bird flu study from Pirbright Institute sheds light on mutations and health impacts 
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 Bird flu study from Pirbright Institute sheds light on mutations and health impacts. Emerging research from the Pirbright Institute shows that avian influenza mutations could increase disease threat to poultry, but make it less infectious for humans.

Mutations in the H7N9 bird flu virus increase its replication rate and stability in avian cells, but reduce its preference for infecting human cells, a study from The Pirbright Institute has found. The results show that outbreaks in birds caused by strains with these mutations could pose a lower risk to human health, while remaining a significant threat to the poultry industry.

H7N9 low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus usually infects birds, but in 2013 the first human case was recorded in China. Since then, there have been over 1,500 confirmed human infections with about 40 percent of cases resulting in fatalities. Further evolution of the H7N9 virus gave rise to a high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) strain that could cause 100 percent mortality in chickens. In 2017 the Chinese Government initiated a wide scale vaccination programme in chickens which drove down cases of both low and high pathogenicity strains.

Previous Pirbright research identified three mutations in avian influenza H7N9 viruses that enabled them to overcome immunity generated by vaccines. The mutations altered a protein on the outside of the virus called haemagglutinin (HA), which binds to host cell receptors and allows the virus to enter and cause infection.

In the latest study, published in the Journal of Virology, the team discovered the same mutations occurred in H7N9 viruses isolated from the field in 2019, which most likely emerged in birds that had either been immunised or naturally infected. Analysis of the viruses demonstrated that strains with these mutations have significantly increased replication rates in both chicken cell cultures and chick embryos as well as displaying greater acid and thermal stability, which could improve transmission ability.

The mutations also influenced which animal cells the strain could enter - their HA proteins could still bind to the receptors of bird cells, but they lost their affinity for human cell receptors. These findings show that in evolving to escape the chicken immune system, the mutated H7N9 viruses have reduced their risk to human health whilst increasing the threat they pose to poultry, although further studies in birds are needed to confirm the impact this could have on infection and disease spread.

Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza Group at Pirbright, said: "Our approach has allowed us to accurately predict avian influenza mutations that appear in the field, and assess how these mutations could affect the risk they pose to both human and avian populations. This information can be used to inform surveillance efforts and provide early warnings of potentially dangerous emerging strains."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.thepoultrysite.com/news/2020/07/bird-flu-study-from-pirbright-institute-sheds-light-on-m...
 
Description Bird flu: What is it and what's behind the outbreak? ( BBC New) 
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 Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Discussion with BBC News Editors (Helen Briggs & Jeremy Howell). As the The world is going through its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu which led the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wild birds and millions of domestic ones. It is also being found in mammals, so what are the threats from this virus to economy, food security, animal welfare and public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63464065
 
Description Blenheim High School Fair - DB 
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 Team members attended sessions at a local high school with secondary school children and those in the 6th form to talk about paths into scientific careers, sharing their experiences of working at The Pirbright Institute. Approximately 300 students attended and it stimulated increased interest in science and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Bluetongue and Wildlife (15 minute presentation on Epizootic Haemorhagic Disease Virus), (July/Pirbright, UK) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Policymakers reported greater interest in deer-associated diseases including EHDV and BTV
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Brownies-AH 
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 Talking to the Brownies about science and their careers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Bull/Intel press release 
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 Industry/Business
Results and Impact The Integrative Biology and Bioinformatics group at Pirbright has acquired a bespoke computer cluster for genomics from Atos/Bull. Paolo Ribeca and Bryan Charleston were asked by Atos/Bull and Intel to contribute to a case study that illustrates the usefulness of high-performance computing in combating animal diseases and improving livestock welfare.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/01/10/904852/0/en/The-Pirbright-Institute-chooses-an-Atos...
 
Description CC Careers Fair 
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 MA participated in a careers fair at Collingwood College
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description CNN interview 
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 Interview with CNN journalist. Journalist later followed up asking me to check and clarify some issues.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Camberley Library Fun Palace 2018 - JM 
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 Changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Career Development and Training Focused Interest Group 2021 
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 Royal Microscopical Society (international membership) FIG, training and career development for microscopists
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Careers event at Bishop David Brown School, Woking - YC 
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 YC attended the careers event to help on the Institute stand, engaging with students, raising their aspirations. The stand introduced them to a wide variety of careers including potential STEM careers, apprenticeships, traineeships.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Centre of excellence for research on avian diseases (CERAD) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I was invited to present my work at the UK-China Centre of excellence for research on avian diseases (CERAD) meeting attended by researchers from UK, China and Thailand. There was lots of discussion about the research and future directions, including potential collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Chair - Royal Entomological Society Session on Insect Vectors 
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 Chaired session on Insect Vectors including selecting speakers and managing session.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.royensoc.co.uk/sites/default/files/RES%20Ento%20'19%20Reg.%20Leaflet_web.pdf
 
Description Chair BioimagingUK meeting 2021 
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 on funding issues influencing equipment acquisition in UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Chair and Co-Organiser for UK Vector-borne Diseases Conference 
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 UK Vector-borne Diseases meeting held bi-Annually. Half day sessions on 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd November 2020. Chaired session on 9th November 2020. Meeting was held online with invited and selected presentations and a poster session. Also included funders from Defra and BBSRC.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 
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 festival covering the Institute science in general, and transmission and gene editing to control disease, in particular.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 
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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JA 
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 Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JM 
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 Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JP 
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 Major national science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - RC 
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 Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - SV 
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 Display at major science festival: changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2018-DP 
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 Major national science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival- AH, ER, JC 
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 Present at the Pirbright stand to discuss science with the public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Cheltenham Science festival - LB 
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 National science festival which Team members attended to demonstrate to the public how scientists at The Pirbright Institute can work to contain and control viral outbreaks. Over 500 people accessed the information and this stimulated increased interest in science and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Cheltenhan Science Festival - Dana Perry 
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 DP helped to run a stand at the festival, questions from the general public stimulated increased interest in science and research and increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Commentary on AHSV outbreak in Thailand in Science Magazine 
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 'Thailand scrambles to contain major outbreak of horse-killing virus' - Article in Science Mag April 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/04/thailand-scrambles-contain-major-outbreak-horse-killing-viru...
 
Description Conference session organiser at MMC2017 - Host Pathogen Interactions 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chair for the Imaging Host-Pathogen Interactions session run at MMC2017 (and in previous years). Session usually attracts approx. 30 delegates from national/international backgrounds, mostly academic. Talks sparked discussions and networking opportunities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2014,2015,2017
 
Description Controlling and monitoring Avian Influenza in poultry 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Engagement with veterinarian and farmers involved in poultry production. The discussion focused was new strategies (vaccines and diagnostics) for reducing the the impacts of high pathogenicity of avian influenza viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Copenhagen PhD 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 Scientific organiser and lecturer on PhD course in EM at University of Copenhagen
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Coronavirus lecture MSc students (Surrey) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A lecture was presented on the replication, cellular interactions and pathogenesis of coronaviruses to 15-20 MSc students from University of Surrey. The students were engaged and interested, answering and asking questions during the session.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2018
 
Description Could Bird Flu become a pandemic? (Aljazeera TV) 
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 Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The discussion ( Inside Story) has been impacts of high pathogenicity avian influenza on poultry and whether bird flu become a pandemic?. The inside story was presented by Al Jazeera English corresponded "Mohammed Jamjoom" the discussion focus remains as the world is experiencing its largest recorded outbreak of bird flu, populations of poultry and wild birds are becoming infected. So what are threats of these viruses on food supplies, economy and public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spp2Cg-jqoc
 
Description DARPA visit April 2017 
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 Supporters
Results and Impact Hosted visit by US funding agency programme manager to The Pirbright Institute
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Deimante Lukosaityte: Microbiology Society conference 2019. Poster presentation: Chicken protection against H9N2 virus by passive immunization 
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 Described techniques for development of next generation of vaccines against viral diseases affecting animals and humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Demonstrating Mathematics (Angita Shrestha) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Angita Shrestha (PhD student within Avian Influenza group) provided help in a Maths session to the new Oxford Doctoral Training Porgramme (DTP) cohort.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Determinants of antigenicity of H9 Avian Influenza Viruses. UK-China Swine and Poultry Workshop.17-18 June 2019, The Pirbright Institute, UK. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Developing novel multivalent vaccines for poultry viral diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A talk entitled "Developing novel multivalent vaccines for poultry viral diseases" was presented to post-graduate students from Univerity of Oxford.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Developing novel multivalent vaccines for poultry viral diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Presented a talk at the Oxford University training Course on Human & Veterinary Vaccinology, UK.

This talk was directed to students at the University of Oxford to teach and describe the research and challenges to overcome to enhance the efficacy of poultry-based vaccines performed at the Pirbright Institute.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Diamond Light Source Open day - HJM 
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 A public open day for Diamond Light Source, which Pirbright attended as a user of the facility to showcase research being performed at Pirbgith in collaboration with Diamond. There was a lot of interest in the fundamental research and sicussion about future plans and how it fit with the facility at Diamond.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Diego Friere Pesquisa Fapesp 
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 Interview with journalist leading to article regarding release of transgenic mosquitoes into the environment to control dengue and other diseases
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/en/2020/02/05/jacobina-controversy/
 
Description Discuss gene drives with NZ Parliamentary Commissioner 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Met NZ Parliamentary Commissioner to provide background information on, and discuss, gene drive systems. New Zealand is considering genetic and other control methods for invasive pests.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description EM-UK 
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 EM-UK scientific organiser
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description EM-UK 
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-organiser and speaker for UKRI supported network for electron microscopists in the UK. I was one (or two) of the founder members. Meeting has been running for 5 years. Increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description EM-UK - Joanna Wells 
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 Build network within the microscopy community
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description EM-UK 2021 
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 Scientific organiser, meeting for EM community in UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description EM-UK 2022 
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 Scientific organiser of EM-UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description EM-UK 2023 
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 EM-UK is a network for electron microscopists to discuss policy, practice and science relating to the use of the microscopes. Industry representatives and funder representatives (including BBSRC) also contribute to the programme every year.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description EM-UK: A national network for electron microscopists 
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 Founder and Chair of EM-UK, a national network (with international participants) for electron microscopists. Includes a one or two day meeting with invited speakers, and email discussion list for questions, comments, advertising courses, advertising jobs. It has proved very popular with over 200 people registering for the discussion list, and 90+ delegates at each meeting. Administration is handled by the Royal Microscopical Society.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017,2018
 
Description EMBO Workshop: Molecular and population biology of mosquitoes and other disease vectors: vector and disease control 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on "Sex determination pathway in Anopheles gambiae as a target for mosquito control" given during the meeting held on 22 - 26 July 2019 in Kolymbari, Greece. Following a presentation a request was made to give an informal seminar at the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://meetings.embo.org/event/19-mosquitoes
 
Description Educational article/resource - How can vaccinating pigs protect people? 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Publication of an educational article/resource - How can vaccinating pigs protect people?
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://futurumcareers.com/how-can-vaccinating-pigs-protect-people
 
Description Emerging Threats: The Evolution and Persistence of Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry 
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 Presented a talk as an Invited speaker at the 2023 International Symposium on Important Animal Diseases and Zoonoses of Yangzhou University, China.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Encouraging women into science and engineering STEM. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact MH Visited Warwick School, Redhill to talk to secondary students about careers in STEM. A very positive outcome and well received.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement with poultry stakeholders (farmers and veterinarians at "Morocco Poultry Day"). 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk was presented to poultry stakeholders including farmers describing the new emerging technologies that increase the efficacy of poultry vaccines, in particular vaccines against Avian influenzas and Newcastel disease virus,.The meetings was attended over 80 participates.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Engineered Recombinant Single Chain Variable Fragment of Monoclonal Antibody Provides Protection to Chickens Infected with H9N2 Avian Influenza. Presented by Deimante Lukosaityte at Influenza Update meeting 4th - 15th December 2020: The University of Liverpool (online meeting) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The talk describes a technique for the development of immunotherapy to protect poultry from Infectious diseases such as avian influenza viruses. The talk provided evidence that recombinant antibodies can provide passive immunity to protect chickens from avian influenza. Several mAbs generated from mice hybridomas targeting hemagglutinin (HA) of H9N2 virus were converted into single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies. Recombinant scFvs were purified from insect cell culture supernatants and showed it could retain neutralization capacity against H9N2 virus in vitro. To test therapeutic scFv efficacy in vivo we selected two of the recombinantly produced scFv antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of chickens infected with H9N2 UDL-01 virus. Intranasally treated birds showed reduced disease manifestation and virus shedding. These results indicate that antibody therapy could be beneficial for the provision of rapid treatment for reducing disease impacts in poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/cvr/events/influenza/
 
Description Enhancing the Potency of Poultry Vaccines by Selectively Targeting Antigens to Chicken Antigen-Presenting Cells 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies.

This platform therefore (1) enhances the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduces production losses, (3) improves cost-effectiveness, (4) improves productivity and economy, (5) improves animal welfare, and (6) reduces prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). Additionally, collaborations with industrial partners can integrate this research to adapt to new antigenic variants and/or hosts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Enhancing the potency of poultry vaccines and overcoming maternally derived antibody interference 
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 Presented a talk as keynote speaker at the GARAD-2023 conference at Harbour Hotel Guildford, UK.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies.

This ensures early vaccination is possible and this vaccine platform can aid control of avian influenza in early poultry populations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Enhancing the potency of poultry vaccines by targeted delivery of antigens to chicken antigen-presenting cells 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the 12th Asian Pacific Poultry Conference (APPC2023) at Nanjing, China.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies.

This platform therefore (1) enhances the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduces production losses, (3) improves cost-effectiveness, (4) improves productivity and economy, (5) improves animal welfare, and (6) reduces prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). Additionally, collaborations with industrial partners can integrate this research to adapt to new antigenic variants and/or hosts.

This ensures early vaccination is possible and this vaccine platform can aid control of avian influenza in early poultry populations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Epizone participation by team member 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Postdocteral scientist attended poster session at EPIZONE, "Breaking walls" Berlin 2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description European Society Vector Ecology (Invited Chair for two sessions and speaker for 15min talk); (October/Palermo, Sicily) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chaired two sessions, one on vector-borne diseases, one on scientific networks. Latter included a discussion with early career researchers. Main outcome was coordination between active networks including The Gnatwork.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.sove.org/European%20SOVE%20folder/greecescientificprogram/palermo_Scientific_program_revi...
 
Description Evolution of H9N2 avian influenza virus under immune pressure. Presented at 10th International Symposium on Avian Influenza, 15th - 18th April 2018, The Grand Hotel, Brighton, UK. 
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 primary aim of the workshop was to forge long-term research partnerships between early-career researchers, livestock industry and national disease control authorities in the UK and the Philippines. In addition, the activity hopes provide information about the emerging and next generation diagnostic and vaccine strategies and their utilization to reduce the impact of viral diseases on livestock and poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.slideshare.net/zerep_cire/2019-newton-agham-researcher-links-workshop-vaccines-and-diagn...
 
Description Expert commentary on New Scientist article 
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 I provided expert commentary on an article published in New Scientist, which summarised research performed by researchers at the University of Leeds on how mosquito bites enhance the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://institutions.newscientist.com/article/2231141-skin-cream-applied-to-mosquito-bites-stops-vir...
 
Description Farnborough Sixth Form College Careers Fair - Chris Chiu 
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 CC engaged at a careers day, and answered questions presented by sixth form students about working in science. Increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Farnborough futures careers event - HJM 
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 careers event aimed to introduce the range of careers available at Pirbright. In addition I discussed my own career progression and highlighted the range of possible careers that I could have entered. Finally, I discussed some details of the research with interested students. The students had a wide range of backgrounds and career aims but were interested to hear about the Institute and the sort of work opportunities available. Several of them planned to follow up by investigating future job opportunities at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Festival of Genomics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I participated as an expert on a panel to discuss the new and emerging technologies in high throughput sequencing, the cost implications and how these will impact upon the market/science. GF
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL http://www.FLAV.org.uk
 
Description Gene Drive Resarch Sponsors and Supporter's Forum meeting Montreal Sept 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Forum met to discuss the state of the art and future considerations for gene drive research. Ongoing deliberations including specific follow-up meetings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Genetic engineering speeds up poultry vaccine development 
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 Researchers report the rapid generation of a bivalent vaccine against Marek's disease and avian influenza

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have used genetic engineering to develop a vaccine that protects birds against both Marek's disease and avian influenza. They say the process is faster and more efficient compared to previous methods, which will allow poultry vaccine producers to rapidly update vaccine strains in order to keep up with virus evolution.

In a study published in the journal Vaccines, the team used the gene editing tool CRISPR/Cas9 to insert an avian influenza gene into the turkey herpesvirus (HVT) that is used in Marek's disease vaccines. The gene codes for haemagglutinin (HA), an influenza protein that is key for virus entry into host cells and is therefore an important target of the host immune response to block infection.

"HVT is already widely used in vaccines against Marek's disease and can be administered to eggs, enabling automated delivery and providing birds with protection from the day they hatch. The additional HA gene we have incorporated will be expressed by HVT when it replicates in host cells, meaning that a single dose of vaccine induces immunity against both viruses", explained Professor Munir Iqbal, Head of the Avian Influenza group at Pirbright.

"The genetic engineering process we have developed using CRISPR/Cas9 is far quicker and more efficient than previous technologies, as well as being very consistent and accurate. These attributes are essential for providing fast and reliable vaccine production to protect poultry", Prof Iqbal added.

Mutations can occur with high frequency in HA proteins, enabling influenza viruses to evade immunity generated by vaccines. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to create new vaccines will help tackle evolving viruses by reducing the time it takes manufacturing companies to adapt their vaccine strains to match these mutations, allowing faster responses to outbreaks and providing better protection.

Although this gene editing method is very reliable, a small number of HVT viruses fail to incorporate the HA gene into their own genome effectively. To ensure HA is being expressed in the vaccine, the team exploited the HA protein's ability to bind to molecules on the surface of red blood cells.

Chicken cells infected with the successfully modified HVT virus express HA on their surface which red blood cells attach to, forming a clump that can be visualised using microscopy. This simple test improves the speed at which suitable vaccine candidates can be identified and has a much broader application as it can also be used for other viruses that incorporate proteins which interact with red blood cells.

"Improving how we make vaccines is critical for preventing avian influenza outbreaks. Our work could help reduce the spread of disease between birds and reduce the risk of infection for people who work closely with poultry", Prof Iqbal said. "Now that we have developed a rapid method for generating this modified vaccine, our next steps will be to study the vaccine's effectiveness in field trials."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.cabi.org/vetmedresource/news/66612
 
Description Global epidemic trend of avian influenza virus and its harm to public health 
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 Talk as an invited speaker at The 2023 China-ASEAN Seminar on Prevention and Control of Cross-border Animal Diseases, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China.

The persistence of avian influenza viruses in bird populations increases zoonotic and pandemic risks. Research focuses on reducing prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). To address this, topics discussed included research focuses in: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Gordon's schools careers Fair-AH 
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 Provoking interest in a range of science career paths
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Guest lecturer MSc Imaging course at University of Copenhagen 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact 25 internal students from University of Copenhagen visited the core imaging facility for three days during which time I delivered lectures and interacted with the students during practical workshops. This sparked questions and discussion relating to their individual projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Guest lecturer for PhD course in EM, University of Copenhagen 
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 for delegates including lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Outcomes are that delegates are able to make informed decisions regarding microscopy techniques about their future projects, and perform sample preparation and operate instruments. Delegates could ask me for advice regarding their projects which sparked questions and discussion within the group on a wide range of multi-disciplinary subjects. Increase visibility of The Pirbright Institute
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Guildford School Careers Fair - Kathleen Humphreys 
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 Talked to teenagers about the potential career in science, whether they had a passion for specific topics or science supportive topics. Talked about the apprenticeships available at Pirbright and the multiple ways of finding a scientific career.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description H9N2 avian influenza viruses: impact of evolutionary changes on virus antigenicity, receptor binding and zoonotic potential. Presented at "Conference on Animal Infectious Diseases and Human Health" held at The Veterinary Biotechnology Branch of Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine & the Veterinary Immunology Branch of Chinese Society for Immunology. August 7th-10th, 2018 Harbin, China. 
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 Focus of the conference was to improve control against infectious diseases affecting poultry and livestock.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description H9N2 avian influenza viruses: impact of evolutionary changes on virus antigenicity, receptor binding and zoonotic potential. Presented at "Conference on Animal Infectious Diseases and Human Health" held at The Veterinary Biotechnology Branch of Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine & the Veterinary Immunology Branch of Chinese Society for Immunology. August 7th-10th, 2018 Harbin, China. 
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 Dissemination of research outcomes to prevent and control of infectious diseases of animals and humans.
- Avian influenza virus evolution and efficacy.
-
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description High pathogenicity avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 in Europe -Epidemiology and Surveillance. Presented via Webinar, organized by Boehringer Ingelheim, 3rd July 2020. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk entitled; High pathogenicity avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 in Europe -Epidemiology and Surveillance. talk was organized by Boehringer Ingelheim, 3rd July 2020 and presented via Webinar.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Holt School Surrey. Bee meadow & A-level outreach Talk. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact I discussed the importance of pollinators for biodiversity and food security with the younger students. I also discussed careers in science with A-Level students. There was good interaction and many questions surrounding both topics.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description IUCN Technical Subgroup on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation (meeting 12-15 April and report) 
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 Participated as member in Technical Subgroup on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Meetings, online discussion and ultimately a report to Task Force and will ultimately go to IUCN General Assembly.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description Identification of antigenic epitopes to broaden and enhance the efficacy of avian influenza vaccines. Presented at 6th Animal Vaccines and immune Adjuvant Technologies Salon & Advanced seminar, Shandong-Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy, China, 18-20 October 2019. 
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 talk and the discussion was the best practices to improve control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) for prevention of avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Illumina EMIDA seminar series - Graham Freimanis 
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 Applying High-Throughput Sequencing to Animal Health Research. Illumina internal staff seminar series.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Imagineering Fair 
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 Talked to the general public about Pirbright science and Beekeeping
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Immuno-pathobiology of H9N2 avian influenza viruses: looking at how the viruses evolve and persist in poultry. Presented at "Techniques for Healthy Farming and Diseases Prevention & Control of Livestock and Poultry. Beijing, August 13th-15th, 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 Dissemination of research outputs. Improvement of vaccines and diagnostics.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Improvement in the Production Systems and Potency of Poultry Vaccines. Virtual meeting organised by Hi-Tech Poultry Breeders (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore, Pakistan. 17th January 2022 
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 A talk entitled "Improvement in the Production Systems and Potency of Poultry Vaccines" was presented by Munir Iqbal to veterinary field staff working on poultry production, particularly prevention and control of infectious diseases. The Audience was very much impressed with the new improved technology that enhance the potency of poultry vaccines.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Improving Breadth and Duration of Immunity of Poultry Vaccines: Targeted Delivery of Antigens to Chicken Antigen Presenting Cells. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Talk entitled "Improving Breadth and Duration of Immunity of Poultry Vaccines: Targeted Delivery of Antigens to Chicken Antigen Presenting Cells" presented by Professor Iqbal at 2022 Yangzhou International Conference on Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety - Germplasm Innovation and Agri-Product Safety on 30th November 2022.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Improving Potency of Poultry Vaccines 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Research outcomes were presented by Munir iqbal at the 2022 International Animal Husbandry: High quality development of animal health and animal husbandry- Virtual Scientific Conference, on 19-Nov-2022, hosted by Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Improving Potency of Poultry Vaccines 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A talk entitled "Improving Potency of Poultry Vaccines" presented by Munir Iqbal to post graduate students at meeting "The 2022 International Animal Husbandry High-Quality Development Conference" on On 19th November 2022 hosted by Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College. More than 300 post graduate and university staff from Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College attended the meeting and discussed the advanced in the strategies to reduce the impacts of avian influenza viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Improving Poultry Vaccines, Virtual presentation to staff and postgraduate students at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan 
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 The overview was presented on the development of next-generation of poultry vaccines. The new vaccine technology selectively targets chicken immune cells and induces faster and stronger immunity against poultry viral diseases. A huge interest in the subject was perceived and everyone was interested in the new technology and eager in suggesting that this vaccine should be taken forward for commercial production and field use.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Improving Vaccines against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Viruses 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the Sino-European Modern Livestock and Poultry Industry Technical Innovation seminar and the launch of the Joint Laboratory of China and European Countries. Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, China.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Improving the efficacy of poultry vaccines 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the International Conference: Current Trends, Prospects & Opportunities in Vaccine Research at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies.

This platform therefore (1) enhances the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduces production losses, (3) improves cost-effectiveness, (4) improves productivity and economy, (5) improves animal welfare, and (6) reduces prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). Additionally, collaborations with industrial partners can integrate this research to adapt to new antigenic variants and/or hosts.

This ensures early vaccination is possible and this vaccine platform can aid control of avian influenza in early poultry populations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Improving vaccines and diagnostics for Avian influenza viruses affecting poultry. Presented at the International Poultry Expo "Poultry Science Conference", Lahore, Pakistan, 13-15 September 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 talk and the discussion was the best practices to improve control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) for prevention of avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description InFocus article (Jennifer Simpson) 
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 InFocus review article for EM-UK meeting (2017)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Influenza antibodies reduce disease in chickens 
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 Research outputs were mass comminated for the general public via a news story.
cientists have engineered synthetic antibody molecules that can be administered to poultry to reduce the symptoms of influenza. The molecules also decrease the amount of influenza virus shed into the environment, suggesting there is potential for their use as immunotherapy treatments to reduce the burdens of influenza in poultry.

The research, conducted by a team at the Pirbright Institute, Surrey, UK, involved generating synthetic antibodies against the H9N2 strain of avian influenza, which poses significant risks to both the poultry sector and wider avian and mammalian species due to its ability to adapt to new hosts through mutation.

The modified antibody segments, known as single chain variable fragment antibodies (scFvs), were shown to prevent the H9N2 virus from entering cells in laboratory tissue cultures. Further testing showed that chickens immunised intranasally with scFvs produced lower levels of virus and presented decreased weight loss compared to those that had not received treatment. The scFvs antibodies work by binding to proteins on the outside of the influenza virus, called haemagglutinin (HA), that attach to receptors on host cells. The prevents the virus from entering the cell and replicating, offering rapid protection to infected birds.

To create the scFVs, the team immunised mice with an influenza vaccine, which triggered the production of mouse antibodies that could neutralise the H9N2 virus. The genetic code for 2 section of the antibodies that bind to the HA protein was then sequenced. Using genetic engineering, they linked these 2 sections together to create one new smaller antibody molecule (the scFvs). By generating these smaller molecules, the team was able to overcome issues presented by using whole antibodies, such as lower production rates and increased likelihood of immune rejection by species other than chickens.

These results are encouraging and demonstrate that scFvs could provide a quick and efficient way of reducing the clinical signs of influenza and its spread in infected flocks, reducing the risk of transmission from poultry to humans." - Professor Munir Iqbal

Published in Vaccines, the scFvs created in this study have additional advantages including their ability to be mass-produced in insect cells and the fact they could work against the virus in all hosts without adaption. Commenting on the results, Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the avian influenza group at Pirbright, said: "These results are encouraging and demonstrate that scFvs could provide a quick and efficient way of reducing the clinical signs of influenza and its spread in infected flocks, reducing the risk of transmission from poultry to humans. "The next step will be to establish the best method for administration, whether this is intranasal, as we have done in this study, or via aerosol or viral vector delivery systems." Prof Iqbal added that the type of immunotherapy could be used to treat other viral diseases of poultry and humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.poultryworld.net/health-nutrition/influenza-antibodies-reduce-disease-in-chickens/
 
Description Influenza update meeting (Pengxiang Chang) 
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 presented work entitled: Antigenic characterization of avian influenza H7N9 virus by in vitro immune escape mutant selection method.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description InnovSur : Conference in IRD Montpellier on Insect Vector Surveillance 
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 Working group on standardisation of techniques for surveillance of insect vectors. Included break out group brainstorming and subsequent commentaries. Total audience approximately 110 people for main lectures.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.alphavisa.com/isessah-innovsur/2018/
 
Description Innovate Guildford 
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 Institute stand at Innovate Guildford science festival. Visitors to stand able to discuss issues related to animal diseases and their control (with a particular focus on influenza and on use of genetic modification technologies)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Innovate Guildford (Angita Shrestha): 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact GENERAL SCIENCE
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Innovate Guildford - DB & KC 
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 Public science event where team members participated on a Pirbright Institute stand which contained activities to help the public understand how scientists can help to contain and control viral outbreaks. Over 500 members of the general public attended which stimulated increased interest in science and research and led to requests for more information.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Innovate Guildford 17 March 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk and exhibit at Innovate Guildford - >100 for talk, probably >500 for exhibit. Both sparked questions and discussion afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Innovate Guildford 2018 
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 Institute stand at the Innovate Guildford event, covering the work of the Institute in general and genetic modification through gene editing specifically.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.guildford.gov.uk/IG18
 
Description Innovate Guildford 2018 - SB 
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 Regional science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Innovate Guildford 2018 - SV 
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 at regional science/innovation festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Innovate Guildford, ND 
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 Presented at the Pirbright Institute stand discussing science performed by the Institute with the general public. The stand focussed on an exhibit on avian influenza virus but more general virology topics were also discussed including our research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Innovate Guilford-AH, AA, ER, EL 
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 General science festival engaging the public in the research undertaken at Pirbright
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Institute stand "Disease Detectives" at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 
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 Institute stand "Disease Detectives" at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, 6-10 July 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2022/summer-science-exhibition/
 
Description Institute stand at Surrey Vet School open day 
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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Interactions between receptor-binding, immune evasion and glycan shielding. Presented by Joshua Sealy at Biophysics and evolution: improving models to predict influenza vaccine effectiveness) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Influenza viruses have an error-prone polymerase complex that facilitates a mutagenic environment. Antigenic mutants swiftly arise from this environment with the capacity to persist in both humans and economically important livestock even in the face of vaccination. Furthermore, influenza viruses can adjust the antigenicity of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein, the primary influenza immunogen, using one of four molecular mechanisms. Two prominent mechanisms are: (1) enhancing binding avidity of HA toward cellular receptors to outcompete antibody binding and (2) amino acid substitutions that introduce an N-linked glycan on HA that sterically block antibody binding. In this paper, we investigate the impact that adsorptive mutation and N-linked glycosylation have on receptor-binding phenotype, virus replicative fitness and antigenicity. We show that in the context of adsorptive mutation that N-linked glycosylation can mitigate virus attenuation. We show that in the absence of adsorptive mutation, N-linked glycosylation can attenuate virus this indicating a cooperative role between adsorptive mutation and N-linked glycosylation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.physicsoflife.org.uk/biophysics-and-evolution.html
 
Description International Avian Respiratory Disease Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Michael presented his research at the 2018 International Avian Respiratory Disease Conference in the US to an audience of avian researchers and representatives form the poultry veterinary vaccine industry. This sparked discussion and potential future collaborations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description International Day of Women and Girls in Science 
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 I gave a quote as a STEM ambassador about why I think it is important to make sure women and girls have the same opportunities in STEM. This was shared on social media to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a UN-led initiative.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Interview on "Disease Detectives" 
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 Interview about "Disease Detectives" for BBC World Service Health Check programme, broadcast 7 July 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct32wl
 
Description Interview with Associated Press 
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 Interview with a journalist from Associated Press about coronavirus research at The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Interview with BBC Radio Surrey 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interview with journalists from BBC Radio Surrey on the breakfast show about coronavirus research at The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Interview with BuzzFeed News 
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 Interview with a journalist from BuzzFeed News about coronavirus research at The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Interviews to discuss COVID vaccine results 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Radio interviews (BBC Radio Surrey and Oxford), television interview (BBC South Today) and interviews with press to discuss results from our studies evaluating COVID-19 vaccine candidates in pigs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
 
Description Investigating avian influenza antigenic evolution and improving potency of poultry vaccines (Internal seminar) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A talk presented describing how the genetic evolution of avian influenza viruses can result in vaccine failure and how we developed approaches that improve the effectiveness of poultry vaccines to reduce the economic loss in poultry.

We describe our research data H5 subtype of avian influenza viruses are evolving rapidly and being classified into different clades. These viruses carry significant antigenic heterogeneity and a single candidate vaccine may not be able to protect against the virus variants infecting poultry in different countries around the globe. Our data will allow for the generation of vaccines that are better strain-matched, thus reducing the impact of AIVs in the poultry industry.

We also present our work on the development of next-generation poultry vaccines termed "Targeted Antigen Delivery Vaccine (TADV)" that selectively deliver vaccine antigens to the chicken immune cells known as Antigen-presenting cells and potentiates immunogenicity of the vaccine.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Invited Chair at European Congress of Entomology (Naples,July) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chaired session on vector-borne diseases at meeting and subsequent question sessions with 15 minute presentation on Culicoides biting midges.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.ece2018.com/scientific-programme/day-1-monday-2-july/
 
Description Invited Lecture - Public Health Interest Group (London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) 
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 Invited talk presented and discussion session particiation (09/04/19)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited Lecture - Wageningen University and Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk title: Culicoides-borne arboviruses in Europe - Invited lecture
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited Presentation 
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 Presentations at the European PRRS Research Award ceremonies
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017
 
Description Invited lecturer for MSc Biological Electron Microscopy, University of Copenhagen 
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 25 internal students from University of Copenhagen visited the core imaging facility for three days during which time I delivered lectures and interacted with the students during practical workshops. This sparked questions and discussion relating to their individual projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited member of the Program Committee of AlCoB (Algorithms for Computational Biology) 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I was invited to join the Program Committee of the Algorithms for Computational Biology conference 2016
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://grammars.grlmc.com/AlCoB2016/pc.php
 
Description Invited member of the Program Committee of AlCoB (Algorithms for Computational Biology) 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I was invited to join the Program Committee of the Algorithms for Computational Biology conference 2018
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://grammars.grlmc.com/AlCoB2018/pc.php
 
Description Invited member of the Program Committee of ECCB (European Conference on Computational Biology) 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I was invited to join the Program Committee of the European Conference on Computational Biology 2016
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/eccb/2016/home/committees-2/index.html
 
Description Invited oral presentation at 18th National Conference for Pig Disease Prevention and Eradication, Wuhan, China 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited oral presentation: 'Trying to hit a moving target: Novel approaches to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine development', 18th National Conference for Pig Disease Prevention and Eradication, Wuhan, China
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited presentation at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (January; Riems) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Formal presentation on biting midges and bluetongue to professional audience with question session and collaborative meetings
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited presentation: 'Beyond Jenner: The Future of Vaccines', Discovery Day, Dr Jenner House Museum and Gardens 
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 Invited by the British Society for Immunology to give a presentation on vaccine research at the 'Beyond Jenner: The Future of Vaccines', Discovery Day, Dr Jenner House Museum and Gardens, Berkeley, UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited seminar at INRAE, France 
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 to present our recent and ongoing PRRSV research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited speaker - Moredun 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on Bioimaging capabilities at Pirbright to Moredun Institute. Attended by Head of Bioimaging at Roslin too, increased links between these institutes.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2018
 
Description Invited speaker - PHE Colindale 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on high containment microscopy, asking for my advice prior to the design of a new high containment microscopy facility at PHE. This sparked a discussion at the end of the meeting, and several key points of advice that I put forward for them to consider during this process. I made it clear that I am available for other discussions at a later date if needed.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker - RMS EM School 
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 Invited to lecture on certain aspects of electron microscopy. I provided advice on individuals difficulties they had with sample preparation. Delegates had the opportunity to ask me any questions then had relating to any sample type.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES (VBD) IN THE UK - BIENNIAL MEETING 2018 John Innes Centre Norwich 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited speaker on "The Host-vector-pathogen Interface of Culicoides-borne Bluetongue Virus" at the VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES (VBD) IN THE UK - BIENNIAL MEETING 2018 John Innes Centre Norwich 4th-5th December 2018
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker at APHA surveillance meeting 
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 Invited speaker on insect surveillance at Animal and Plant Health Agency meeting with discussion around current studies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker at Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock webinar on alternatives to antibiotics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited speaker at Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock webinar on alternatives to antibiotics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://cielivestock.co.uk/events/ciel-insights-member-only-webinar-alternatives-to-antibiotics/
 
Description Invited speaker at Imperial College 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Gave a talk on our recent research in swine influenza. Discussions with PIs at Imperial after the talk. Established collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker at the British VeterinaryPoultry Association 2018 meeting at Boehringer Ingelheim 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact I was invited to present my research findings at the British Veterinary Poultry Association 2018 meeting, held at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited speaker, . Jenner Symposium, Royal Society, London 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Gave a talk on One Health vaccines
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Invited speaker, VIRCON (Indian Society for Virology) International Satellite Symposium. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited speaker: Developing a 'One Health' Nipah virus vaccine to protect animal and public health. VIRCON (Indian Society for Virology) International Satellite Symposium.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Invited speaker, Vienna Veterinary School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Gave a guest lecture at the Veterinary school in Vienna. There were a lot of questions and discussion after the talk. As a result established collaboration with Gerner Wilhelm's group.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/de/graduate-school-pig-and-poultry-medicine/
 
Description Invited talk at Nipah Virus International Conference, Singapore 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited presentation on our ongoing work to develop a Nipah virus vaccine for pigs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited talk at World Vaccine Congress, Washington DC, USA 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Discussed the potential for structural vaccinology to advance livestock vaccine development including examples of FMDV, bRSV and PRRSV
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited talk on 28th September 2020 on ''Challenges and opportunities for control of infectious animal diseases including zoonosis' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact International Webinar of 'Epistemological approaches to animal disease control programmes with special reference to rabies'
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Invited to attend and present at the RSPCA Lay members Forum, Royal Society London 10th of December 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Invited to attend to the RSPCA Lay members Forum, Royal Society London 10th of December 2018 and present on the ethical review process of animal research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://science.rspca.org.uk/sciencegroup/researchanimals/ethicalreview/differentsystems/uk/events
 
Description Isabelle Dietrich - Bishop David Brown School Careers Fair 
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 >100 students attended careers fair. Informed students about The Pirbright Institute's work and career opportunities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Isabelle Dietrich - Collingwood College Careers Fair 
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 >100 students attended careers fair. Informed students about The Pirbright Institute's work and career opportunities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Isabelle Dietrich - Talk at "Symposium on New Emerging Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Vectors", Taiwan 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Conference presentation, followed by questions and discussions and establishment of new collaborations.
Judged poster competition. Visited collaborators' institutes to introduce The Pirbright Institute's work in general and our group's work in particular.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Isabelle Dietrich - Talk at RIVR 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Conference presentation, followed by questions and discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Jennifer Simpson - Big Bang Competition judge 
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 The Big Bang Competition recognises and rewards young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), whilst providing them with the opportunity to build their skills and confidence in project-based work. The Competition is open to all UK residents in full-time education or training.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Jennifer Simpson - Careers Fair at Woking High School 
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 Pirbright Institute stand at the careers fair. Speak to students interested in a career in science. Sparked questions and discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Jennifer Simpson - Girls into STEM 
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 Outreach activity for girls in local schools to demonstrated the variety of careers available within the STEM sector.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Jennifer Simpson - InFocus article on Bioimaging in high containment 
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 Magazine article describing the facilities for imaging in high containment at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Jennifer Simpson - Surrey MSc students visit to Pirbright 
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 Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Jenny organized a practical session where the students prepared their own samples for the confocal microscope, then they were able to image these samples using our instrument. The activities provoked questions and discussion. This session is always very warmly received by the students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018,2019
 
Description Katy Moffat - Surrey MSc student visit to Pirbright 
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 Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Katy ran a small workshop for the students which enabled them to see the whole flow cytometry workflow. These activities provoke questions and discussions, and are always very warmly received.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018,2019
 
Description Keynote speaker - 89th IUVSTA Workshop, Poland 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Keynote seminar to 'high vacuum' community, including life scientists and physical scientists, with experience in microscopy or other high end analystical techniques. increased visibility of the Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Keynote speaker - Danish Virology Society Annual Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I was personally invited to be keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Danish Virology Society, to talk about high containment microscopy of cell biology of host-virus interactions. The meeting was held at the State Serum Institute in Copenhagen, followed by a social evening which enabled me to add new contacts into my network. This invitation came direct from the Danish Virology Society, independent of the work I already do with the University of Copenhagen.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Kingdown School Warminster Wiltshire talk to 6th form students about career in science. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact I presented my career path to the students to engage them on STEM careers. I had a good level of discussion and many questions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description LEAF open farm Sunday- JH, GM, WM, AH, KR, JS 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The annual open farm day attended by businesses in the working in the farming industry in the Guilford area
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Laboratory Science Animal association (LASA) meeting in Birmingham, Invited speaker 
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 Gave a presentation on the tools we have developed to study swine influenza
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.lasa.co.uk/meetings/
 
Description Latest Pirbright collaboration uncovers genetic markers that could guide avian influenza surveillance 
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 Research outputs were mass comminated for the general public via a news story. This was published online at the Pirbright Institute webpage and One Health Poultry Health webpage and distributed wildly on social media including Facebook, Twitter, In Share.

Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have identified the genetic markers on avian influenza ('bird flu') viruses that could help the viruses to jump the species barrier and cause disease in people, in collaboration with other members of the One Health Poultry Hub.

Co-investigators Professor Munir Iqbal and Dr Joshua Sealy worked with scientists at Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow and The Francis Crick Institute, to show how the genetic traits of avian influenza H9N2 viruses influence their preference for infecting bird or human cells.

The paper detailing their findings, 'Genetic determinants of receptor-binding preference and zoonotic potential of H9N2 avian influenza viruses' is published in the Journal of Virology.

The research identifies genetic traits that alter a key H9N2 viral protein, called haemagglutinin, that makes it easier for the virus to recognise and bind to different cell receptors. This is the first step of viral infection, and the general inability of avian influenza viruses to effectively bind to human receptors is a major reason why they do not, in general, jump the species barrier to people.

However, given that human infections with H9N2 have been detected on an almost monthly basis since 2015, there may be a capacity for these viruses to evolve and gain the ability to efficiently target cellular receptors in people.

This latest discovery reveals which haemagglutinin properties of existing H9N2 strains allow them to bind to human receptors more effectively. These included small genetic differences as well as the overall structure and charge of the haemagglutinin protein. These findings will help guide future avian influenza surveillance by providing the genetic markers that signify the emergence of viruses with the potential to transmit to people.

There have been more than 60 cases recorded of people infected with H9N2 influenza viruses to date in 2020, all in countries where the virus is endemic. However, these viruses have not adapted to spread efficiently from person to person, a key element of a virus that has the potential to cause a pandemic.

Professor Iqbal and his team at Pirbright have previously described H9N2 viruses which showed a preference for human-like receptors.

Professor Iqbal said: "Understanding more about which traits increase the likelihood of H9N2 viruses jumping into humans help to identify viruses that could pose a future threat. Keeping an eye on viruses with these traits can help us to be prepared in the event that one of them evolves to pass between people rather than only from birds to humans."



This research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) the Medical Research Council (MRC) both part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2021/01/latest-pirbright-collaboration-uncovers-genetic-markers-cou...
 
Description Lecture of dynamics of vector-borne diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Two-hour lecture on the dynamics of vector-borne diseases as part of Part II Pathology: Dynamics of Infectious Diseases course at University of Cambridge
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023,2024
 
Description Lecture on dynamics of infectious diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Lecture as part of MSc in Veterinary Microbiology at University of Surrey
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017
 
Description Lecture on entereic coronaviruses to MSc Students (Surrey) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A lecture was presented on the pathology, diagnosis and detection of enteric coronaviruses, including virus replication and interaction with the host. The students were engaged and asked/answered question throughout the session. We were invited to repeat the lecture for the subsequent student intakes.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016,2018
 
Description Lectures for MSc course in Copenhagen 2021 
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 Taught on a masters microscopy course (approx 20 delegates)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Lorin Adams (Gordon's School Careers Fair) 
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 Describe the research that lead to improve control systems against infectious viral diseases of animals and from animals to humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Lumpy Skin Disease D2R2 profile 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Provided expert opinion to the assessment (D2R2) of the risk of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) to the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description MMC 2021 
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 Attend biannual microscopy congress, engage with colleagues and manufacturers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description MMC 2021 - Joanna Wells 
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 Engage with peers, start to build network, represent the Institute
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description MMC Learning Zone - invited speaker 
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 Microscience Microscopy Conference, speaker at the Learning Zone - specimen preparation for life sciences. Increase the visibility of Pirbright Institute
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description MMC2017 Learning Zone seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presented a seminar on preparation of samples for electron microscopy to 24 MMC2017 delegates. Questions followed asking for advice on specific examples, also advice on interpretation of data and how to improve results.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2015,2017
 
Description MPEG-G working group at Pirbright 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact From 27 to 29 September 2017 Paolo Ribeca organised and hosted at Pirbright an ad-hoc meeting of the MPEG working group on genome compression (MPEG-G). The meeting focused on writing and improving technical documents needed to establish the upcoming standard. Many aspects of generation, use, storage and retrieval of genomic information were discussed during the meeting, as well as technical details of compression algorithms suitable for high-throughput sequencing data.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description MRC PhD Student DTP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact I gave a career development seminar to the MRC PhD student DTP to discuss opportunities and realities of an academic research career in universities and research institutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description MSc student visit 
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 Postgraduate students
Results and Impact I hosted several MSc students from University of Surrey, discussed avian research with them and demonstrated some laboratory techniques. The students gained an understanding of academic research and laboratory work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description Mapping antigenic determinants of H9N2 avian influenza viruses and improving vaccines and diagnostics" presented at Foreign Talent Lecture: New strategies and new techniques for the prevention and control of major avian diseases. Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, China. 6th August 2018. 
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 focus of the meeting was to improve the control systems against poultry diseases including development of improved vaccines and diagnostics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Member of BBSRC sLoLa grants committee 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Member of sLoLa Committee to shortlist outline applications and review/assess application at the full stage of submission.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Member of a BBSRC expert group on the use of animal models in research 
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 Reviewed the key findings of the survey and identify key trends and emerging opportunities. Reviewed the proposed recommendations, discuss the challenges and barriers surrounding the use of models, and suggest how UKRI-BBSRC can help overcome these.
Identified key stakeholders that UKRI-BBSRC could partner with to act on recommendations and how the report should be disseminated.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Microbiology Society Annual conference (UK) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Poster or oral presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference, a major international event. The participants included researchers from many different areas of science. This provides a platform to promote research to a wider audience as well as discuss the key findings with experts in my own field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019
 
Description Microbiology Society Annual conferences- invited speaker 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Scientific talk on successful cross-species transmission of vector-borne viruses
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Microbiology Society Avian Focus Meeting (UK) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact I gave a 15 minute oral presentation to an audience of around 80 people in 2016 and 2018. The audience consisted of researchers from many different scientific institutions from different areas of avian research. This was a great opportunity to present to experts in this field and gain novel insights into the project and the possible applications of my work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2018
 
Description Microbiology Society Online talk for Dr. Jamie Kelly 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Workshop talk entitled, "High throughput screening to identify interferon stimulated genes whose expression is inhibitory to RSV infection. "
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Microbiology Today article 
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 Invited article titled 'How to Image an Exotic Virus' in special Imaging issue (February 2018).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Microbiology society 2021 online meeting talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Workshop talk entitled "SARS-CoV-2 Spike has broad tropism for mammalian ACE2 proteins, yet exhibits a distinct pattern of receptor usage when compared to other ß-coronavirus Spike proteins."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Microscopy Society of Ireland annual meeting 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Keynote talk at annual meeting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Microsoc 2018 "Structure-guided identification of a pathogen with pandemic potential" poster 
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 Presented a poster on our research at the MicroSoc annual meeting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Mock Interview Programme Cove School- Ai, AA 
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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Molecular Determinants for Antigenicity and Vaccine Efficacy of H9 and H7 Avian Influenza Viruses. Newton Agham Researcher Links Workshop: Novel vaccines and diagnostics technologies against Emerging and re-emerging veterinary Pathogens. 4-7 February 2019 at Rizal Pak Hotel, Manila, Philippines. 
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 talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Molecular determinants modulating avian influenza H7N9 virus antigenicity. Presented at The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2019, 8-11 April ICC Belfast, UK. 
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 talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Molecular determinants of antigenicity of H7 and H9 avian Influenza viruses. Presented as invited speaker at BBSRC UK-India Partnering Award seminar: University of Liverpool. 2 May 2019. 
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 talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Multiple talks at XXIInd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress - WVPAC 2023, Verona, Italy 
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 three independent talks titled: (1) Selectively targeting antigens to chicken immune cells induces faster and very strong immunity in chicks with high levels of maternally derived antibodies, (2) The impact of avian influenza vaccination on zoonotic infections: lessons learned from the H7N9 avian influenza control, (3) Investigating molecular markers influences the haemagglutination activity of the H9N2 avian influenza viruses.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effective: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Munir Iqbal: Cheltenham Science Festival 
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 Describe the research that lead to improve control systems against infectious viral diseases of animals and from animals to humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Negative Strand Virus 2018 Meeting "Structure-guided identification of morbilliviruses with zoonotic potential" Poster 
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 Presented a poster on the Structure-guided identification of morbilliviruses with zoonotic potential at the international negative strand virus (NSV) meeting in Verona, Italy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description New Scientist interview 
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 Interview with New Scientist regarding genetic control of mosquitoes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.newscientist.com/article/2210190-parasite-brings-down-mosquito-numbers-in-parts-of-guang...
 
Description New rapid protection bird flu vaccine 
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 Article published in the magazine "Poultry World) by Freelance journalist Natalie Berkhout describing the development of a new methods have been developed to enhance the immune response that vaccines produce and reduce the amount of virus that birds shed into the environment. One technique involves tagging flu virus proteins with a marker that makes them easier for antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to capture. These immune cells can efficiently process the tagged proteins, resulting in a robust and long-lasting antiviral response in chickens.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.poultryworld.net/health-nutrition/health/new-rapid-protection-bird-flu-vaccine/
 
Description New rapid protection bird flu vaccine 
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 Research outputs were mass comminated for the general public via a news story. This was published online on Poultry world (Poultry World edition 10 of 2021 now online) entitled. New rapid protection bird flu vaccine.

Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza Virus group at Pirbright Institute, speaks to Poultry World about the potential of an improved poultry influenza vaccine that triggers a rapid immune response that protects chickens against signs of disease and reduces the amount of virus that they could pass on.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://content.yudu.com/web/1r3p1/0A1zifp/PoultryWorld2021-10/html/index.html?origin=reader&page=30
 
Description Newton Agham Researcher Links Workshop on "Novel Vaccines and Diagnostic Technologies Against Emerging and Re-emerging Veterinary Pathogens, Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, Philippines 4-7 February 2019 
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 primary aim of this workshop was to forge long-term research partnerships between early-career researchers, livestock industry and national disease control authorities in the UK and the Philippines. The workshop provided information on emerging and next generation diagnostic and vaccine strategies and their utilization to reduce the impact of viral diseases on livestock and poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.slideshare.net/zerep_cire/2019-newton-agham-researcher-links-workshop-vaccines-and-diagn...
 
Description Next-generation poultry vaccines, presented by Munir Iqbal to the The Pirbright Institute Trustee Board and Science Advisory Board meeting on 20th July 2021. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Data was presented to the Pirbright Institute senior management on the development and potency of a new improved vaccine to protect poultry from avian influenza viruses. The new vaccine carries the potential to triggers a rapid immune response that protects chickens against signs of disease and reduces the level of virus that they could pass on, a key element to halting the spread of bird flu through flocks. The vaccine would also be easier and less costly to produce than the traditional flu vaccines made in chicken eggs. This vaccine is now being evaluated for large scale commercial production and deployment in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2021/07/pirbright%E2%80%99s-new-bird-flu-vaccine-provides-rapid-pro...
 
Description Nidovirus symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I presented my work at the Nidovirus Symposium, which is held every three years and brings together researchers from industry and academia from many different countries. I had some interesting discussions with other researchers and built my network.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description OIE expert lecture AHSV transmission in Thailand 
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 Online lecture on AHSV transmission following unprecedented outbreak in Thailand - part of OIE arranged seminar series. 20th April 2020.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://rr-asia.oie.int/en/events/oie-webinar-on-the-african-horse-sickness/
 
Description One Health: Zoonosis and Their Control Through the Use of Vaccines 
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 Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the conference entitled "National Dialogue on Agricultural Research" at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan.

The persistence of avian influenza viruses in bird populations increases zoonotic and pandemic risks. Research focuses on reducing prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). To address this, topics discussed included research focuses in: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Opening of The Biggs Avian Research Facility 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact We presented our research and spoke to guests attending the opening of the Biggs Avian Research Facility at Pirbright. Guests who attended included politicians and members of the public from the local area, eminent researchers from other institutions, and members of BBSRC. Guests reported that they felt much more informed about the work going on at Pirbright and were impressed by our facilities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Oral presentation at European Society for Veterinary Virology conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Oral presentation at international scientific congress, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://esvv2022.ugent.be/
 
Description Organised IVVN/BSI meting on T cell biology 
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 Organised virtual T cell meeting: invited 8 speakers, opened the meeting, chaired session and closed the meeting. Highly successful meeting with 170 delegates from 28 countries and excellent feedback on scientific content, engagement and organisation. Brought together immunologists from the mouse, human and veterinary filed, facilitate exchange of ideas and new collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://www.immunology.org/frontiers-in-comparative-immunology-series-t-cell-biology-virtual-conferen...
 
Description Organiser/invited speaker - PhD course in EM, University of Copenhagen 
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 for delegates including lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Outcomes are that delegates are able to make informed decisions regarding microscopy techniques about their future projects, and perform sample preparation and operate instruments. Delegates could ask me for advice regarding their projects which sparked questions and discussion within the group on a wide range of multi-disciplinary subjects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Outreach at TeenTech Events 
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 TeenTech runs lively initiatives with a supporting Award scheme to help young teenagers see the wide range of career possibilities in Science, Engineering and Technology. They work collaboratively with companies, Universities, business organisations and education business partnerships to build sustainable and imaginative programmes focussing on regions of greater social need in the UK and Europe. This outreach actvity involved primarily school children aged 12/13. Several hundred attended and our attendees (Laura Tugwell) spoke with about 30-40 children/teachers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.teentech.com/
 
Description PH Filming for BBC4 programme 
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 Interview about imaging SARS2-CoV-2 in the EM
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description PRIDE day event TPI - HM, ND, CH, YC, MB 
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 Stall presented describing recent research of the Coronavirus Cellular Biology group at the Pirbright Institute PRIDE event, celebrating Pirbright science and activites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description PacBio Leiden 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presented data to academics and industry experts on the methods we have developed to enrich and sequence targeted areas of genomes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Participation in a meeting regarding sex determination, Duesseldorf, Germany 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation entitled "Sex determination pathway in Anopheles gambiae as a target for mosquito control" during the Nothiger meeting on sex determination in insects, Duesseldorf, 11-13 March 2019.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Pasteur Institute Visit 
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 Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Scientists from Pasteur Institute in Paris visited to discuss setting up a new containment facility. They were particularly interested in having advanced microscopes in this facility so wanted to ask our advice. We had one Skype discussion (February 2020), and then they visited our site (March 2020) and went into the high containment labs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Pathology Society talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation at annual PathSoc meeting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Pengxiang Chang: Talk presentation:The application of CRISPR/Cas9 system in the generation of viral vectored avian influenza vaccines at Microbiology Society conference, UK. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The talk and the discussion on the improvement of vaccines to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://microbiologysociety.org/event/annual-conference/annual-conference.html
 
Description Pengxiang Chang: UK-China Newton Fund (Poultry and swine) workshop at The Pirbright Institute.Oral presentation:Avian Influenza H7N9 Antigenic markers 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Pengxiang Chang:Influenza update meeting. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 in the development of vaccines against avian influenza virus 
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 Described techniques to improve and produce new effective vaccines against viral diseases of animals and humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description PhD course in Electron Microscopy 
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 Intensive workshop containing lectures and practicals in the use of electron microscopy in life sciences. This takes place every year at the University of Copenhagen, I am a course organizer and invited speaker.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017
 
Description Pig and Poultry Fair 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Discussed Institute research with pig and poultry farmers, related industry and the general public. Received requests for more information related to research, business and studentships.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.pigandpoultry.org.uk/
 
Description Pirbright Bioimaging Conference 2022 
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 A small workshop on next generation imaging technologies, with collaborators from Diamond, Glasgow and other institutes.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Pirbright Dragon Fair - MZ 
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 Team members attended the locally held Dragon fair where the Pirbright Institute had a stand explaining the types of research that are conducted at the Institute, making our high containment science activities transparent to the local community. Approximately 60 people engaged with the stall to learn about the science happening on their doorstep. This stimulated interest in science and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Pirbright Institute research teams studying characteristics of influenza virus that may alter disease outcomes in poultry. 
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 Avian influenza, commonly known as "bird flu," is a disease caused by multiple strains of influenza virus. The viruses can infect a wide range of animals, including people and pigs, but the natural reservoir lies in populations of wild aquatic birds such as ducks and gulls, according to an announcement from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K., which is conducting research to better understand avian influenza viruses to help prevent the disease in poultry.

Flu virus strains are categorized by the combination of the two proteins found on the outside of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) -- for example, H5N6 or H9N2. The H protein binds to cell receptors in order to initiate infection, while the N protein helps release new viruses from an infected cell, the institute explained.

Strains are also classified by severity. Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses cause clinical signs such as mild breathing problems, decreased egg production and growth. Some birds, particularly ducks and geese, do not display any signs of LPAI infection and are still able to spread the disease, Pirbright said. When LPAI viruses circulate in high-density poultry areas, the viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic strains.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have severe and often fatal effects on some species of birds such as chickens, Pirbright noted, but some HPAI strains cause mild or no clinical signs of disease in wild birds and domestic waterfowl. These strains are notifiable, meaning government control measures must be put in place.

Avian influenza can be carried vast distances by wild migratory birds and can infect domesticated poultry through direct contact or through contaminated droppings and bodily fluids, Pirbright said. Because of this, there is a year-round risk of avian influenza, which can increase depending on the disease status in a region and the migration season of wild aquatic birds.

According to Pirbright, good biosecurity is essential in preventing poultry from being exposed to the disease and can be practiced on a commercial farm, with game birds or even with just a few backyard hens.

Why is influenza so difficult to prevent?

The institute explained that influenza viruses are constantly changing, and when they replicate, small errors called mutations are copied into their genome. Some of these will alter the virus's proteins, allowing the virus to escape detection by the immune system.

All flu viruses also have the potential to undergo a process called reassortment, where two or more strains of influenza infect the same animal, allowing them to swap parts of their genome, Pirbright said. The resulting viruses can potentially have different characteristics than the original strains, such as the ability to replicate in different species, including people, the institute added.

Avian influenza viruses such as H5N1 or H7N9 have infected people, predominantly in Southeast Asia, but in these cases, the virus has been transmitted directly from infected birds to people, with no onward spread. There is some evidence that avian influenza can be passed from person to person, and while there are no records of efficient or sustained human transmission, there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people, which could result in a new influenza virus pandemic, Pirbright said.

Changes in the virus genetics from mutation or reassortment make it very difficult to anticipate how influenza viruses will spread through a population and whether current vaccines will be suitable for the strains that are circulating, Pirbright announced.

The influenza research programs at Pirbright are progressing understanding of the virus and finding better ways to prevent its spread.

Pirbright Institute group leaders Dr. Holly Shelton and professor Munir Iqbal are researching how the characteristics of influenza viruses can change the outcomes of disease. Studying flu at the molecular level allows them to find out how the virus evolves to overcome avian immunity and how changes in their genome can alter disease severity and their ability to affect different species, the announcement said.

Shelton's and Iqbal's teams are working on identifying genetic markers for specific disease traits that can be used in surveillance systems to provide forewarning of strains that could cause pandemics. For example, Shelton's Influenza Viruses group is looking at which characteristics allow the viruses to become resistant to antiviral drugs that are currently used to treat human infections of influenza, allowing surveillance to provide an early warning of viruses that could cross into humans and be difficult to control, Pirbright said.

The team is also investigating how long it takes for avian influenza viruses to adapt to new mammalian species. According to the institute, establishing which strains can rapidly adapt and identifying the genetic changes made to enable infection of mammalian cells will help with surveillance efforts and potentially lead to the development of techniques that will help prevent these mutations occurring.

Vaccination and rapid diagnosis are very important for influenza prevention and control, but it is still not currently possible to protect against all influenza strains, Pirbright said, noting that Iqbal's Avian Influenza group is exploring which sites on the virus trigger the chicken immune system to respond quickly and fight off infection. This will better inform scientists' ability to match vaccines to strains in the field and could help to develop vaccines that are more effective.

Iqbal's group is also developing multivalent vaccines that protect chickens and ducks from several avian influenza subtypes at once as well as test kits for rapid diagnosis of different subtypes at the flock-side, the announcement said.

Visit Pirbright's Influenza Viruses and the Avian Influenza group pages to find out more about their research.

Source: The Pirbright Institute, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.feedstuffs.com/nutrition-health/protecting-poultry-avian-influenza
 
Description Pirbright's new bird flu vaccine provides rapid protection, could reduce virus spread and is less costly to produce 
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 A news story was published online at the Pirbright Institute webpage and One Health Poultry Health webpage and distributed wildly on social media including Facebook, Twitter, In Share. Our research outputs were mass comminated for the general public.
An improved poultry influenza vaccine has been developed by researchers from The Pirbright Institute. The potential vaccine triggers a rapid immune response which protects chickens against signs of disease and reduces the level of virus that they could pass on, a key element to halting the spread of bird flu through flocks. The vaccine would also be easier and less costly to produce than the traditional flu vaccines made in chicken eggs.

Many poultry flu vaccines protect birds from serious illness and death, but do not prevent them from transmitting the virus. In recent years, new methods have been developed to enhance the immune responses that vaccines produce and reduce the amount of virus shed by birds into the environment.

One of these techniques involves tagging flu virus proteins with a marker that makes them easier for Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) to capture. These immune cells can efficiently process the tagged proteins resulting in robust and long-lasting antiviral responses in chickens.

For the first time, researchers at Pirbright have shown that tagging the flu virus haemagglutinin (HA) protein and directing it to target a specific protein on the chicken APCs, called CD83, generates faster and stronger immune responses against the H9N2 bird flu strain compared to the current industry standard inactivated virus vaccine.

The results published in npj Vaccines revealed that the vaccine was both fast-acting and effective. Birds produced antibody responses as early as six days after vaccination and they shed significantly less flu virus when challenged with a natural flu strain, indicating the birds would be less likely to spread infection. High levels of protective antibodies were produced even when birds were given a reduced dose.

As well as providing enhanced protection, this vaccine will be easier and less costly to manufacture. The tagged flu virus HA protein can be produced in a laboratory culture of insect cells instead of using eggs to grow live vaccine viruses. This would enable the poultry industry to reduce its reliance on chicken eggs for vaccine production, increasing the availability of eggs for use as a food source. The use of laboratory cells instead of eggs also highlights how Pirbright scientists actively develop animal health solutions that apply the principles of the 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace) in animal research.

As the new vaccine does not contain live flu virus, biosafety risks are reduced and no specialist high containment facilities would be required for production. These qualities make the vaccine very attractive for large scale manufacture. The Pirbright team is currently investigating the vaccine's potential for commercial production and use in the field.

Professor Munir Iqbal, Head of Pirbright's Avian Influenza Virus group, said: "By targeting HA to chicken immune cells, we have generated a powerful addition to the armoury of poultry vaccines. Our improved vaccine could help prevent the spread of flu amongst vaccinated birds, which is essential for protecting poultry welfare, increasing food production, and reducing the risk of avian influenza spreading to humans."

This research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2021/07/pirbright%E2%80%99s-new-bird-flu-vaccine-provides-rapid-pro...
 
Description Plenary discussion at World Vaccine Congress on Pandemic Preparedness with CEPI and WHO 
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 Round table discussion with representatives from WHO, CEPI and Pirbright on "how can we better collaborate with a one health approach to prepare for the next pandemic?" Organised as part of hybrid World Vaccine Congress. WHO representative was Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove who was leading the WHO's Covid response as well as Jakob Cramer from CEPI.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Plenary speaker - Electron Microscopy Cryo-techniques as Tools for Elucidating Biological Processes, University of Minas Gerais, Brazil 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I was personally invited to talk about imaging the cell biology of host-virus interactions. I was available throughout the associated workshop to provide advice on delegates projects relating to microscopy. These talks sparked discussions and more questions. I was able to increase my network of connections further during this visit to Brazil.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Plenary talk at 7th European Vet workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to give a plenary talk on mucosal immunity at the 7th European Vet workshop. This updated the audience on the latest developments in targeting immunization to different regions and assessing immune responses. Several colleagues contacted me to conduce join stuies and established further collaborations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Population Biology of Vector-Borne Diseases Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on "Population biology of Culicoides-borne viruses in Europe" at symposium held at University of Georgia Athens on 24 February 2018
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Positive Strand Viruses Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact This was a poster presentation. There were several different poster sessions at the conference allowing a large selection of people to view each poster. The audience included world leaders in my research field and important names from groups all over the world. This gave me the opportunity to discuss my work with other scientists on a one to one basis, leading to generation of new ideas for future experiments and collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2013,2016,2019
 
Description Postdocteral scientist - oral presentation at the 12th Annual meeting of Epizone (joint with 11th International Congress for Veterinary Virology, ESVV 2018) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Postdoctoral scientists abstract submission was selected for oral presentation. Project results obtained at the time were presented to a highly interested and engaging audience of more than 250 scientists, veterinarians, students and policymakers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.epizone-eu.net/en/Home/News/show/Abstract-book-EPIZONEESVV-meeting-now-online-.htm
 
Description Postdoctoral researcher Stacey Human talk at Microsoc 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Stacey presented her data on examining the cellular processes involved in trafficking RSV components to the cell surface.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Poster Presentation at the 2020 British Society for Immunology Virtual meeting: "Connecting Immunology in the time of COVID-19" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Andrew Broadbent presented a digital poster at the British Society for Immunology 2020 online meeting entitled "Connecting Immunology in the time of COVID-19".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.immunology.org/events/bsi-congress
 
Description Poster and flash presentation at Microscience Microscopy Congress - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact 3 minute flask presentation and poster entitled "Correlative cryo-bioimaging to study coronavirus replication organelles"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Poster presentation as ToScA conference - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact PP presented a poster entitled "Correlative cryo-imaging tools for the study of coronavirus replication organelles" at the ToScA conference. He discussed his data with conference attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation at International Nidovirus Syposium 2023 - HM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster entitled "Cross virus comparison of coronavirus proteins involved in replication organelle formation"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Poster presentation at International Nidovirus Syposium 2023 - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster presentation entitled "Coronavirus RNA synthesis occurs in membrane-bound sites"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Poster presentation at Microbiology Society Annual Conference - Assessing the impact of Rift Valley fever virus NSs protein inter-isolate variation on virulence and transmission 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Conference attendees attended the poster session which resulted in discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation at Microbiology Society Annual Conference - Wnt signalling in Rift Valley fever virus infection of mosquito cells 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Conference attendees attended the poster session, which resulted in questions and discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - YC 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact YC presented a poster entitled "Development of a CRISPR/Cas9 GeCKO library screen to identify pro-viral cellular genes in chicken cells that can be exploited to control avian endemic viruses" at the Microbiology Society annual conference in Belfast. She discussed her data with conference attendees and answered their questions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - YC 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster entitled "Development of a CRISPR/Cas9 GeCKO library screen to identify pro-viral cellular genes in chicken cells that can be exploited to control avian endemic viruses"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Poster presentation at UK-ICN AGM - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact ND presented a talk entitled "Coronavirus RNA synthesis occurs in membrane-bound sites" at the UK-International Coronavirus Network AGM. She answered questions and discussed her data with conference attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation at the 7th European Veterinary Immunology Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I presented a poster on the high-throughput hybridoma sequencing workflow at the Pirbright Immunological Toolbox. The presentation also highlighted the overall necessity and significance of the project. It successfully engaged scientists from the veterinary immunology community, encouraging collaboration and future contributions to the project by offering to sequence their historically important hybridoma cell lines through this initiative.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Poster presentation: European Veterinary Immunology Workshop, Utrecht, The Netherlands 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact David Goldeck (post-doctoral scientist) gave a poster presentation on our studies to isolate PRRSV-neutralising monoclonal antibodies from immune pigs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Poster presentation: European Veterinary Immunology Workshop, Utrecht, The Netherlands 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Luke Johnson (PhD student) gave a poster presentation on his studies on the interaction of macrophages and dendritic cells with PRRSV of differing virulence.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Poster presentation: International Pig Veterinary Symposium and International PRRS Symposium, Chongqing, PR China 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Luke Johnson (PhD student) gave a poster presentation on his studies on the interaction of macrophages and dendritic cells with PRRSV of differing virulence.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Poultry Stakeholders meeting hosted by Almarai, 15 October 2019 
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 Engagement with Almarai Poultry. The focus of the meeting with Almarai Poultry disease control team was to share knowledge on improved vaccination and diagnostic techniques against avian influenza viruses affecting poultry production.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Poultry Stakeholders meeting in Kuwait city 16 October 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Prevention and control of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry.
Described new vaccination and diagnostic technologies that provide more robust cross-protective immunity in emerging antigenic divergent strains of avian influenza viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Practical training given to LSHTM MSc students 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Two-hour practical teaching session given to 12 MSc students at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) on 17th November 2017 (Lara Harrup).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Presentation at American Society for Virology conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to give a keynote talk on "Rational vaccine design for the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus" at the ASV Satellite Symposium: Viral Pathogenesis and Prevention in Animals, discussed research and future plans with other researches in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Presentation at Avian viruses focussed meeting - Sept 2018 ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of data as an offered paper at the molecular biology and pathogenesis of avian viruses meeting, Oxford Sept 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Presentation at Global Alliance for Research on Avian Diseases Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of my research at the Global Alliance for Research on Avian Diseases Conference in Vietnam to approximately 80 conference participants resulted in discussions about future research directions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Presentation at Imaging virus infected cells meeting - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact ND presented a talk entitled "Identification of sites of infectious bronchitis virus RNA synthesis" at the Imaging Virus infected cells meeting hosted at Pirbright. She answered questions and discussed her data with conference attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Imaging virus infected cells meeting - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact PP was invited to present a talk entitled "Correlative cryo-bioimaging of coronavirus replication organelles" at the Imaging virus infected cells meeting held at Pirbright. Patrick answered questions on his presentation and discussed data with other researchers studying virus-host cell interactions using bioimaging approaches.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Inter-institute Bioimaging networking meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact An event was held to enable improved collaboration opportunities between scientists working with bioimaging techniques at the different research institutes within the UK. I presented data from the last 10 years describing our work characterising replication organelles induced by IBV, describing the different techniques and approaches we have used and the outlook for the future. The talk aimed to showcase the bioimaging facilities at Pirbright to encourage new collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Presentation at International Nidovirus Symposium 2023 - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact 10 minute presentation entitled "Correlative cryo-bioimaging to study coronavirus replication organelles"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Discussed our work using the pig as a preclinical model to support COVID-19 vaccine development
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster presentation at the Microbiology Society annual conference entitled "Coronavirus RNA synthesis occurs in membrane-bound sites"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact ND presented a talk entitled "Identification of sites of infectious bronchitis virus RNA synthesis" in a workshop session at the Microbiology Society annual conference. She answered questions and discussed her data with conference attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact 10 minute talk entitled "Correlative cryo-bioimaging to study coronavirus replication organelles"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact PP presented a talk entitled "Correlative cryo-bioimaging to study avian coronavirus replication organelles" in a workshop at the Microbiology Society annual conference in Belfast. He answered questions and discussed his data with conference attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Microbiology Society annual conference in Belfast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation of "The canonical stem loop RNA structure of the s2m genetic element is not required for avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus replication in vitro however deletion of the s2m sequence results in a 36-nucleotide insertion" and "Characterising the ion channel inactivating mutations in the E protein of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV)" during the virology workshops to other research scientists and students. We also presented a poster on "Examination of in vitro cell lines and ex vivo tracheal organ cultures for the study of porcine respiratory coronavirus". Good feedback was received and ideas generated for further research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Microscience Microscopy Congress - HM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster entitled "Cross virus comparison of coronavirus proteins involved in replication organelle formation"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation at Nidovirus symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation given on "The canonical stem loop RNA structure of the s2m genetic element in the avian coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus is not required for viral replication in vitro but may play a role during in vivo infection" at the poster session of the The XVth International Nidovirus Symposium. Discussions with other researchers in the coronavirus field resulted in new ideas to take the research forwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Presentation at RIVR meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Oral presentation of my work to other researchers at the Recently Independent Virology Researchers meeting. I discussed my data with other researchers and potential for future collaboration.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017,2019,2020
 
Description Presentation at RIVR meetings 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of my research at Recently Independent Virology Researchers (RIVR) meetings in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. I discussed my work and future collaborations with other virology researchers working in the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020
 
Description Presentation at Translation UK 2019 - MJB 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Poster presnetation of data to scientistis at the annual Translation UK meeting. Viewers of the poster asked lots of questions and there were some useful discussions around future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation at UK-ICN ECR meeting - PP 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact 10 minute talk entitled "Structural studies of coronavirus replication organelles".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Presentation at World One Health Congress 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Discussed our work to develop a 'One Health' Nipah virus vaccine to protect animal and public health
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Presentation at World Vaccine Congress Europe 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Discussed our work to develop a 'One Health' Nipah virus vaccine to protect animal and public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Presentation at the 13th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Selected oral presentation: Distinct effector functions mediated by Fc regions of bovine IgG subclasses and their interaction with Fc gamma receptors. 13th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://ivis2023.org/
 
Description Presentation at the EU BTV reference laboratory meeting 
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 Presentation of BTV pathogenesis and effects of Culicoides saliva to representatives from all European reference laboratories plus some additional participants from the EU and industry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Presentation at the Festival of Tomorrow, Science Swindon/UKRI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation on developing livestock vaccines to prevent new/emerging diseases and the pig as a model to support COVID-19 vaccine development, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.scienceswindon.com
 
Description Presentation at the Veterinary Research Club, UK. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Discussed our work using the pig as a preclinical model to support COVID-19 vaccine development. No known impact.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Presentation by ND at Nidovirus symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact The post-doctoral researcher presented our data at the 14th international Nidovirus symposium. She discussed data and potential collaboration with other scientisits from the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Presentation by RH at Nidovirus symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact PhD student presented our data at the 14th international Nidovirus symposium. He discussed results and potential for future collaboration with other scientists in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Presentation of data at Microbiology Society Annual conference 2019 - MJB 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Oral presentation of data to scientists at the Annual Microbiology Society conferene, Belfast. After the presentation there were questions and disussion.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation of data at Microbiology Society Annual conference 2019 - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of data to scientists at the annual Microbiology Society Conference, Belfast. Following the presentation there were questions and discussion with other scientists.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation to BBSRC Executive Board 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I presented our research to the BBSRC Executive Board when they visited The Pirbright Institute in September 2018 and discussed the impacts of our work..
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Presentations at Avian Research Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact We have presented our research at the Avian Research Symposium organised by the National Avian Resource Facility at the Roslin Institute in 2021 (Rational vaccine design for the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus) and 2023 (Disruption of the s2m RNA structure in the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus results in reduced clinical disease during in vivo infection). We have engaged with other researchers to expand our network and discussed future research activities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2023
 
Description Presentations at Microbiology Society focused conference on Avian Infectious Diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Microbiology Society supported a focused meeting on avian infectious disease research, bringing together scientists from all over the world to discuss their research. We gave presentations on "Characterisation of the Infectious Bronchitis Virus E Protein for Rational Vaccine Design" and "Rational vaccine design for the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus", received good feedback on our work and ideas for future research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Presentations at the UK International Coronavirus Network (UK-ICN) AGM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact We presented research "The Genetic Stability, Replication Kinetics and Cytopathogenicity of Recombinant Avian Coronaviruses with a T16A or an A26F Mutation within the E Protein Is Cell-Type Dependent" and "A temperature sensitive recombinant of avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus provides complete protection against homologous challenge" and a poster on "A novel in-cell micro neutralisation assay for the human coronavirus OC-43: Allowing rapid and automated quantification of neutralising effect of antibodies and antiviral compounds" at the annual general meeting of the UK-ICN in Cambridge. We networked with other researchers working in the coronavirus field and discussed future research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Prevalence and Control of Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry 
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 Presented a seminar (as an invited speaker) to poultry stakeholders including farmers and veterinarians at "Morocco Poultry Day" organised by Boehringer-Ingelheim in Tangier, Morocco.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Preventing and controlling avian influenza infections in poultry and humans 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Project close meeting at TANUVAS, Chennai July 2018- Delivering talk on outcome of the project 
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 project team held their final workshop at TANUVAS, which concluded a four year Farmed Animal Disease and Health (FADH) grant joint funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Indian Government's Department of Biotechnology (DBT). "This grant has enabled us to collaborate with four organisations across India, and ensured that our research can be applied in the field to aid the campaign for PPR global eradication", said Professor Parida.The project covered many areas of research which are essential for understanding PPR and creating tools to help control and prevent the disease. The team have now filed a patent application for their newly developed PPR vaccine, which is the first to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals (DIVA) - a quality that enables livestock owners to protect their animals whilst continuing to trade.
The team have also investigated how the PPR virus (PPRV) infects sheep and goats and how their immune systems respond. By inserting green fluorescent protein into virulent PPRV and administering the modified virus to goats, they demonstrated that PPRV primarily infects the tonsils, challenging the earlier belief that the virus first replicates in the respiratory tract epithelial cells. The collaborative project has also generated better diagnostic tests for use in the field and laboratory, and preliminary research has identified why some Indian breeds of goats and sheep are resistant to the disease, which could help scientists to create PPRV resistant breeds in the future.
Project partners, scientists from the University and 40 field veterinarians have joined the meeting. An awareness training has been conducted on PPR disease and eradication for these field veterinarians.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2018/09/pirbright-scientists-run-vaccination-campaign-eradicate-pes...
 
Description Protecting poultry from avian influenza 
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 Avian influenza, commonly known as "bird flu," is a disease caused by multiple strains of influenza virus. The viruses can infect a wide range of animals, including people and pigs, but the natural reservoir lies in populations of wild aquatic birds such as ducks and gulls, according to an announcement from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K., which is conducting research to better understand avian influenza viruses to help prevent the disease in poultry.

Flu virus strains are categorized by the combination of the two proteins found on the outside of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) -- for example, H5N6 or H9N2. The H protein binds to cell receptors in order to initiate infection, while the N protein helps release new viruses from an infected cell, the institute explained.

Strains are also classified by severity. Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses cause clinical signs such as mild breathing problems, decreased egg production and growth. Some birds, particularly ducks and geese, do not display any signs of LPAI infection and are still able to spread the disease, Pirbright said. When LPAI viruses circulate in high-density poultry areas, the viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic strains.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have severe and often fatal effects on some species of birds such as chickens, Pirbright noted, but some HPAI strains cause mild or no clinical signs of disease in wild birds and domestic waterfowl. These strains are notifiable, meaning government control measures must be put in place.

Avian influenza can be carried vast distances by wild migratory birds and can infect domesticated poultry through direct contact or through contaminated droppings and bodily fluids, Pirbright said. Because of this, there is a year-round risk of avian influenza, which can increase depending on the disease status in a region and the migration season of wild aquatic birds.

According to Pirbright, good biosecurity is essential in preventing poultry from being exposed to the disease and can be practiced on a commercial farm, with game birds or even with just a few backyard hens.

Why is influenza so difficult to prevent?

The institute explained that influenza viruses are constantly changing, and when they replicate, small errors called mutations are copied into their genome. Some of these will alter the virus's proteins, allowing the virus to escape detection by the immune system.

All flu viruses also have the potential to undergo a process called reassortment, where two or more strains of influenza infect the same animal, allowing them to swap parts of their genome, Pirbright said. The resulting viruses can potentially have different characteristics than the original strains, such as the ability to replicate in different species, including people, the institute added.

Avian influenza viruses such as H5N1 or H7N9 have infected people, predominantly in Southeast Asia, but in these cases, the virus has been transmitted directly from infected birds to people, with no onward spread. There is some evidence that avian influenza can be passed from person to person, and while there are no records of efficient or sustained human transmission, there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people, which could result in a new influenza virus pandemic, Pirbright said.

Changes in the virus genetics from mutation or reassortment make it very difficult to anticipate how influenza viruses will spread through a population and whether current vaccines will be suitable for the strains that are circulating, Pirbright announced.

The influenza research programs at Pirbright are progressing understanding of the virus and finding better ways to prevent its spread.

Pirbright Institute group leaders Dr. Holly Shelton and professor Munir Iqbal are researching how the characteristics of influenza viruses can change the outcomes of disease. Studying flu at the molecular level allows them to find out how the virus evolves to overcome avian immunity and how changes in their genome can alter disease severity and their ability to affect different species, the announcement said.

Shelton's and Iqbal's teams are working on identifying genetic markers for specific disease traits that can be used in surveillance systems to provide forewarning of strains that could cause pandemics. For example, Shelton's Influenza Viruses group is looking at which characteristics allow the viruses to become resistant to antiviral drugs that are currently used to treat human infections of influenza, allowing surveillance to provide an early warning of viruses that could cross into humans and be difficult to control, Pirbright said.

The team is also investigating how long it takes for avian influenza viruses to adapt to new mammalian species. According to the institute, establishing which strains can rapidly adapt and identifying the genetic changes made to enable infection of mammalian cells will help with surveillance efforts and potentially lead to the development of techniques that will help prevent these mutations occurring.

Vaccination and rapid diagnosis are very important for influenza prevention and control, but it is still not currently possible to protect against all influenza strains, Pirbright said, noting that Iqbal's Avian Influenza group is exploring which sites on the virus trigger the chicken immune system to respond quickly and fight off infection. This will better inform scientists' ability to match vaccines to strains in the field and could help to develop vaccines that are more effective.

Iqbal's group is also developing multivalent vaccines that protect chickens and ducks from several avian influenza subtypes at once as well as test kits for rapid diagnosis of different subtypes at the flock-side, the announcement said.

Visit Pirbright's Influenza Viruses and the Avian Influenza group pages to find out more about their research.

Source: The Pirbright Institute, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.feedstuffs.com/nutrition-health/protecting-poultry-avian-influenza
 
Description Protecting poultry from avian influenza through passive immunisation. Presented at Foreign Experts Seminar "New strategies and new tools for the prevention and control of major poultry diseases. Shandong-Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy, China, 20-22 September 2019. 
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 talk and the discussion was the best practices to improve control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) for prevention of avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Q&A statement on coronaviruses provided to Science Media Centre - HJM 
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 A Q&A statement on coronaviruses was provided to the science media centre, who distributed it to media outlets. Excerpt have been used in 1420 articles incuding the Daily Mail and syndicate articles. The Q&A was also used in a Pirbright Institute media statment.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Queckett Microscopy Club 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Keynote presentation of high containment microscopy at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description RMS EM school - invited speaker 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Royal Microscopical Society Electron Microscopy School, lecture in biological sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy. Lots of questions from delegates. Increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description RMS Imaging Competition judge 
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 RMS competition, judge
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Rebecca Daines: Cheltenham Science Festival 
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 Described the research undertaken at the Pirbright Institute that lead to improve control systems against infectious viral diseases of animals and from animals to humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody protects chickens from avian influenza. Presented at Systems Immunology Workshop: Adaptive immune repertoires and beyond. 16th-17th January 2020. University of Surrey, UK 
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 A talk entitled "Recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody protects chickens from avian influenza" was presented at the workshop exploring new technical advances for analysis and production of antibodies for prophylaxes and treatment of animal and humans diseases. Both academics and staff linked with animal and public health industry attended this workshop.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Recombinant vaccines against avian viral diseases affecting poultry 
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 Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effective: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Research assistant Nazia Thakur talk at Microsoc 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Nazia presented her data on the development of low containment assays to monitor the humoral response to vaccines
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Researchers at Pirbright investigate the emergence of new bird flu viruses with the potential to infect people 
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 Following the news brief of our research outcomes for the general public and media was published on The Pirbright Institute and widely distributed through social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin.

Pirbright scientists have discovered that infection with two strains of avian flu can lead to the emergence of a new virus strain with the potential to jump from birds to humans.

Human cases of avian influenza are extremely rare but can occur if a person comes into very close contact with an infected or dead bird.

The study shows that avian influenza virus strains H9N2 and H7N9 can share genetic information to create an H9N9 strain with the potential to cause more severe disease in poultry and pose a threat to human health.

Avian influenza, also known as 'bird flu', is a type of influenza that spreads among birds. The UK faces a seasonal increase in the risk of avian influenza outbreaks which are associated with the migration patterns of wild birds.

Avian influenza is found across the globe, and in countries where multiple strains circulate it is important to monitor the emergence of new strains. Low virulence H9N2 and H7N9 circulate in poultry in Asia but do not cause severe disease. However, they are known to swap genetic information which can result in the emergence of an H9N9 strain, which can cause severe disease.

In collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), researchers at Pirbright discovered that the H9N9 strain was able to multiply significantly better in poultry cells, indicating the potential to cause more severe disease. They also discovered that it had a higher replication rate in human cells and could bind to these cells better than H9N2. The H9N9 strain can infect and transmit between ferrets highlighting the potential to cause disease in humans.

The study, published in the Journal of Virology, shows that strains already circulating in poultry populations can exchange genetic material, leading to the creation of new strains. This increases the risk of the virus jumping from avian hosts to humans and other mammals. The study concludes that H7N9 and H9N2 viruses circulating in the same regions pose a pandemic threat, which demonstrates the need for constant monitoring for the emergence of new virus strains.
Professor Munir Iqbal, Head of the Avian Influenza Group at Pirbright said: "This is the first study to show that infection with circulating H9N2 and H7N9 influenza viruses could create new virus strains such as H9N9 that cause more disease in poultry and pose a greater risk to human health. If a host is infected with two different strains, there is always a chance that they will swap genetic material to create a new strain. When this happens, it could lead to many outcomes, for example, the virus becoming more or less able to cause disease in a host, or a virus acquiring the ability to jump between hosts. This leads to viruses that primarily cause disease in animals having the ability to infect humans, which is what we have observed in this study. More research is needed to determine which avian flu viruses could combine and pose a threat to poultry and human health."

This study was supported by grants funded by the UK Research and Innovation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council under Newton Fund UK-China-Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative and Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) with grants from FCDO and Dstl. The work was also funded by the GCRF One Health Poultry Hub and Defra (UK, including the Devolved Administrations of Scotland and Wales).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2022/01/researchers-pirbright-investigate-emergence-new-bird-flu-vi...
 
Description Respond to SMC enquiry re gene drives in mice 
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 Responded to Science Media Centre request for expert comment on a scientific paper regarding gene drives in mice. Quoted in The Independent
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/gene-editing-dna-technology-mice-pests-drives-invasive-sp...
 
Description Respond to SMC request re Vosshall paper 08 Feb 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 Respond to SMC request re scientific paper describing behaviour-altering drugs in mosquitoes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Reverse genetics seminar to MSc students 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A seminar was presented describing reverse genetics of viruses, including infectious bronchitis virus and the application of reverse genetics in research. The students were interested and engaged, participating in activities and asking questions. We were invited to present the seminar in subsequent years for new student intakes.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014,2015,2016,2018,2019
 
Description Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Family Day - LA 
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 Six Pirbright staff/students ran an all-day exhibit on gene editing and mosquitoes at the Royal Institution About 270 participants visited our stand; wide range of comments, questions, discussion and feedback
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Family Day - SB 
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 About 270 participants visited our stand; wide range of comments, questions, discussion and feedback
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Royal Microscopy Society (RMS) Early Career Committee Meeting - Jennifer Simpson 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Attended the Royal Microscopy Society (RMS) Early Career Committee Meeting in April 2021.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Royal Society Summer Exhibition 
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 Engaged the public on the uses of genetically modified mosquitoes for preventing disease transmission, and on the drivers of viral emergence events at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition (with thousands of attendees).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2022/summer-science-exhibition/
 
Description Royal Society Summer Fair - HJM 
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 HJM attended the Pirbright stand at the Royal Society Summer Fair and presented the exhibit to visiting school children and members of the general public. The exhibit called "Disease detectives" helped visitors understand processes in identifying viruses causing disease, symptoms of infection, routes and rates of infection as well as control measures currently available and in development. The event allowed discussion of work on going in HJMs projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Royal Society Summer Fair - ND 
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 ND attended the Pirbright stand at the Royal Society Summer Fair and presented the exhibit to visiting school children and members of the general public. The exhibit called "Disease detectives" helped visitors understand processes in identifying viruses causing disease, symptoms of infection, routes and rates of infection as well as control measures currently available and in development.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Royal Society Summer Fair - PP 
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 PP attended the Pirbright stand at the Royal Society Summer Fair and presented the exhibit to visiting school children and members of the general public. The exhibit called "Disease detectives" helped visitors understand processes in identifying viruses causing disease, symptoms of infection, routes and rates of infection as well as control measures currently available and in development.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description SATRO Mentoring Scheme Ash Manor School 
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 Fortnightly mentoring activity for student's soft skill and career development.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description SEMT - Beginner's competition judge 
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 Head judge of RMS Beginner's Competition (presentation)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description SMBE 2018 meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation entitled "Phylogenetically young genes and their function in Anopheles mosquitoes" given during the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution 2018 meeting (8-12 July 2018) in Yokohama, Japan. Discussions held with potential collaborators on joined future research projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.smbe2018.jp/
 
Description STEAMfest - HJM 
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 A large open day event at hosted at University of Surrey for students from a number of schools in the region to explore different scientific questions and areas of work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description STEAMfest - HS 
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 Team members attended the event where a flu fighters stand was displayed demonstrating how scientists are working to rapidly detect and control avian influenza in the filed to protect food security, animal welfare and human health. Approximately 200 secondary school students engaged with the stall and this stimulated increased interest in science and research,
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description STEM Day - Speed interviews and Careers Day 2018 - BA 
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 Stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description STEM training: Gain confidence in talking to secondary school students - ND 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact ND attended a training event to learn effective techniques to engage with secondary school students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description School Visit (Woking) 
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 Amin Asfor engaged with Six-form students and parents at a Careers day. He showcased The Pirbright Institute and a Science career, discussed the use of animals in research and the need to do research aimed at reducing their use and replacing them with alternative methods.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description School Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Participated (AES) in Workshop at local school
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description School careers-Big Interview MdP 
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 Stimulating interest in science and research to secondary school students
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description School visit (Farnborough) 
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 Gave a presentation to a group of students about research performed at the Pirbright Institute and discussed various aspects of scientists' work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description School visit (Tillingbourne) 
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 Gave a presentation to a group of students about role of insects in the environment; guided students in collection of insects and other invertebrates, and identification of collected material.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Schools "Moving-on" 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 Participated (AG) in schools "moving on" day
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Science Enrichment 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 HH participated in Science enrichment day in a local school
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Science Enrichment day at Park Mead School - ND 
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 An engagment event at a local school teachin year 5 and 6 students about mosquitos and some of the work done at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Science Update to BBSRC executives 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Visit from the BBSRC to discuss science highlights
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Selectively Targeting Hemagglutinin Antigen to Chicken Antigen Presenting Cell Receptor Induces Faster and Stronger Immunity against Avian Influenza. Presented by Munir Iqbal ( IVVN Symposium) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact - Talk was presented describing the development of the next-generation Target Antigen Delivery Vaccine technology for poultry that selectively targets vaccine antigens to chicken antigen-presenting cell (APCs) and potentiates the immunogenicity of the vaccine.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Seminar at Coventry University 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invited seminar "One Health vaccinology to combat emerging viral zoonoses", School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Sir John Kingman (UKRI) visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Visit to highlight Pirbright science to UKRI
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Speaker UK Vector-borne Disease Meeting (Liverpool - online) 
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 Presentation given on 23/11/20. Major outcome was discussion around climate-related impacts on Culicoides populations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Surrey County 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 The Surrey County Show is an agricultural show in Guildford that is visited by the general public. The Pirbright Institute had a stand with various activities for visitors to take part in and explain our science to a wide audience. Giulia spent a day working on the stand and spoke with many children and adults about her work at Pirbright to change public attitudes and stimulate increased interest in research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Surrey County 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 Stall at Surrey County Show, engage with the public where they can ask any questions they have about the work we do. This sparks discussions, and an increase in knowledge of the general public. I invited the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey to our stand, with whom I have built a solid relationship. This has lead to engagement of his office with the Institute, for example the visit of HRH Princess Anne to Pirbright in 2017.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Surrey County Show - Dana Perry 
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 DP helped run the stand located at the Surrey County Show, and fielded questions regarding our science from the general public, which stimulated discussion. Increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Surrey Vet School Open Day 
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 PH helped to run a stand representing The Pirbright institute. Fielded questions from potential vet students at Surrey, and their parents/families. Increased the visibility of The Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Surrey Veterinary School Open Day- AA, WM 
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 Stimulating interest in different science career paths
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Surrey vet school open day - MJB 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact The event was an open day for prospective students for the University of Surrey vet school. The course includes a research placement, which can be conducted at Pirbright. Therefore there was a stand from Pirbright to describe the research we perform generally as well as a discussion of our specific research. The audience were generally interested and the information helped inform them when selecting a university course.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Sushant Bhat:Pirbright Dragon Fair 
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 Described the research undertaken at the Pirbright Institute that lead to improve control systems against infectious viral diseases of animals and from animals to humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Symposium for WRLFMD 60th Anniversary 
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 During November, the Pirbright Institute hosted a two-day symposium attended by over 100 FMD scientists to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of the establishment of the World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (WRLFMD).

The meeting was opened by Christine Middlemiss (UK, Chief Veterinary Officer), Matthew Stone (Deputy Director General of the OIE) and Keith Sumption (from FAO/EuFMD). Subsequent scientific sessions reviewed the current activities of the WRLFMD (and OIE/FAO FMD Laboratory Network: https://www.foot-and-mouth.org), and discussed new opportunities to monitor, diagnose and control FMD by applying knowledge from fundamental research projects that aim to understand the pathogenesis, host responses and epidemiology of the disease.

Talks from invited speakers and WRLFMD staff were within four themes of (i) Risks & Threats, (ii) Diagnostic Innovation, (iii) Pathogenesis & Immunity and (iv) FMD Control with a Focus on Vaccination. These presentations showcased the synergy between fundamental/basic science and the on-going global surveillance activities undertaken by FMD Reference Laboratories.

In the evening, the meeting delegates (including past and present members of the WRLFMD) were royally entertained at a local hotel by after-dinner "trips down memory lane" talks from Nick Knowles and Dave Rowlands that highlighted key events and personalities that have shaped the history of work at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.wrlfmd.org/60th-anniversary
 
Description Talk Presented at 2nd International Congress of Veterinary Microbiology, 16th -19th October 2018. Sherwood Breezes Resort-Lara, Antalya, Turkey. 
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 Conference discussed improving prevention and control of viral diseases of poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Talk as part of the University of Veterinary Medicine (Vienna) doctoral school "Infectious Diseases of Pig and Poultry" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Talked about the Pirbright Institute's work on African swine fever virus to researches in Veterinary Medicine (Virology and Immunology) in Vienna.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Talk at Avian viruses focussed meeting - Sept 2018 HM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of data as an offered paper at the Molecular biology and pathogenesis of avian viruses meeting in Oxford, September 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Talk at Human & Veterinary Vaccinology 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 Presented work on African swine fever vaccine design to the Human and Veterinary Vaccinology course organised by the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Talk at Large animal research network (LARN) 
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 Gave a talk on the tools we have developed to target different parts of the respiratory tract and how to analyse local immune responses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Talk at Microbiology Society 2021 online conference; Dr. Fatoumatta Jobe 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Workshop talk entitled: RSV modulation of the innate immune response: rerouting signalling components to block transcriptional activation
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Talk at Microbiology Society special symposium on SARS-CoV-2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presented our research data on the host-range of SARS-COV-2 and its potential origins to other virologists based in the UK and overseas, as part of a special symposium on the virus organised by the Microbiology Society.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Talk at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Services University 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Participated in an online webinar organised by the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Services University in Chennai India as part of their Transboundary Animal Diseases - Emerging Threats to India seminar series. I talked to around 60 participants about African swine fever and African swine fever vaccine research. There were questions on vaccine development and also control of African swine fever in India.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Talk at VIV Virtual Summit -Asia Edition 
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 Talk to just over 100 attendees to the "Genetic Futures - Productivity, Animal Health and Clean Growth" session, part of the VIV Virtual Summit -Asia Edition. The session was organised by UK Technology for Agriculture and Genetics to showcase UK scientific expertise in the livestock sector to a Asian audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2021
URL https://www.vivasia.nl/viv-virtual-summit/
 
Description Talk at World Vaccine Congress Europe 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Described research progress on ASF vaccines
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Talk on "Emerging Diseases" at BBSRC Cross-Institute workshop, Roslin Institute 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Talk on Emerging Diseases in the context of a workshop on Future of Livestock in Food Production
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 Talk on "Longitudinal animal and environmental sampling for foot-and-mouth disease virus in northern Nigeria" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation at EuFMD Open Session 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.eufmd.info/os22
 
Description Talk on Asfarvaridae at Virologie Fondamentale MSc course 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Talk on African swine fever virus family at the fundamental virology course at the Institut Pasteur
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Talk on Asfarvaridae at Virologie Fondamentale MSc course at Institute Pasteur 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Presented African swine fever virus to the Virologie Fondamentale MSc course at Institute Pasteur. This was the first time African swine fever had been included in the curriculum for this course.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Targeted Antigen Delivery Vaccines: Next Generation Vaccines for Poultry 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A talk entitled "Targeted Antigen Delivery Vaccines: Next Generation Vaccines for Poultry" presented to the Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The discussion aim was the advances approaches that can increases the strength and breath of vaccine immunity in animals and humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Teaching- lecturing, small group classroom teaching and laboratory practical teaching 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact I have been actively engaged with teaching activities at the University of Surrey, giving lectures, small group classes and laboratory practical classes to vet students and MSc students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016,2017
 
Description Teentech 
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 annual Teentech student science event in Guildford aims to encourage teenagers to consider science subjects and science careers. Our stand had considerable interest from the schoolchildren who were very enthusiastic. The event stimulated an increased interest in science and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2019
 
Description Teentech Guildford - ND 
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 Teentech is an event held for students from a range of local school who have an interest in science to experience the range of scientific activities that could be open to them for future careers. Students in small groups rotate around stands at the event to perform activities at each station, guided by scientists. The Pirbright stand was demonstrating the principle of genetic modification of mosquitos. The children were very interested in the exhibit and asked lots of questions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2019
 
Description Television interview Ulaanbaatar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I was interviewed by UB television while on a collaborative visit to the State Central Veterinary Laboratory in Mongolia. I spoke about the collaboration between The Pirbright Institute and the SCVL, and how this benefits the Mongolian agricultural sector.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description The Hurst careers event - HJM 
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 Hurst school held a careers event for GCSE students to attend throughout the day. The Pirbright stand contained a variety of engagement activities to demonstrate the research we perform and to stimulate discussion. The students seemed interested in the activities and those more interested in a science career asked a variety of questions about the research and entry into scientific research as a career.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description The Pirbright Institute's Knowledge exchange seminar at The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan 
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 Organised and participated in a knowledge exchange seminar by TPI at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan on 4th April 2022. In this activity scientists from the TPI shared their knowledge with students and scientific staff at UAF.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description The Pirbright Village Duck Fair held on 16 June 2018 
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 Local Village Fair, interaction with local residence to expanse research aims and activities of The Pirbright Institute and benefits to UK and around the globe to prevent and control infectious diseases of animals and humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description The co-Circulation of Low and High-path-AIV in the same country with sub-optimal bio-security: Virus evolution and impact on vaccine efficacy. Presented at the 11th Scientific conference of Egyptian Veterinary Poultry Association, Conference "Towards a National strategy to control poultry industry problems in Egypt". 20-23 April 2019. 
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 talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description The global Situation and pathobiology of Avian Influenza in different Avian Species. Presented at the 11th Scientific conference of Egyptian Veterinary Poultry Association, Conference "Towards a National strategy to control poultry industry problems in Egypt". 20-23 April 2019.. 
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 talk and the discussion on the improvement of disease control systems (vaccines and diagnostics) to prevent avian influenza viruses infection in poultry and zoonotic infections in humans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description The rise and fall of antigenic mutations: A path to the persistence of avian influenza viruses. The Pirbright Institute Research Update Seminar Series. 27th April 2021. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A seminar at the Pirbright Institute Research Update Seminar Series. 27th April 2021. The research outcomes were discussed detailing how the avian influenza viruses (H9 subtype) evolve under vaccine immune pressure to sustain their fitness in poultry. Described the evolutionary genetic markers that significantly change the virus antigenicity which ultimately reduce the effectiveness of poultry vaccines against avian influenza viruses affecting poultry and huamns.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Tillingborne 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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Tillingbourne Bug Hunt 
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 Local entomology event for general public - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in insects/entomology and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Tillingbourne School bug hunt - ND 
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 students were involved in an event to identify insects in the school grounds.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Tillingbourne School science event - ND 
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 Tillingbourne School held a science event for year 3 students to explore different aspects of science including smell, acid & alkali, magnetism etc. Nicole was based at the microscopy station helping children to view samples under the microscope, explain what they were looking at and answer any questions to children asked. The children were highly engaged and interested in the exhibit.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description Tillingbourne Year 3 Science Day 2018 - EL 
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 Stimulating increased interest in research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Time for rethink on farming poultry as experts warn bird flu has slipped 'through our fingers (Sky 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 Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Discussion with Sky New UK corresponded Tom Clarke (Science and technology editor @aTomClarke) on continued avian influenza viruses are becoming endemic in bird populations in Europe and North America with some areas seeing a 600% increase in infection over the past few months in September -November 2022. In the UK, every day now, two or three new premises have been testing positive for bird flu. If they do, their flocks are culled and over 50 million birds culled in Europe this year and a similar number in North America. There is a need for an improved disease control strategies against these viruses. just culling of infected and at risk will not reduce viruses prevalence and spread, because virus in circulating in wild birds.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://news.sky.com/story/time-for-rethink-on-farming-poultry-as-experts-warn-bird-flu-has-slipped-...
 
Description Toolbox workshop at IVVN Stirling 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 A second workshop held as a sattelite meeting to the International Veterinary Vaccinology Conference in Stirling to decide on community priorities for future immunological tools to promote veterinary vaccine development.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2018
 
Description Tour of Philip Mellor Insectary (BBSRC) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact BBSRC tour of Philip Mellor Insectary on 4th December 2017 (Jo Stoner).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Tour of Philip Mellor Insectary (Country Land and Business Association) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Tour of Philip Mellor Insectary with Country Land and Business Association (20 people)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Trustee tours 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Tour of high containment labs to Institute trustees and science advisory board members
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description U3A Science Forum presentation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk titled 'One Health' vaccines to combat emerging zoonotic viral diseases
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description UEA LGBT History Month article 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact I was interviewed for a student magazine feature showcasing my work as part of LGBT History month.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description UK vector meeting 2018 (Organising committee; Chair) (December; John Innes Centre, UK) 
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 Chaired and helped organise meeting on UK Vector-borne Diseases as part of committee. Included reviewing talks and inviting speakers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.hpruezi.nihr.ac.uk/media/29013/master-draft-vbd-programme-with-titles-oct18_.pdf
 
Description UK-China Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative project kick-off workshop" at China Agriculture University, Beijing, 26th-28th September 2018. 
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 Emerging new approaches were discussed for prevention and control of infectious diseases affecting swines and poultry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description UK-India bioinformatics workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact On February 9 2018 Pirbright organised a "UK-India bioinformatics workshop" in order to foster ties between Indian and UK bioinformaticians working in the field of livestock and crop research. Paolo Ribeca gave a talk on "Bioinformatics and sequencing at Pirbright".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description UKRI Festival of Tomorrow 
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 Talk and stand on viruses and engineering mosquitoes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.ukri.org/news/showcasing-incredible-discoveries-at-swindon-festival-of-tomorrow/
 
Description Understanding Antigenic Diversity, Zoonotic potential and immunological prevention of avian influenza viruses affecting poultry. Presented at "UK-China Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative project kick-off workshop" at China Agriculture University, Beijing, 26th-28th September 2018. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Meeting focus was to share research plans funded under "UK-China-Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative". Research projects investigate pathogens, zoonotic pathogens or "commensals" associated with food safety issues affecting poultry and swine.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://bbsrc.ukri.org/funding/filter/joint-swine-poultry-initiative/
 
Description Understanding Evolution and Impacts of Avian Influenza Viruses 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Internal seminar presented at The Pirbright Institute, sharing the achievements and current ongoing research being performed within the Avian Influenza Virus and Newcastle Disease Virus Group to other colleagues throughout the site.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Understanding Evolution and Persistence of Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Presented a talk at the LASA 60th Anniversary Conference, the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK, sharing the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute.

Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices.

From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.

Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Understanding antigenic diversity, zoonotic potential and immunological prevention of avian influenza viruses affecting poultry. Presented at UK-China-Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative: Interim Project Workshop 13th-15th January 2020 Hilton Hotel, Bracknell, UK 
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 Outcomes of the research project entitled "Understanding antigenic diversity, zoonotic potential and immunological prevention of avian influenza viruses affecting poultry" were presented to colleagues working on prevention and control of infectious diseases affecting animals and humans. the work led to incite further research collaborations with different groups from UK, China, Thailand and Philippine.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Understanding avian influenza virus evolution and development of next generation vaccines. Presented at 459th Scientific Meeting of The Veterinary Research Club at The Farmers Club, 3 Whitehall Court London Friday 14th February 2020. 
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 A talk presented entitled"Understanding avian influenza virus evolution and development of next generation vaccines". The discussion with senior staff from DEFRA and UKRI- BBSRC, researchers and veterinary professional like with control and prevention of animal diseases in United kingdom
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Understanding avian influenza virus evolution, antigenic diversity and vaccine failure. Presented at the 2019 Symposium on techniques for healthy breading and disease prevention & control of livestock and poultry, Golden Harbor Hotel, Beijing, 21-23 August 2019. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk and discussion on the control of infectious animal diseases including avian influenza.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description University of Sao Paulo Cryo-EM workshop 
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 presentation to delegates on EM of viruses
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description University of Surrey 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 I represented The Pirbright Institute at the University of Surrey Vet School open day, talking about my research and what it is like to be a research scientist.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine Open Day- Dec 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact engaged with parents and 6th form students about a career as a Veterinarian and specifically a career in Veterinary Research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine Open Day- Jul 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact engaged with parents and 6th form students about a career as a Veterinarian and specifically a career in Veterinary Research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description University of Surrey Vet School Open Day 
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 Institute stand at Surrey Vet School - introducing the institute to prospective vet students
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description University of Surrey's Widening Participation and Outreach Summer Schools for Biosciences and Veterinary 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 Stimulating increased interest in veterinary science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2019
 
Description Utrect-EVIC 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Sat as part of an expert panel on the future of immune reagents for veterinary research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Vet School Open Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine Open Day - introduced The Pirbright Institute and the research we conduct to prospective students and parents.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description VetVac toolbox kick off meeting, Pirbright 
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 Organsised a workshop part sponsored by the BBSRC Veterinary Vaccinology Network that bought key international leaders in veterinary immune reagents together to discuss lessons from the past and how we should progress in the future, reaching as wide an audience as possible.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Visit to Cairo Poultry Company (CPC) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Discussion and talk on prevention and control of poultry diseases (avian influenza and Newcastle Disease) and molecular factors affecting vaccine efficacy. The discussion and talk to present data, describing factors the directly influence protective efficacy of in use vaccines, and how they evaluate/ test vaccine failure.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Volunteered at a school open 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 I represented The Pirbright Institute talking at a school about my research and what it is like to be a research scientist.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Volunteering at Royal Society Summer Science Festival 
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 Several members of the team volunteered to help at the Royal Society's Summer Science Festival, working on Pirbright's stand to talk about virology, zoonosis and Covid with the general public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Webinar and roundtable on Troubleshooting Techniques for Full Genome Sequencing of African Swine Fever 
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 Webinar and roundtable on Troubleshooting Techniques for Full Genome Sequencing of African Swine Fever. Discussion on state of the ASFV full genome sequencing and future directions. Attended as part of the roundtable and answered questions from audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Why vaccines matter in the fight against zoonotic diseases 
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 A news story was published to increase the awareness of Zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health, food security, the economy and the environment.
This was publicised at The Pirbright Institute webpage and One Health Poultry Health webpage and distributed wildly on social media including Facebook, Twitter, In Share.
On World Zoonoses Day, Pirbright's Professor Munir Iqbal and Dr Joshua Sealy consider 600 years of developing technology to fight infectious diseases:
The history of human and animal immunisation against infectious disease begins with the Chinese practice of variolation in the fifteenth century. Here, infectious material was taken from one patient and inoculated into a non-infected patient to initiate a mild but protective infection.

Roughly 200 years later, Edward Jenner transformed the field of immunology by developing the world's first vaccine which involved immunising patients against smallpox using the closely related cowpox.

Fast-forward another 200 years and the application of vaccines had transformed. On 6 July 1885, now celebrated as World Zoonoses Day, Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first vaccine against rabies - and within decades myriad other diseases had also been tackled effectively, including diphtheria, tetanus, anthrax, cholera, plague, typhoid, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. Many of these pathogens had been infecting humans for years, and continue to do so where vaccines are not deployed.

Now, in the 21st century, vaccine research is undergoing another seismic shift.

In 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19), emerged in humans which is believed to have originated in animals (known as zoonoses). It has since developed into the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and in doing so it triggered an urgent need to develop vaccines to control a virus that represents a growing problem at the human-animal interface.

Pathogen evolution:
Broadly speaking, humans have a naïve immune system to the many pathogens that exclusively circulate within animal reservoirs, including livestock. Most pathogens have evolved to infect specific animal species, which means that a significant barrier exists that prevents animal pathogens from causing disease in humans. However, a portion of these pathogens, including influenza viruses and coronaviruses, have the capacity to evolve such that they can overcome these barriers and be successful, especially as there is no prior immunity in the human population.
This extraordinary ability to evolve also means that these pathogens have the potential to overcome vaccines. The application of vaccines and vaccine technology must progress to meet the challenge of zoonotic viruses.

Vaccine variety:
An impressive diversity of vaccine technologies is currently employed or in development to combat pathogens circulating in humans and animals. A vaccine needs to be effective at eliminating or reducing disease, but the diversity of pathogens means vaccines sometimes need to be equally diverse and must cater to specific challenges.

Traditional inactivated pathogen vaccines are generated by 'killing' a pathogen so that it can be safely administered for immunisation. Subunit vaccines are vaccines that comprise only a fragment of the target pathogen which can be administered to generate an immune response exclusively to that fragment.

Both technologies elicit protective antibody responses and have been successful for an exceptionally long time against a variety of pathogens. However, an antibody response does not provide sufficient protection against all pathogens that continually change their shapes to evade vaccines.

Live attenuated vaccines typically use infectious pathogens that are modified to prevent them from causing disease but can still trigger an immune response similar to their naturally occurring counterparts. These vaccines are useful because as well as an antibody response, they can induce a cellular immune response, which targets conserved parts of the pathogens that remain the same across different strains. This means live attenuated vaccines are more effective at protecting against mutations that could allow the pathogen to escape vaccine immunity and they provide better protection against multiple pathogen strains.

New vaccine technology:
Viral vector vaccines are vaccines that comprise the 'backbone' of a virus that doesn't cause disease in the host animal, which expresses a piece of the target pathogen that induces an immune response. Most licensed viral vector vaccines are in use in animals, with only a single vectored vaccine (against the Ebola virus) being licensed for humans prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Viral vector vaccines evoke a strong immune response that is specific to the pathogen, making it effective and long-lasting.

DNA/RNA vaccines contain genetic material that codes for a piece of a pathogen, which the host cells process to elicit an immune response. Several mRNA vaccines are in use against SARS-CoV-2 and they are cost-effective, safe, and produced using chemicals synthetically and not from cell culture systems.

As such, we now have the capacity to carefully select the target of our vaccines and the nature of the desired immune response. The importance of vaccines was brought into focus once again with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - and, going forward, the need for our growing arsenal of vaccines will only increase with the needs of humanity.

Nutrition:
As the human population increases so do its need for nutrition. A major source of human nutrition is animal-derived; thus, the population of farmed animals increases.

Wild habitats are encroached upon to provide for the increasing population of farmed animals, and this facilitates interaction between farmed and wild animals. Consequently, we develop a tractable route for zoonotic diseases to enter the human population.

Finally, the need for human nutrition is also met through the acquisition of wild animals. There is evidence to suggest that the West African Ebola virus epidemic was preceded by the capture of wild animals for human consumption. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have originated in wild animals.

Zoonotic diseases clearly have far-reaching impacts. Humans and animals directly suffer pathogen-related sickness and death, and global economies incur significant losses.

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a clear example of this - while avian influenza and several other emerging and re-emerging viruses carrying zoonotic infection potential circulating in farmed and wild birds are a constant reminder that the next pandemic could be around the corner.

Written by Professor Munir Iqbal and Dr Joshua Sealy, members of the Avian Influenza Virus group at Pirbright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/2021/07/why-vaccines-matter-fight-against-zoonotic-diseases
 
Description Why wet markets will never close - despite the global threat to human health (The Telegraph) 
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 This discussion was due to current enormous global spread of bird flu and widespread poultry outbreak has generated unprecedented opportunities for the virus to jump to humans and potentially even mutate to better spread between people. Since the Live bird markets have been identified as key factors in the spread, persistence and evolution of avian influenza viruses,. Therefore, there is an increased risk to public at the live birds markets and how these risks can be reduced to increase food safety, security and public health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/why-wet-markets-will-never-close-despi...
 
Description Winston Churchill Careers Fair. Winston Churchill School, Hermitage Road, St Johns, Woking, Surrey, GU21 8TL 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact AS attended and presented at this event to stimulate increased interest in science and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Winston Churchill School Career Event - ND 
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 A careers event at a local school for yeat 7 to 11 students about Pirbright, what we do, the kinds of careers they can get into and routes to those careers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Winston Churchill School Careers Fair - Jennifer Simpson 
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 Fielded questions from school students, stimulating increased interest in science and research. This also increased the visibility of the Pirbright Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Wired interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Media interview regarding use of gene drive systems in mosquitoes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.wired.co.uk/article/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-gene-drive
 
Description Woking School Careers 
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 Stimulating increased interest in science and research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Workshop with MSc students in Veterinary Microbiology 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Both PI and postdoctoral scientists employed on projects participated in a 1 week workshop of MSc students from the University of Surrey including training activities within the high containment facilities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018,2019,2020
 
Description World Dengue Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This was the inaugural World Dengue Day, an annual multi-day series of events to raise awareness of the global impact of dengue. The event raised awareness of dengue globally and sparked interest from a number of attendees in our research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.adva.asia/world-dengue-day-2021/
 
Description World Vaccine Congress Talk on Nipah virus vaccines 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk on our Innovate funded work on Nipah vaccines - which we have developed and tested in pigs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Zeiss live cell imaging symposium - Joanna Wells 
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 Discussions with specialists in the community
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description a talk at the Recently Independent Virology Investigators meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I gave a talks outlining my current research and future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016,2017
 
Description email interview with journalist (Sukanya Charuchandra, The Wire) 
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 Email interview for journalist for "The Wire" - an online technology-focused media outlet. Helped provide context and impact for the resulting piece. https://thewire.in/the-sciences/scientists-identify-protein-that-mosquitoes-need-to-lay-viable-eggs
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://thewire.in/the-sciences/scientists-identify-protein-that-mosquitoes-need-to-lay-viable-eggs
 
Description international workshop on "Self-Propagation of Artificial Genetic Elements: Gene Drives, Risks & Tipping Points Bremen 19-20 June 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Workshop considering regulatory, social and technical environment for gene drive systems in insects, primarily for German and other EU regulatory and political entities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description organised workshops at Microbiology Society annual conferences 2014 - 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 I co-organised virology division workshops on viral evolution and diversity and RNA viruses with colleagues from the virology division. The workshops were held at the annual Microbiology Society conferences in spring each year. Organisation involved selecting abstracts for oral or poster presentation, ordering the presentations and chairing the sessions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016,2017,2018
 
Description talk to the U3A 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I gave a talk to the University of the 3rd Age (U3A)- a group of the general public above the age of 65.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016