Genes & Traits for Healthy Animals: Defining genome activity
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
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
This programme will sustainably enhance animal productivity, efficiency and welfare by dissecting genotype-phenotype relationships and their biological basis. We aim to understand the consequences of genetic variation by defining how farm animal genomes are organised, expressed and regulated.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Lead Research Organisation)
- GENUS PLC (Collaboration)
- Cobb Vantress (Collaboration)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Aviagen (Collaboration)
- Functional Annotation of ANimal Genomes (FAANG) (Collaboration)
- Lohmann Tierzucht (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
Publications
Andresen AMS
(2024)
Mapping the cellular landscape of Atlantic salmon head kidney by single cell and single nucleus transcriptomics.
in Fish & shellfish immunology
Aramburu O
(2025)
Epigenomics of embryogenesis in turbot
in Genome Research
Aramburu O
(2025)
Multiomics uncovers the epigenomic and transcriptomic response to viral and bacterial stimulation in turbot.
in GigaScience
Bai Y
(2026)
Evolutionary innovation within conserved gene regulatory networks underlying biomineralized skeletons in Bilateria.
in Molecular biology and evolution
Bhak Y
(2025)
Identification and replication of sex-dimorphic protein quantitative trait loci across multiple ancestries and their associations with diseases.
in Scientific reports
Clark TC
(2023)
Conserved and divergent arms of the antiviral response in the duplicated genomes of salmonid fishes.
in Genomics
Cortes-Araya Y
(2024)
Effects of foetal size, sex and developmental stage on adaptive transcriptional responses of skeletal muscle to intrauterine growth restriction in pigs.
in Scientific reports
De La Herrán R
(2023)
A chromosome-level genome assembly enables the identification of the follicule stimulating hormone receptor as the master sex-determining gene in the flatfish Solea senegalensis.
in Molecular ecology resources
| Description | As a key contributor to international consortia for the functional annotation of animal genomes, we shared comprehensive datasets on the transcriptome of farmed animals at single cell to tissue resolution and across developmental and life stages. In cattle, we mapped transcription start sites in diverse cells, tissues and populations, and described how these associate with methylation and open chromatin across cell types to interpret trait-associated variation . We also contributed to the ruminant telomere-to-telomere consortium toward a complete diploid genome of sheep and an understanding of the expression and regulation of previously invisible regions. In pigs, we profiled the transcriptome of skeletal muscle across developmental stages, sex and foetal sizes toward an understanding of intrauterine growth restriction. Harnessing BBSRC investment in single-cell transcriptomics at Roslin, we revealed remarkable cellular complexity in chicken enteroids, which we developed as a model of the avian gut in the last ISP cycle. Single nucleus RNA sequencing was also used to study the transcriptome of immune cells in the lymphoid tissues of chickens, and to characterise microfold cells in chickens. The same approach produced the first spatially resolved transcriptome atlas of the skin of salmon, and the basis of healing of wounds caused by sea lice, as well as to capture stages of muscle differentiations and characterise immune cells in the head kidney and spleen. We also quantified cell-specific expression of duplicate gene pairs retained from whole genome duplication in Atlantic salmon, highlighting the importance of resolving cell-specific gene expression to understand functional and evolutionary outcomes overlooked by bulk RNAseq. We contributed to understanding of genome duplication events and re-deploidisation during the evolution of fish. Such expertise primed a £5.6M Roslin-led sLoLa to study the nature and consequences of such events during the evolution of a wider range of eukaryotes. |
| Exploitation Route | Mapping of functional elements in the genomes of farmed animals, and atlases of the cell types, tissues and life cycle stages in which these are active, broadly advances research worldwide into these species. This is enabled by rapid dissemination of data through publicly accessible resources and, where appropriate, peer-reviewed publication. The data can be used to design experiments and species-appropriate reagents, and to interpret experimental results. The findings underpin understanding of farmed animal biology and diversity, aid in breeding by helping to identify candidate causal variants underlying specific traits, and will enable precision breeding through prediction of the effects of novel alleles that could be introduced into the genome by editing. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
| Description | Our research dissects how the genomes of terrestrial and aquatic farmed animals are organised, expressed and regulated. This has included producing transcriptome atlases at single cell to tissue resolution, including at varying stages of development and life. Such data are openly shared via our role in international consortia for the functional annotation of animal genomes and the FarmGTEx initiative. The data provides a valuable resource to predict how trait-associated variation exerts its effects, as well as a kit of parts for Engineering Biology. For example, having demonstrated that XCR1 is uniquely expressed in chicken conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), we coupled the XCR1 promoter to a fluorescent reporter to visualise cDCs in situ, and to inducible Caspase-9 allowing cDCs to be ablated upon administration of the inducer. We are extending this strategy to other avian immune cells to define the role they play in natural or vaccine-mediated protection. Contributing PIs advised the Food Standards Agency and the European Food Safety Authority on the application of novel genetic technologies in farmed animals and foods, informing their conclusion that these pose no new risks. We also supported the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science & Technology in Agriculture to deliver a week-long event at the Houses of Parliament to highlight opportunities afforded by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Economic Policy & public services |
| Description | Drivers of salmon robustness |
| Amount | £3,794,031 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 09/2029 |
| Description | ai-guided genome editing: developing tissue-specific regulatory elements for livestock trait improvement |
| Amount | £105,342 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 15058902 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2025 |
| End | 08/2027 |
| Description | artificial intelligence accelerated genomic improvement in lmic livestock |
| Amount | £1,153,158 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | INV-076519 |
| Organisation | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 11/2024 |
| End | 12/2026 |
| Description | building a refernce quality annoated genome assembly for red maasai sheep as a resource to understand complex traits such as susceptibility to gi helminth infection |
| Amount | £245,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2302 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 07/2026 |
| Description | funding for pump priming 2024-25 |
| Amount | £125,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2510 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | genetic and molecular regulation of beak tip (rhinotheca) shape in layer hens |
| Amount | £808,218 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X015904/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 09/2026 |
| Description | genome wide functional screens in fish |
| Amount | £43,653 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 15059148 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2025 |
| End | 11/2027 |
| Description | roslin foundation - funding for pump priming 2025-26 rf2610 |
| Amount | £125,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2610 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 09/2026 |
| Description | roslin foundation phd studentships-rf2023/001 |
| Amount | £560,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF/2023/001 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 09/2027 |
| Description | roslin on the road: aquaculture rural outreach and engagement programme |
| Amount | £115,603 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2609 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2025 |
| End | 09/2028 |
| Description | understanding biomineralisation in the fish dermal skeleton and its role in health and development |
| Amount | £506,473 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X009904/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2026 |
| Title | Supporting data for "Multiomics uncovers the epigenomic and transcriptomic response to viral and bacterial stimulation in turbot" |
| Description | Uncovering the epigenomic regulation of immune response is essential for a comprehensive understanding of host defence mechanisms, though it remains poorly investigated in farmed fish. We report the first annotation of the response of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) immune cells to viral (poly I:C) and bacterial (inactive Vibrio anguillarum) mimics, integrating RNA-Seq with ATAC-Seq and ChIP-Seq (H3K4me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3) data from head kidney (in vivo) and primary leukocyte cultures (in vitro) 24 hours post-stimulation. Among the 8,797 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we observed enrichment of transcriptional activation pathways in response to Vibrio and immune pathwaysincluding interferon-stimulated genesfor poly I:C. We identified notable differences in chromatin accessibility (20,617 in vitro, 59,892 in vivo) and H3K4me3-bound regions (11,454 in vitro, 10,275 in vivo) between stimulations and controls. Overlap of DEGs with promoters showing differential accessibility or histone mark binding revealed significant coupling of the transcriptome and chromatin state. DEGs with activation marks in their promoters were enriched for similar functions to the global DEG set, but not always, suggesting key regulatory genes being in a poised state. Active promoters and putative enhancers were enriched in specific transcription factor binding motifs, many common to viral and bacterial responses. An in-depth analysis of chromatin state surrounding key DEGs encoding transcription factors was also performed to understand turbot immune response. This multi-omics investigation provides an improved understanding of the epigenomic basis of turbot immune response to mimics of viral and bacterial stimuli and offers novel functional genomic information that provides a valuable resource for exploring immune regulation in flatfish. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | http://gigadb.org/dataset/102710 |
| Description | Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health |
| Organisation | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We recently renewed $10M investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to sustain the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health to 2027. CTLGH involves collaboration between The Roslin Institute, ILRI and SRUC and aims to drive genetic gain in poultry and cattle indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. It involves contributions from researchers funded by this programme and adds significant value to its objectives. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research. |
| Impact | Significant progress is being made in dissecting the genomic architecture of production and health traits in farmed animals indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the basis of adaptation to different environments. This will inform the design of breeding strategies that aim to bring lasting genetic improvements. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health |
| Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We recently renewed $10M investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to sustain the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health to 2027. CTLGH involves collaboration between The Roslin Institute, ILRI and SRUC and aims to drive genetic gain in poultry and cattle indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. It involves contributions from researchers funded by this programme and adds significant value to its objectives. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research. |
| Impact | Significant progress is being made in dissecting the genomic architecture of production and health traits in farmed animals indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the basis of adaptation to different environments. This will inform the design of breeding strategies that aim to bring lasting genetic improvements. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health |
| Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We recently renewed $10M investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to sustain the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health to 2027. CTLGH involves collaboration between The Roslin Institute, ILRI and SRUC and aims to drive genetic gain in poultry and cattle indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. It involves contributions from researchers funded by this programme and adds significant value to its objectives. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research. |
| Impact | Significant progress is being made in dissecting the genomic architecture of production and health traits in farmed animals indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the basis of adaptation to different environments. This will inform the design of breeding strategies that aim to bring lasting genetic improvements. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Datasets relating to the functional annotation of the avian genome. |
| Organisation | Cobb Vantress |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration builds on joint research between Roslin and Cobb to understand how genetic variation may affect the expression and regulation of genes, based on rich functional annotation of the avian genome. It has been primed by past FTMA awards to allow a researcher to work with Cobb in the US, including to create computational workflows for data integration and analysis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Access to genome data, provision of expertise in kind. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Integration of multi-'omics data to predict the impact of genetic variation in chickens. |
| Organisation | Aviagen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Research conducted by a researcher with a joint appointment between The Roslin Institute and Aviagen Ltd. The collaboration involves integration of 'omics datasets to predict how genetic variation in chickens may act (e.g. combining data on genetic variation with the location of genes and regulatory elements, transcripts, epigenome data etc). Previously primed by a Flexible Talent Mobility Award. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Datasets. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | International consortia for the functional annotation of animal genomes |
| Organisation | Functional Annotation of ANimal Genomes (FAANG) |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We are co-initiators and major contributors to global consortia for the functional annotation of animal genomes. This includes both terrestrial animals (FAANG) and aquatic animals (Aqua-FAANG). |
| Collaborator Contribution | This programme is a major contributor of datasets on the location of genes and regulatory elements, the function of these, and their spatio-temporal activity (e.g. across cells, tissues and body systems through development and life). Data are openly shared in accordance with FAIR principles and we engage with partners in dozens of countries and organisations. See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25854118/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33234160/) |
| Impact | Functional annotation data for animal genomes is the foundation for basic science, but also Engineering Biology. For example it underpins our research to edit the genome of farmed animals, both to understand their biology but also to instil beneficial traits or generate animals that model human disorders. This is beginning to have economic and societal impact. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Understanding the determinants of beak morphology toward control of injurious feather pecking |
| Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | With a BBSRC Industrial Partnering Award we are collaborating with Lohmann, a major breeder of laying hens. Our aim is to understand the basis of beak morphology with the long term aim of modifying beak shape to mitigate injuries due to feather pecking. The project will study gene expression and cellular phenotypes as the beak develops, as well as the role of specific genes and pathways. The collaboration was partly primed by exchanges that were funded by a BBSRC Flexible Talent Mobility Award to Roslin. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and access to animal resources and expertise. The in-kind contributions are hard to quantify. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Understanding the impact of epigenetic regulation in semen used for artificial insemination. |
| Organisation | Genus plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Artificial insemination is widely used in the breeding of ruminants to select animals of with enhanced traits based on knowledge of genotype-phenotype relationships. It is less well understood how expression of the genome may be controlled by epigenetic modifications, for example that may reflect the life history of the donors. We have partnered with Genus to explore this. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Semen samples from animals of defined genotype and genomic breeding values for quantitative traits. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | A classroom resource to support teachers to explore how gel electrophoresis works with their pupils. Gel Electrophoresis Wall Tank |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A classroom resource to support teachers to explore how gel electrophoresis works with their pupils. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | DNA & the Genome | PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A full-day PCR workshop that aims to engage and inspire final and penultimate high school biology pupils, giving them the opportunity to work with real lab equipment and reagents, supported by RI academic/scientific staff and PGRs, who also discuss their own research and career paths. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | DNA & the Genome | PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste (BOLD dates are Roslin on the Road outreach dates) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A full-day PCR workshop that aims to engage and inspire final and penultimate high school biology pupils, giving them the opportunity to work with real lab equipment and reagents, supported by RI academic/scientific staff and PGRs, who also discuss their own research and career paths. All practical activities link to the SQA curriculum and the sesssion supports the Developing the Young Workforce framework. The sessions aim to reinforce learning by providing real-world experiences and break down stereotypes about who scientists are and who can do science, as well as the variety of career and study options in biology after high school. Many schools return year on year for the workshop, demonstrating its value to pupils and teachers, and it is always oversubscribed. For the first time we also took the workshop on the road, delivering two sessions in Thurso (Highland Council) in partnership with Newton Rooms Scotland. A second visit to Thurso in September 2025 is already booked, as well as three days of workshops in Inverness in Feburary 2025. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Dolly, DNA & Me: Cells & Inheritance |
| 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 | Primary school pupils (9-12 years old) use real lab equipment to stain and study their own cheek cells using a microscope, and create a cell model. They learn about what DNA is how it works. They meet and work with Roslin Institute scientific staff, researchers and PGRs and hear how they use DNA in the lab, what inspired them to become a scientist and what they enjoy doing outside work. Activities link to the SQA curriculum and Developing the Young Workforce "I can" statements. The sessions aim to reinforce learning by providing real-world experiences and break down stereotypes about who scientists are and who can do science (everybody!). Many schools return year on year for the workshop, demonstrating its value to pupils and teachers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Experts examine DNA changes that shaped life on Earth |
| 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 | News article on Roslin's website reporting on a Four-year collaborative project that seeks to understand key process linked to evolution. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/archive/2024/experts-examine-dna-changes-that-shaped-life-on... |
| Description | Free downloadable resources created to engage and inspire upper primary pupils, secondary pupils and teacher. based on our collection of "Meet a Roslin Scientist" short videos and scientist profiles that explore what scientists do, who they are and how they got into science. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Free downloadable resources created to engage and inspire upper primary pupils, secondary pupils and teachers, based on our collection of "Meet a Roslin Scientist" short videos and scientist profiles that explore what scientists do, who they are and how they got into science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Gel Electrophoresis Wall Tank |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A classroom resource to support teachers to explore how gel electrophoresis works with their pupils. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Lab Techniques: Gel Electrophoresis in Action |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Lab Techniques: Gel Electrophoresis in Action. Video designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Lab Techniques: PCR in Action |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of gel electrophoresis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Lab Techniques: PCR in Action. Video designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of gel electrophoresis. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of gel electrophoresis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Meet a Roslin Scientist |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Free downloadable resources created to engage and inspire upper primary pupils, secondary pupils and teachers, based on our collection of "Meet a Roslin Scientist" short videos and scientist profiles that explore what scientists do, who they are and how they got into science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | PCR Simulation Activity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A paper-based PCR simulation activity to reinforce how PCR works aimed at S6 secondary school pupils, college students and their teachers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Penicuk U3A Science Interest Group Campus Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Hands-on science activities and discussion of how we engage the public with science in EBSOC, tour of Roslin Bioimaging facility, two short talks from Roslin group leaders. The event engaged with interested adults from the local community who were keen to find out more about the research conducted at the Roslin Institute. After the event a return visit was planned for the whole U3A group. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Portobello High School Equalities Careers Role Modelling Speed Networking Event S4/5/6 |
| 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 | Participation in a careers and EDI-focused Speed Networking Event at a local high school for S4/5/6 pupils (14-18 year olds) by Roslin Core Scientist. Provided pupils with the opportunity to talk to a BAME Roslin scientist, learn about their work and get advice on future studying and work in science, with a focus on encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Portobello High School S2 STEM Networking event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participation in a STEM-focused Speed Networking Event at a local high school for S2 pupils (aged 12-14) by RI Group Leader. Provided pupils with the opportunity to talk to a Roslin scientist, learn about their work and get advice on future studying and work in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Research Talks for Penicuk & District U3A |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Two accessible research-themed talks at the November meeting of Penicuik & District U3A with Q&A session afterwards. We were again invited to contribute two talks for the members of our local U3A group (an annual event since 2017 that serves to highlight research at RI and the wider Easter Bush Campus to adults from our local community) which this year focused on nutritional and sustainable diets, and livestock welfare research. Both talks were extremely well-received with many audience questions and significant informal discussions with our speakers over tea and coffee. We have been invited back for next year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Roslin Reels - Dr Emily Clark |
| 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 | a short video where Dr Emily Clark talks about her team's work on beneficial traits in livestock |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Roslin wins Athena Swan gold status for second time |
| 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 | News article reporting on Roslin winning Athena Swan gold status for second time |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Science @Home- Marvellous Mixtures. 'Science @Home' investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) used to explore the question "Can I separate my leafy mixture?". |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This 'Science @Home' investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Can I separate my leafy mixture?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals RI research using chromatography to analyse metabolites. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Science Insights 2024: Inspiring future scientists |
| 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 | A news article on Roslin's website reporting on the annual Science Insights outreach programme which ran from 22-26 July and provided 37 fifth-year high school pupils with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of scientific research and exploration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/science-insights-2024-inspiring-future-scientists |
| Description | Science Insights: Meet the Students (networking session) |
| 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 | Speed networking session allowing small groups of pupils to meet and talk to current students (UG and PG) about studying science and applying to university. Part of the annual Science Insights work experience programme, which gives 40 penultimate-year high school pupils a real insight into the work and life of research scientists in biological, biomedical and animal sciences during a week-long programme in the school summer holidays. Pupils report feeling more confident and informed about the university application process, and more aware of the many course options within and related to biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Science Insights: Research taster sessions (work shadowing) |
| 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 | Half-day science shadowing sessions in small groups (two or three pupils per host reseacher/PGR/staff member). Each pupil gets hands on with the lab and/or computer-based research process, hears and sees what is involved in RI research, and has the opportunity to talk to staff and students in a more informal environment than whole group sessions. Part of the annual Science Insights work experience programme, which gives 40 penultimate-year high school pupils a real insight into the work and life of research scientists in biological, biomedical and animal sciences during a week-long programme in the school summer holidays. Pupils rated this session very highly, and session hosts also gave good feedback, commenting on how interested and motivated the young people were. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Soapbox Science |
| 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 | Soapbox Science is a novel public outreach platform for promoting women and non-binary scientists and the science they do. The event transforms public areas into an arena for public learning and scientific debate. Roslin researchers gave short, engaging talks to the public in Edinburgh City Centre about their research, answering questions from the audience and encouraging discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Songbird reference genome aids avian research |
| 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 | News article on Roslin's website reporting on a standard DNA code developed for a species of wild bird, to support studies in avian biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/2024/songbird-reference-genome-aids-avian-research |
| Description | Stranraer Oyster Festival Drop In |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Short, free talks on oyster biology, health and disease for festival visitors, with a focus on research activity at RI. Well attended and good engagement and discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | U3A Mini-conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The whole of the Penicuik & District U3A came to the Roslin Institute for their annual day out to further their lifelong learning. The programme included six short research talks from RI staff and PGRs, hands-on clinical skills, anatomy and science activites in campus teaching spaces and EBSOC, and a tour of buildings and facilities on campus. The day aimed to engage members of our local community with what our scientists do and why, and the world-class scientific facilities on their doorstep. The audience were very engaged throughout, with many questions and points to discuss, and overall feedback was incredibly positive. The event served to strengthen our links with this local group beyond our annual contribution to their autumn talks programme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | article outlining how Epigenetic markers aid understanding of cattle immunity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | article outlining how Epigenetic markers aid understanding of cattle immunity |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | news article communicating a University and ILRI renew livestock research partnership |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | the article outlines how a Renewed Memorandum of Understanding creates research alliance to transform food systems and enhance sustainable livestock production. This article also appeared in Why Africa, Ghana News Online, Research Professional News |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/university-and-ilri-renew-livestock-researc... |
| Description | news article communicating how an Optimised technique aids research in tough tissues in a range of species |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | the article which also appeared in The Fish Site and Fish Farming Expert outlines how a study identified A protocol to extract genetic material from hard or frozen tissue will aid research in a range of species. A research team has developed a protocol to study the genetic makeup of tough tissue, such as fish skin and fins.Their technique, which optimises an existing method of extracting the nucleus from cells to study their DNA and RNA, meets a need for a standardised practice to remove the nucleus from a variety of tissue cells. This allows scientists to study the cells' genome, helping them understand how cells function. This method was developed to work with Atlantic salmon, as obtaining good quality nuclei from skin samples has previously been challenging, experts report. The protocol, from a Roslin Institute team, has since been adapted for use in different tough or flash-frozen tissue and in a variety of species, such as mice, sharks, rabbits, shrimp and sea lice. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/optimised-technique-aids-research-in-tough-... |
| Description | news article demonstrating how Gene activity and digit structure define fingerprint pattern |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | article outlining how research has shown that Fingerprint formation is initiated by a specialised molecular process, influenced by the anatomy of the developing hand |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/gene-activity-and-digit-structure-define-fi... |