Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases: Understanding the basis of host resistance
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 reduce the burden of infectious diseases of farmed animals and zoonoses by dissecting host genetic contributions to resistance, resilience and transmission.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Lead Research Organisation)
- NOFIMA Ås (Collaboration)
- Cobb Vantress (Collaboration)
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Collaboration)
- Mowi Scotland (Collaboration)
- Oxitec Ltd (Collaboration)
- Mowi Norway (Collaboration)
- WorldFish (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- University of Padova (Collaboration)
- GENUS PLC (Collaboration)
- ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY (Collaboration)
- Zoetis (Collaboration)
- Hendrix Genetics (Collaboration)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- University of Edinburgh (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University & Research (Collaboration)
Publications
Anagnostopoulos A
(2024)
Association between a genetic index for digital dermatitis resistance and the presence of digital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, and interdigital hyperplasia in Holstein cows.
in Journal of dairy science
Anagnostopoulos A
(2025)
A prospective cohort observational study investigating the association between the United Kingdom digital dermatitis genetic index and the disease prevalence in a population of Holstein heifers
in Journal of Dairy Science
Arana ÁJ
(2025)
Comparative Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery Methods in Marine Teleost Cell Lines.
in International journal of molecular sciences
Barría A
(2026)
Fine mapping and functional annotation of a QTL for resistance to tilapia lake virus in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )
in G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics
Chase-Topping M
(2023)
The WUR0000125 PRRS resilience SNP had no apparent effect on pigs' infectivity and susceptibility in a novel transmission trial.
in Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE
Chau LF
(2025)
Human ACE2 transgenic pigs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19-like disease.
in Nature communications
Crooke H
(2026)
DNAJC14 gene-edited pigs are resistant to classical pestiviruses.
in Trends in biotechnology
Djikeng A
(2025)
The African Animal Breeding Network as a pathway towards genetic improvement of livestock.
in Nature genetics
| Description | A transcriptome-wide association study identified differentially transcribed genes that may contribute to resistance to bovine tuberculosis (bTB; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40128580/). We also provided the first empirical evidence that the capacity of cattle to transmit bTB is under genetic control (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39788185/), and developed software to estimate genomic risk scores for disease susceptibility and infectivity (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40169992/). In African cross-bred cattle, we characterized the impact of genetic structure on disease resistance (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40342961/) and antibody responses to endemic pathogens (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40342962/). In poultry, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to avian influenza serotype H7N3 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39337540/) and unpublished studies validated roles for SIRT1 and a lncRNA in viral replication. We also mapped QTL associated with Marek's disease resistance in chickens (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39738313/). In aquatic species, we identified a major QTL underlying resistance to nervous necrosis virus in European sea bass, identified the causal gene (IFI27L2), and a potential causal mutation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40069747/). In salmonids, we found that expansion and migration of keratinocytes is associated with the resistance of coho salmon to sea lice relative to susceptible Atlantic salmon (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39075472/) and associated gill microbiota with differential resistance of salmon to amoebic gill disease (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41221247/). We extended our earlier work on a major QTL for resistance to tilapia lake virus (TiLV) in Nile tilapia (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34262170/) by controlled challenge of the same population and identified novel QTLs. TiLV is from the same family of viruses as influenza, and our unpublished work has shown that it shares dependence on host ANP32A for replication. To identify other host factors required for pathogen replication, ongoing studies are studying the impact of genome-scale sgRNA:Cas9 mutagenesis, siRNA-mediated gene silencing and expression of interferon-stimulated genes, with emphasis on influenza, African Swine Fever virus (ASFV) and Toxoplasma. In order to test the role of candidate genes in influenza resistance, we are developing a strategy for multiplex editing of primordial germ cells (PGCs) that can be implanted into surrogate hosts lacking endogenous PGCs, such that the hens produce embryos with different edits or combinations of edits. These can be challenged with influenza before they hatch, thereby advancing the 3Rs in the identification of editing targets. In collaboration with the Animal & Plant Health Agency and Genus, we evidenced that DNAJC14-edited pigs are completely refractory to Classical Swine Fever virus, showing no symptoms, viraemia or antibody-response. |
| Exploitation Route | Animal and zoonotic diseases impose significant animal welfare, societal and economic costs. While at an early stage, we expect that the outcome of this programme to be be taken forward and put to use by others via diverse routes, such as: Impact via selective breeding. The programme is generating valuable data on the genomic architecture of traits related to infectious disease in terrestrial and aquatic farmed animals, including resistance, tolerance and infectivity. We partner with breeding companies serving intensive farming systems to develop novel challenge test designs and optimise genetic contributions to these traits in nucleus populations (e.g. of poultry, pigs and aquatic species), which are then multiplied over generations to numbers required to achieve impact in the global food system. Via our Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health, we also aim to drive genetic gain in cattle and poultry breeds indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Impact via genome editing. Our research to edit farm animal genomes to confer resistance to diseases aligns with opportunities identified by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 and the National Vision for Engineering Biology. We provided evidence to a House of Lords Science & Technology Committee inquiry on this topic, and to the Science Advisory Council advising the Scottish Government on Engineering Biology. Impact will take time to accrue but could be significant given the global scale of animal production and small number of breeding companies involved. We first published that CD163-edited pigs are refractory to porcine reproductive & respiratory syndrome in 2018, and Genus (who licence our patent for this technology) has since been working to introduce homozygous edits into its nucleus pig populations and to breed them at scale. Prospects for eliminating PRRS is now closer owing to approval from the Food & Drug Administration for introduction of the pigs in the US, adding to existing approvals in Brazil and Colombia. Our work with Genus yielded another patent filing in April 2025 for DNAJC14-edited pigs resistant to Classical Swine Fever. In poultry, we secured BBSRC follow-on funding to obtain proof-of-principle that chickens with edits in ANP32A, -B and -E are resistant to avian influenza, as we have established in cell culture. To catalyse collaborations in this area, we secured funding to establish an Engineering Biology hub at Easter Bush (EB2). This will add value to BBSRC strategic investment and involve work to identify targets for editing for disease resistance, for example via Artificial Intelligence-guided predictions of causal variation and use of high-throughput screens to test the role of candidate genes and variants. Such capability has attracted contract research, for example to identify avian genes required for replication of influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus with Cobb-Vantress and pig genes required for ASFV replication with Genus. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment |
| Description | Animal and zoonotic diseases impose significant animal welfare, societal and economic costs. While at an early stage, the programme is achieving non-academic impact via diverse routes: 1. Impact via selective breeding. The programme is generating valuable data on the genomic architecture of traits related to infectious disease in terrestrial and aquatic farmed animals, including resistance, tolerance and infectivity. We partner with breeding companies serving intensive farming systems to optimise genetic contributions to these traits in their sires (cattle) and nucleus populations (poultry, pigs and aquatic species), which are then multiplied over generations to numbers required to achieve impact in the global food system. Considerable impact in enhancing disease resistance in aquatic species has been achieved, as evident from a REF2021 case study arising from BBSRC-funded work to dissect the genomic architecture of resistance of Atlantic salmon to infectious pancreatic necrosis, sea lice and other diseases (https://edwebcontent.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/impact_pages_ref_case_study_-_salmon_genetics.pdf). This recently led to a BBSRC Prosperity Partnership with Mowi to breed for robustness in Atlantic salmon over the next five years. 2. Impact via genome editing. Our research to edit farm animal genomes to confer resistance to diseases aligns with opportunities identified by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 and the National Vision for Engineering Biology. We provided evidence to a House of Lords Science & Technology Committee inquiry on this topic, and to the Science Advisory Council advising the Scottish Government on Engineering Biology. Impact will take time to accrue but could be significant given the global scale of animal production and small number of breeding companies involved. 3. Advice to policy makers. Professor Whitelaw served as an advisor to the Food Standards Agency on genetic technologies for farmed animals. Additionally, Dr Lillico served as a member of a European Food Safety Authority working group on genetically-modified animals and new genetic technologies. 4. Impact on public understanding of science. Researchers in this programme engaged the public in diverse ways, including attendance at events, public lectures, press releases, media interviews and via activities run by our Science Outreach Centre (https://www.ed.ac.uk/easter-bush-campus/science-outreach-centre). The latter included educational games to successfully control disease outbreak in chicken with genetic and non-genetic control strategies (EpiEvoSim). Additionally, we ran a Science Insights programme for S5 pupils to experience the theory and practice of research linked to this programme (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/science-insights-2024-inspiring-future-scientists). Training in public engagement in research was provided to all our doctoral students. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education |
| Impact Types | Societal 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 | EU H2020 collaborative project ECO-READY- Achieving Ecological Resilient Dynamisms for the European food system through consumer-driven policies, socio-ecological challenges, biodiversity, data-driven policy, sustainable futures |
| Amount | € 14,948,450 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 101084201 - ECO-READY |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 12/2022 |
| End | 11/2025 |
| Description | EUAqua.Org - Integrative breeding strategies for the transition of EUropean AQUAculture towards sustainable ORGanic productio |
| Amount | € 2,999,312 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | European Commission HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-9 grant, project ID 101181589 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2028 |
| Description | Enabling genetic manipulation of theileria parasites as a foundational tool |
| Amount | £149,228 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2507 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 02/2027 |
| Description | Identifying how interferon-induced immune and Toxoplasma secreted factors interact to control infection in susceptible and resistant livestock species |
| Amount | £882,009 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/Y011732/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2024 |
| End | 11/2027 |
| Description | New social phenotypes from automated computer vision systems for reducing harmful social interactions and disease transmission in pigs through selective breeding |
| Amount | £54,900 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BBSRC IAA PIII108 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 10/2023 |
| Description | TRAnsforming the DEbate about livestock systems transformation (TRADE) |
| Amount | £677,397 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W018152/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| 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 | devasim - development of a sustainable animal breeding program with simulations |
| Amount | £139,840 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Research Council of Norway |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Norway |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 12/2028 |
| Description | engineering biology toolbox for precision breeding |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 15059070 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2025 |
| End | 04/2030 |
| 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 | 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 | in vitro validation of candidate genes for flu resistance in chickens |
| Amount | £10,140 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | T/SPRG/23/02 |
| Organisation | The Houghton Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | investment in veterinary vector capacity at the easter bush campus |
| Amount | £176,380 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2508 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 06/2026 |
| Description | ipnv challenge experiment |
| Amount | £32,450 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Hendrix Genetics |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Start | 02/2025 |
| End | 03/2027 |
| Description | new tractable models: engineering livestock stem cell potential |
| Amount | £126,958 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 15059204 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 07/2027 |
| Description | refit and refurbishment of infrastructure to enable relocation of aquaculture facilities |
| Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2612 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 06/2026 |
| 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) |
| 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 | selgxe - scoping, estimating, and leveraging genotype-by-environment variation in breeding programmes |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ROSLIN 3625 |
| Organisation | Bayer |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 12/2023 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | towards establishing a roslin institute/international livestock research institute (ri/ilri) platform for research on tropical livestock vector-borne diseases |
| Amount | £40,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Title | Single cell sequencing |
| Description | Highly reliable single cell or nucleus sequencing using 10X Genomics or Parse Biosciences Platform, available to researchers at the University of Edinburgh and externally through a Genomics Facility established at the Roslin Institute. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Since we established the Genomics Facility at the Roslin Institute, we have enabled approximately 20 different research groups to uptake transformative single cell sequencing technologies in their research, including a range of model and non model species (to date: human, mouse, pig, chicken, sheep, cattle, Atlantic salmon, oyster, shrimp, dog, zebrafish, medaka, among others). |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/facilities-resources/genomics-platform |
| Description | BBSRC Partnership award SalmoStrong |
| Organisation | Mowi Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We designed a large 4-pillar partnership programme that builds on the methods and datasets developed within the RobustSmolt project to help the breeding company Mowi to generate robust Atlantic Salmon for a Scottish breeding programme, and trains the next generation of aquaculture scientist |
| Collaborator Contribution | The breeding company Mowi initiated and shaped the 4 pillar partnership programme. |
| Impact | NA |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| 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 | Development and evaluation of sterile ticks for control of vector-borne diseases. |
| Organisation | Oxitec Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are working with Oxitec to genetically alter Rhipicephalus ticks that transmit Theileria, the causative agent of East Coast Fever in cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim is to render ticks sterile, such that when introduced into populations it causes reproductive failure and collapse of tick numbers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Oxitec contribute their expertise in genetic modification of insects and staff will be located in laboratories close to the Institute. They provide significant funding for studies that interact modified ticks with cattle at a high level of biosecurity. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | ECO-READY- Achieving Ecological Resilient Dynamisms for the European food system |
| Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have integrated emerging livestock breeding technologies into a global equilibrium model (Magnet) to assess the societal, economic and environmental impact of these technologies to the livestock and other sectors |
| Collaborator Contribution | Development of MAGNET model; Development and running of living labs related to resilient plant and livestock systems |
| Impact | Smeets Kristkova Z., Ghaderi Zefreh M., Doeschl-Wilson A., Dominguez Viera M., Bunnefled N., Moghayer S., "Breeding Livestock: An Intensifier of Climate Change or a Mitigation Strategy?", 2024, 188th EAAE Seminar, Chania, Greece Zefreh MG, Viera ME, Moghayer SE, Kristkova ZE, van Zeist WJ, Bunnefeld N, Pong-Wong R, Dettenhofer M, Manikas I, Doeschl-Wilson A. Rethinking livestock futures: Integrating climate impacts and genomic technologies into global food security models. 2005. https://eartharxiv.org/repository/view/10593/ |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | EUAqua.org |
| Organisation | University of Padova |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are contributing to WP1 on developing and validating enabling novel technologies for advanced selective breeding and lead WP3 on improving resilience and welfare in organic aquaculture. We provide experimental designs for generating project data, lead the data analyses and contribute to training and dissemination. We are also leading data generation and sharing protocols and contribute to WP5: Communication, dissemination and impact |
| Collaborator Contribution | EU Consortium Partners lead and contribute to WP1: Enabling technologies for advanced selective breeding WP2: Selective breeding for feed efficiency using cost-effective and health improving feeds WP4: Consumer responses for food labelling and awareness interventions WP5: Communication, dissemination and impact |
| Impact | Multi-disciplinary collaboration; no outcomes yet |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Editing for Classical Swine Fever resistance in pigs |
| Organisation | Genus plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Editing of a candidate gene for resistance to Classical Swine Fever in pigs (target confidential). This was supported partly by a £30k award from the BBSRC Impact Accelerator Account to the Institute and University of Edinburgh in 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Confidential. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Evaluation of edits for Classical Swine Fever Resistance in pigs |
| Organisation | Animal and Plant Health Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Provision of genome-edited pig cells to APHA. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing the impact of specific mutations on resistance to Classical Swine Fever Virus. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Genome editing trout for resistance to infectious pancreatic necrosis |
| Organisation | Hendrix Genetics |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Editing of NAE1 in rainbow trout to determine if this confers resistance to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Hendrix provided the funding for this project (confidential). This was supplemented by £30k from the BBSRC Impact Accelerator Award to the Institute and University of Edinburgh in 2023. Editing and challenge performed via a contract with the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies in Canada. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Genome-scale mutagenesis to identify host genes required for African Swine Fever Virus replication |
| Organisation | Genus plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We plan a genome-wide sgRNA:Cas9 mutagenesis screen to identify host genes required for replication of African Swine Fever Virus in pig macrophages. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Confidential. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Genome-scale mutagenesis to identify host genes required for influenza virus replication |
| Organisation | Cobb Vantress |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Genome-wide sgRNA:Cas9 screen for avian genes required for replication of influenza A virus. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of funding (confidential). |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Genomic selection for resistance to viral aquatic diseases. |
| Organisation | Worldfish |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have partnered with WorldFish, a CGIAR organisation, to study the genomic architecture of resistance of aquatic species to viral diseases. A major recent achievement was the identification of a major quantitative trait locus underlying resistance of Nile tilapia to tilapia lake virus, which can devastate aquaculture systems in low- and middle-income countries (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34262170/). We are working with WorldFish to further understand the basis of resistance and to inform selective breeding strategies to instil resistance into farmed tilapia populations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and access to resources and expertise. |
| Impact | Ongoing. Once implemented, TilV resistant tilapia are likely to achieve significant societal and economic benefits, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Identification of candidate genes associated with resistance to African Swine Fever Virus. |
| Organisation | Friedrich Loeffler Institute |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We collaborated with FLI to conduct a genome-wide mutagenesis screen for pig genes influencing replication of African Swine Fever Virus (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37604847/). We have sought to protect aspects of the Intellectual Property. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37604847/). |
| Impact | We are exploring options to fund the generation of edited pigs to establish the role of candidate genes in ASFV resistance. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | LisceSAIGE |
| Organisation | Mowi Norway |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are contributing to the development of the experimental design and the statistical data analysis to decipher the direct (host x parasite) and indirect (host x host) genetic effects of lice (L. salmonis) resistance in Atlantic salmon |
| Collaborator Contribution | Generate experimental data for analyses, analyse date and disseminate results |
| Impact | NA |
| Start Year | 2026 |
| Description | LisceSAIGE |
| Organisation | NOFIMA Ås |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are contributing to the development of the experimental design and the statistical data analysis to decipher the direct (host x parasite) and indirect (host x host) genetic effects of lice (L. salmonis) resistance in Atlantic salmon |
| Collaborator Contribution | Generate experimental data for analyses, analyse date and disseminate results |
| Impact | NA |
| Start Year | 2026 |
| Description | Option to licence Intellectual Property related to a genome edit that confers resistance to African Swine Fever Virus |
| Organisation | Genus plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | This relates to a joint discovery made in this theme of the programme in 2023: Pannhorst K, Carlson J, Hölper JE, Grey F, Baillie JK, Höper D, Wöhnke E, Franzke K, Karger A, Fuchs W, Mettenleiter TC. 2023. The non-classical major histocompatibility complex II protein SLA-DM is crucial for African swine fever virus replication. Sci Rep. 13:10342. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-36788-9. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Confidential. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Understanding resistance to viral diseases in fish. |
| Organisation | Zoetis |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | With an iCASE studentship funded by the BBSRC we have partnered with Zoetis to understand genetic and immunological factors contributing to the resistance of fish to viral diseases. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and in-kind support. The project is envisaged to include a placement by the doctoral student with Zoetis. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | What makes a super-spreader? |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | School of Biological Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are contributing to all WPs listed below and are leading WP2: of the project: Employ experimental epidemics and predictive modelling of pathogen transmission to quantify the relative importance of traits underlying host infectiousness on epidemic dynamics and superspreading events. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Leader of WP1-WP3, and contributing to WP2: WP1. Obtain precise estimates of heritable genetic variance and co-variance in host traits underlying host infectiousness; WP2. Employ experimental epidemics and predictive modelling of pathogen transmission to quantify the relative importance of each trait on epidemic dynamics and superspreading events. WP3. Determine the regulatory genetic and signalling pathways that underlie variation in these traits; WP4. Determine the evolutionary constraints on extreme infectiousness phenotypes by experimentally selecting a population towards extreme shedding phenotypes and testing the direct and correlated responses to directed selection. |
| Impact | Not yet |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Title | SIRE2.0 |
| Description | This gives a snapshot of the GitHub repository https://github.com/theITEAM/SIRE2.0 It includes binaries for the windows and Mav version of the software SIRE2.0 as well as the source code. SIRE 2.0 allows for simultaneous estimation of individual additive genetic effects (along with the corresponding covariance matrix), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and treatment effects on these host traits (so identifying potential pleiotropic effects). SIRE implements a Bayesian algorithm which makes use of temporal data (consisting of any combination of recorded infection times, recovery times or disease status measurements) from multiple epidemics whose dynamics can be represented by the susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) or susceptible-infectious (SI) model. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | It provided the first empirical estimates for genetic variation in infectivity, in addition to susceptibility and tolerance from experimental data in Turbot, and revealed that superspreading is partly genetically determined. The results have been presented at various conferences and have led to new controlled transmission experiments in Atlantic salmon, sea bass, chicken and pigs. |
| URL | https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.12626587 |
| Description | "Agri-Science Week in Parliament" Exhibit at Houses of Parliament, London |
| 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 | RI scientists invited to contribute a poster and staff for a four-day AgriScience exhibit at the Upper Waiting Hall, Houses of Parliament, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Science & Technology in Agriculture. Roslin's contribution focused the potential for precision breeding/genome editing/engineering biology to increase the sustainability of animal production in the UK, supported by a poster with case studies of current research to reduce/prevent disease in pigs, poultry and salmon. The poster also highlighted UK goverment investment in Roslin research using a timeline of key discoveries and specialist animal facility openings. Engagements with MPs and parliamentary staff were high-quality and focused, and included people with all levels of awareness of and support for precision breeding. Useful conversations highlighted newly elected MPs' lack of awareness of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 and upcoming secondary legislation, and exposed resistance to accepting PB due to perceived opposition from constituents. This indicates that further work needs to be done on engaging policymakers on this topic, and getting a robust measure of public opinion on the topic. Outcomes include following up with key parliamentarians, organising a PB-themed visit to Roslin and contacting BBSRC about a potential public dialogue on PB in animals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | "Cute Egg" at Border Union Agricultural Society Countryside Education 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 | Cute Egg is an interactive activity about the function and quality of the cuticle layer on hen's eggs, developed and delivered by the Dunn reseach group at RI. Audience members at the Border Union Agricultural Society's Countryside Education Day (P6 pupils and teachers from all primary schools in the Scottish Borders) dye eggs to reveal the quality of their cuticle and find out about its role in protecting the egg from harmful bacteria, facilitated by staff and PGRs from RI. More info about Cute Egg: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/community-engagement/resources/cute-egg/about |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | "Oysters in Edinburgh" at Edinburgh Science Festival 2024 (food, drink and science event) |
| 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 | Evening event for adults at the 2024 Edinburgh Science Festival, combining talks on RI research in oyster biology/natural history, genetics, disease resistance, native oyster conservation projects, social history of oysters in Edinburgh, food (five types of oysters) and matching drinks, with small group discussions and audience Q&A. Supported by RI oyster scientists and PE team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | A paper-based 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 | 2023,2024 |
| 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 | DNA & the Genome | PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste. A full-day PCR workshop |
| 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 | Diversity and Inclusion workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Over 50 conference participants attended the Power Hour on Diversity and Inclusion in the Gordon Research Conference in Quantitative Genetics and Genomics. The group discussions provided a range of ideas and suggestions on how to improve diversity and inclusion in the academic workplace |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/2025/ |
| Description | Diversity and Inclusion workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Over 50 conference participants attended the Power Hour on Diversity and Inclusion in the Gordon Research Conference in Quantitative Genetics and Genomics. The group discussions provided a range of ideas and suggestions on how to improve diversity and inclusion in the academic workplace |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/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 | Doors Open Day @Bioquarter |
| 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 | Drop-in interactive activities on influenza research at RI and oysters for Doors Open Day at the UoE BioQuarter campus. Free event attracted local community members from one of the more deprived areas of Edinburgh, as well as families and friends of UoE staff. Valuable development opportunity for the staff and PGRs involved, as well as a reason to update our "Flu Fighters" engagement resources. Oyster activities given a special mention in Head of College round-up of the event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Facility aids research on diseases of aquaculture species |
| 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 Institute's website reporting on a specialist aquarium that enables research towards managing common infections in prawns, oysters, mussels and more. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 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 | Gel Electrophoresis Wall Tank. A classroom resource to support teachers to explore how gel electrophoresis works with their pupils. |
| 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 | Genetic clues could help breed chickens resilient to flu |
| 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 website on how genetic clues could help breed chickens resilient to flu following the discovery of DNA regions linked to bird flu resistance in chickens, a discovery that could lead to more resilient poultry flocks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Industry alliance targets disease resistance in oysters |
| 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 the Roslin's Institute website on an Industry alliance targeting disease resistance in oysters. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited Departmental Seminar: "All things fish: genomic perspectives from food security to evolution". |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited Departmental Seminar: Trinity College Dublin (Smurfit Institute of Genetics). 12th Jan 2024. Hosted by Prof. Aoife McLysaght |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited Lecture: Functional annotation of fish genomes: towards precision aquaculture breeding founded on biological understanding |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited online lecture -'Functional annotation of fish genomes: towards precision aquaculture breeding founded on biological understanding' at the 1st aquaculture seed industry professional forum. 30th China Beijing seed Industry Conference. 11th Sept 2023. Provided audience with overview of latest status of genomic technologies for aquaculture breeding. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Invited Webinar: 'Functional annotation of fish genomes: towards more precise breeding in aquaculture' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk at the 2023 (Qingdao) Conference on International Cooperation for Future Production, Education, Research and Application of the Ocean Industry. Provided audience with overview of latest status of genomic technologies for aquaculture breeding. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Invited Webinar: 'Harnessing single cell transcriptomics to understand and improve salmon performance and health'. Webinar: Understanding and improving salmon performance. Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. 21st June 2023. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited webinar: 'Harnessing single cell transcriptomics to understand and improve salmon performance and health'. Webinar: Understanding and improving salmon performance. Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. 21st June 2023. Provided an overview of the transformative potential of single cell transcriptomic technologies to understanding and improve the welfare, health and performance of farmed salmon. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://blueeconomycrc.com.au/webinar-understanding-and-improving-salmon-performance/ |
| Description | Invited talk in international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | The talk provided novel tools and results to assess the impact of host genetics in infectious disease transmission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/2025/ |
| Description | Invited talk in international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | The talk provided novel tools and results to assess the impact of host genetics in infectious disease transmission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/2025/ |
| Description | Invited talk: "AQUA-FAANG: decoding genome function to enhance genotype-to-phenotype prediction in farmed finfish" EAAP Session - EuroFAANG: Genotype-to-phenotype research across Europe and beyond. 31.08.2023, Lyon, France |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk: "AQUA-FAANG: decoding genome function to enhance genotype-to-phenotype prediction in farmed finfish" EAAP Session - EuroFAANG: Genotype-to-phenotype research across Europe and beyond. 31.08.2023, Lyon, France. Part of a session that included an industry panel session -"How European animal breeding sector can use EuroFAANG Research Infrastructure and knowledge developed so far" Opportunities and barriers for uptaking the results, with 4 panellists coming from industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.gene-switch.eu/uploads/1/2/6/6/126678735/agenda_-_eurofaang_eaap_2025.pdf |
| 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 | LabCamp: Cows, Coughs & CRISPR |
| 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 | Secondary school pupils (16-18 year olds) get hands-on with real lab equipment and carry out a DNA digest and gel electrophoresis, supported by scientific staff, researchers and PGRs from the Roslin Institute. They get an insight into how real-life research projects develop and how researchers design and implement their experiments , as well as the opportunity to chat with our scientists about their career paths and their work using genome editing. The practical content is linked to the SQA curriculum and the workshop supports the Developing the Young Workshop framework. The sessions aim to reinforce learning by providing real-world experiences, especially in practical techniques that cannot be delivered in the school classroom, and break down stereotypes about who scientists are and who can do science. Pupils sign up to the sessions independently and attend during their scohol holidays, demonstrating their value to pupils. Participants report that they have learned useful skills for the future (e.g. university courses, future work in science) and gained insights into what areas of science they might go on to study and what careers in science look like. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| 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 | Meet a Roslin Scientist - Free downloadable resources created to engage and inspire upper primary pupils, secondary pupils and teachers |
| 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 | Mussel genome map enhances production and resistance |
| 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 on Roslin's website on how mussel genome map enhances production and resistance, supporting blue mussel breeding programmes, disease resistance and marine ecosystem conservation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| 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 | Penicuik 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 | Presentation at international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | 4 poster presentations were given at the Epidemics9 Conference in Bologna to demonstrate how vaccination or host genetics can affect transmission and evolutionary dynamics of important poultry viruses (Marek's disease and Infectious bronchitis virus) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Professor Liam Morrison on cattle parasitology |
| 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 | An interview with Professor Liam Morrison on his career in cattle parasitology published on Roslin's website. |
| 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 Jacqueline Smith |
| 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 | Roslin Reels - The Roslin Institute's Dr Jacqueline Smith talks about her team's work on optimising poultry health and productivity. |
| 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 on Roslin Institute website celebrating 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 | News article on Roslin's website reporting on the annual Science Insights outreach programme (Science Insights 2024) that took place from 22-26 July and was full of immersive research and hands-on learning opportunities inspiring future scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Science Insights: Animals in Research (talk) & Working with Animals (small group discussion) |
| 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 talk and discussion session about the Use of Animals in Research, supported by animal facility staff from RI and other areas of UoE, and Understanding Animal Research. 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. The sessions encouraged pupils to consider the ethics of using animals in research, and a chance to talk to the staff that manage our facilities, including large animal, avian, rodent and aquatic. Many pupils reported it was their favourite session of the week and appreciated the chance to ask questions about a potentially sensitive subject. Facility staff also valued a chance to talk about their work to a non-scientific audience and reported an interest in doing more of this type of work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Science Insights: Large animals in research (facility tour) |
| 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 | Tour/talks activity with four animal research-focused stations, held in the Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility (LARIF) outside barn. LARIF staff set up viewing pens with some of the large animals used in RI research (e.g. sheep, cows), and researchers provided short talks and demonstrations about their projects at each station. 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 enjoyed a chance to see livestock up close (for the first time for many of them) and to hear about how animal research principles are put into practice during real research projects. They also appreciated the openness of the researchers when talking about this aspect of their work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| 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 | Stranraer Oyster Festival Drop In |
| 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 | Research-focused drop-in stand at Stranraer Oyster Festival, Scotland's largest event of its type. Aimed to build experience of our oyster research team in engaging the public with their work, and to build links with stakeholders (native oyster producers). Well-attended stand, with a large proportion of local community members with minimal knowledge of oysters. Good development opportunity for the team and chance to raise the profile of RI research in this area, alongside more established institutions e.g. Heriot Watt. Productive conversations with local producers, which should lead to a new research project. Also collected data about attitudes to oyster production, which will complement data from stakeholder audiences. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Stranraer Oyster Festival Talks |
| 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 | Supporting fish farmers through informed breeding |
| 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 on Supporting fish farmers through informed breeding showing how research and training are helping Ugandan tilapia farmers improve breeding by combining modern genetic tools with traditional practices. |
| 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, it also appears in efeedlink, Dairy Global |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | article outlining how Cost-efficient analysis helps breed disease-resistant fish |
| 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 shows how a Genetic technique makes breeding healthy animals more accessible to small and medium-scale fish farming producers and is A cost-effective method for breeding rainbow trout to be resistant to a common bacterial infection which has been developed by scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/cost-efficient-analysis-helps-breed-disease... |
| Description | article outlining how Gene-edited chickens take a significant step in bird flu fight plus associated news coverage |
| 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 | report shows how Alterations to key gene associated with infection offer partial protection and suggest path to flu-resistant poultry where Scientists have used gene-editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals and Researchers were able to restrict - but not completely block - the virus from infecting chickens by altering a small section of their DNA. The birds showed no signs that the change in their DNA had any impact on their health or wellbeing. This also appeared in |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/gene-edited-chickens-are-significant-step-i... |
| Description | article outlining how Wild red deer gene analysis informs management plans |
| 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 reporting that Genetic studies highlight the species' genetic diversity and population structure, with implications for conservation and wildlife management. Insights into the genetic diversity of wild red deer populations in France may inform plans to further develop how they are managed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/wild-red-deer-gene-analysis-informs-managem... |
| Description | article outlining how a Key gene blocks spillover of avian flu to humans |
| 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 explains how Newly identified gene shown to prevent most strains of bird flu from causing infection in humans. Understanding the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains may offer one of the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission according to new research that has found a key human gene responsible for blocking most avian flu viruses from spilling over into people. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/key-gene-blocks-spillover-of-avian-flu-to-h... |
| Description | article outlining how a Project aims to curb losses from major cattle pest |
| 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 Roslin experts join collaboration to mitigate impact of Asian blue tick on herds around the world noting that Scientists are working with commercial partners to tackle the world's most devastating cattle tick, which causes billions of dollars of losses to farmers worldwide and reporting that Researchers at the Roslin Institute are working with partners Oxitec to develop a method of managing the invasive Asian blue tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, which spreads diseases through biting cattle. Article also appears in Overblog, The Cattle Site, The Beef Site, The Dairy Site |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/project-aims-to-curb-losses-from-major-catt... |
| Description | article outlining how a particular Pig gene is critical for African Swine Fever infection |
| 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 reporting how a Lab study pinpoints immunity-linked gene in pigs that is required for African Swine Fever virus to replicate. Scientists have pinpointed a gene in the DNA of pigs that is needed by a deadly virus to cause infection. Their discovery could inform the development of pigs resistant to African Swine Fever (ASF), a swift acting, severe condition that causes widespread illness and death, incurring high losses for the pork industry. Also appears in "Rurales El Pais, The Pig Site, Head Topics Switzerland, aiz.info, Pig World, Time News, Proplanta, Agriwatch, Interempresas Scottish Farmer, VetCommunity, MRCVS Online, Texas Agriculture Daily, Fleischwirtschaft, Ontario Farmer, Agrarheute, Zooinform.ru" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/pig-gene-is-critical-for-african-swine-feve... |
| Description | article outlining that the 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 | article around the Renewed Memorandum of Understanding creating research alliance to transform food systems and enhance sustainable livestock production. 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 | article reporting on a Summer school focussing on infectious disease 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 | article outlining how an international initiative helps early career scientists develop their skills in studying infectious diseases where An international summer school in Sweden has enabled early career scientists to develop valuable skills in infectious disease modelling and control. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/summer-school-focuses-on-infectious-disease... |
| Description | web article outlining how a Multi-species study aids understanding of bird flu |
| 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 | news reports about a study how the Response to infection in birds from chickens to crows points to biological factors linked to disease resistance. Investigations of how various bird species respond to avian flu have enabled insights into the disease. The findings, from a study by Roslin scientists, point towards immune processes and key genes that may play a part in how various species respond to infection. Outcomes from the study may help inform development of commercial poultry that are resistant to the disease. Article also appears in vnonline, mrcvsonline, efeedlink |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/multi-species-study-aids-understanding-of-b... |