Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases: The basis of natural and vaccine-mediated immunity
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 understanding the basis of natural and vaccine-mediated immunity.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Lead Research Organisation)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Zoetis (Collaboration)
- Mowi Scotland (Collaboration)
- THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE (Collaboration)
- Chembio (Collaboration)
- University of Bern (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
Publications
Alfituri OA
(2024)
Differential role of M cells in enteroid infection by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
in Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
Andresen AMS
(2026)
Virus-inclusive single nucleus RNA-sequencing reveals two distinct endothelial response patterns in infectious salmon anaemia.
in Fish & shellfish immunology
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)
Multiomics uncovers the epigenomic and transcriptomic response to viral and bacterial stimulation in turbot.
in GigaScience
Blackburn EA
(2025)
A lymphostatin homologue from Chlamydia pecorum inhibits mitogen-activated bovine T cell proliferation and IFN? production.
in Virulence
Bradford B
(2024)
Cell adhesion molecule CD44 is dispensable for reactive astrocyte activation during prion disease
in Scientific Reports
Carpanini SM
(2025)
TREM2 supports neuronal protection and microglial reactivity without an effect on misfolded protein deposition in chronic neurodegenerative prion disease.
in Frontiers in neuroscience
Carvalho I
(2025)
Exploring the effects of dietary methionine supplementation on European seabass mucosal immune responses against Tenacibaculum maritimum.
in Frontiers in immunology
Chandrasegaran P
(2025)
Dual single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing reveal transcriptional profiles underlying heterogenous host-parasite interactions in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
in Frontiers in Immunology
| Description | Having previously identified mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells that respond to bacterial infections by recognising small molecules presented by the MHC class I-related protein MR1 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33777010/) we developed novel cattle and pig MR1-Ag tetramers to show that MAIT cell-MR1 reactivity is highly conserved across divergent species (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38705391/). Our unpublished work to control bTB in cattle showed that prime-boost vaccination strategy using BCG followed by BoHV4 expressing M. bovis antigens elicits stronger and more durable antigen-specific humoral responses compared to BCG followed by empty BoHV4. We also found antibodies against the phenolic glycolipid of M. bovis to be a sensitive marker of infection in cattle, and may be useful in differentiating infected from vaccinated cattle (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39974705/). In chickens, we found that IL-10-/- edited chickens showed improved control of Eimeria, Salmonella and Campylobacter after infection, but at the expense of elevated intestinal inflammation (https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/106252). We also used a novel transgenic chicken line in which conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) can be inducibly ablated to show that cDCs play an important role in control of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection (unpublished), but do not shape the gut microbiome (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39222347/). Using a ß2 microglobulin-deficient chicken line ongoing studies are evaluating the role of MHCI and CD8 T cell responses following IBV vaccination and we have secured funding to develop a transgenic line in which avian T cells can be visualised in situ and inducibly ablated. In collaboration with MSD Animal Health, we used single nucleus RNA sequencing of peripheral blood leukocytes to define the immune response of salmon to vaccination against infectious salmon anaemia (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41067591/). This identified cell-resolved patterns of gene expression that can predict vaccine-mediated protection. A similar strategy is being employed to study the response of immune cells draining from the site of BCG vaccination in cattle. In relation to prion disease, we showed that systemic exposure to bacterial LPS increases susceptibility to peripherally-acquired prion infection by 100-fold in a manner associated with loss of macrophages at the site of exposure (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40119036/). |
| Exploitation Route | Animal and zoonotic diseases impose significant animal welfare, societal and economic costs. This programme delivers vital resources for veterinary vaccinology. In particular, researchers in this programme produced reagents and assays to study natural and vaccine-mediated immunity in farmed animals to the benefit of the wider research and innovation system. For example, our Immunological Toolbox (https://www.immunologicaltoolbox.co.uk/) produced recombinant forms of various bovine cytokines for subsequent studies on myeloid and natural killer (NK) cells. The Toolbox also generated a range of monoclonal antibodies for major porcine and bovine antigens to further development of diagnostics or therapeutics. At the cellular level, we developed a method to generate bovine NK cells from embryonic stem cells, and have characterised monocyte and NK cell subsets by single cell RNA sequencing (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39368394/) to allow for the production of large, consistent quantities of specialised immune cells and the precise characterization of their heterogeneity in health and disease. We also advanced the characterisation of chicken immune cells through scRNAseq of enteroids with a leukocyte compartment (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40175530/) and multi-spectral flow cytometry (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38846783/). We developed edited chicken lines to study the role of MHC class I or II complexes in priming adaptive responses following infection or vaccination. Such resources are shared via our National Avian Research Facility. In addition to our Toolbox, we share our tools and findings within the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network, which has >2300 members in 93 countries, and which we co-lead. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals |
| Description | Animal and zoonotic diseases impose significant animal welfare, societal and economic costs. While at an early stage, the programme is set out to achieve non-academic impact via diverse routes: 1. Resources for veterinary vaccine development and testing. This programme aims to provide vital resources for the development and testing of veterinary vaccines to enhance natural and vaccine-mediated immunity in farmed animals. In particular, our Immunological Toolbox contains novel recombinant forms of various bovine cytokines, and monoclonal antibodies for various porcine and bovine antigens. Generated resources are shared via our National Avian Research Facility, which held a 3-day online symposium on avian research in 2024 attracting over 150 delegates and 40 international speakers. In addition to our Toolbox, we co-lead the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network, which has >2300 members in 93 countries and organised a conference in Vietnam in November 2024. 2. Impact on public understanding of science. ISP-funded researchers 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 activities to detect and control influenza (Flu Fighters). Additionally, we ran a Science Insights programme for S5 pupils to experience the theory and practice of immunological research. Training in public engagement in research was provided to all our doctoral students. |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals |
| 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 | chicken dendritic cell - microbiota interplay in vaccine-mediated responses". |
| Amount | £11,457 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | HT-SPRG-25-02 |
| Organisation | The Houghton Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2025 |
| End | 07/2026 |
| Description | chicken synthetic microbiota (chisyn) |
| Amount | £77,801 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Technical University of Munich |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | enhancing the efficacy and ease of application of existing endemic livestock disease vaccines via novel adjuvants and delivery systems |
| Amount | £8,843 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W02053X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 05/2023 |
| 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 | generating natural killer cells from stem cells enabling studies of their role in bcg vaccination success against tuberculosis (tb) |
| Amount | £1,965 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 14322408 |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 06/2025 |
| Description | genetic engineering of chicken sox8 m cells for enhanced vaccine targeting and insights into host-pathogen interactions |
| Amount | £143,932 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RF2608 |
| Organisation | The Roslin Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2025 |
| End | 08/2028 |
| Description | haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy as a novel therapeutic for cns prion disease |
| Amount | £64,733 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 03/2026 |
| End | 02/2028 |
| Description | international veterinary vaccinology network (ivvn) |
| Amount | £457,370 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/R005958/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2017 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | international veterinary vaccinology network (ivvn) |
| Amount | £1,306,006 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/Y033744/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 11/2025 |
| 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 | 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 | testing the efficacy of novel vaccines against salmonella in poultry |
| Amount | £26,707 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2024 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | Collaboration with University of Bern |
| Organisation | University of Bern |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration was established with Dr Stephanie Talker who works in a similar research field. This has allowed us to exchange ideas and knowledge which are being incorporated into a grant proposal being written by Dr Talker. We anticipate in 2024 to send Dr Talker and her team our datasets to allow integrated bioinformatic analysis which will lead to at least one paper. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of knowledge regarding bioinformatic analysis, and ideas for future collaboration. |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Development of a novel diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis. |
| Organisation | Chembio |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We have been developing a diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis based on detection of a series of protein biomarkers that are elevated in the blood of infected animals. This has the capacity to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals, and could offer significant advantages over the insensitive skin test used currently. The project has received support from a BBSRC Impact Accelerator Account to The Roslin Institute and University of Edinburgh. |
| Collaborator Contribution | ChemBio hosted a 2 month visit by a Ph.D student to help with the design and evaluation of the test. They contribute significant expertise in the commercialisation of such tests that will be important to advance it toward the market. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Immunological Toolbox initiative |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The programme supports an Immunological Toolbox initiative to generate reagents and assays to study the immune system of farmed animals, in particular their response to infection and vaccination. It addresses the paucity of reagents for veterinary vaccinology research, a priority of BBSRCs strategic research framework in this area. Both organisations commit staff and consumable funding to the initiative, which responds to requests from across the national and international community for priority reagents and assays. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This is a joint initiative, but Pirbright focus to a greater extent on securing hybridoma resources and recombinant antibodies. |
| Impact | Reagents arising from the Toolbox have been commercialised. Wider impact is hard to gauge as the reagents and assays developed by the Toolbox are in use by diverse academic and industrial laboratories. |
| Description | International Veterinary Vaccinology Network |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Jointly with The Pirbright Institute, we lead the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network that aims to support research and training in the development of vaccines for animal and zoonotic diseases. The Network is partly funded by this programme, but with support from a GCRF scheme administered by the Medical Research Council. At the time of writing, IVVN has over 2000 members in 93 countries. These are supported with symposia, workshops and access to pump-priming funds to catalyse collaborative research. The network has significant reach to low- and middle-income countries. |
| Collaborator Contribution | In addition to Pirbright, IVVN funding has supported collaborations with tens of other organisations to numerous to list individually (see https://www.intvetvaccnet.co.uk/). |
| Impact | Outcomes are reported in annual IVVN reports (see https://www.intvetvaccnet.co.uk/about-us/the-vision-of-the-international-veterinary-vaccinology-network). |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| 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 | Understanding the pathogenesis of Ostertagia infection in cattle |
| Organisation | Zoetis |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | With funding from Zoetis, and in collaboration with researchers at the Moredun Research Institute, we are studying the pathogenesis of Ostertagia infections in cattle. Ostertagia is an important abomasal parasite of cattle and we are studying its life cycle in the gut, and how it activates and evades host immune responses to inform the design of control strategies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and expertise in-kind. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| 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 | Bacterial Vaccines Workshop at International Veterinary Immunology Symposium 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Workshop on bacterial vaccines for veterinary diseases as part of a conference (International Veterinary Immunology Symposium) held in Kruger Park, South Africa in 2023. This comprised a series of short presentations, a breakout session with feedback and a Q&A. This was attended by approximately 80 conference attendees which included academics, industry members, policy makers and students (UG and PG). We have a white paper under consideration for publication to report the outcomes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| 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 | Dr Kate Sutton on immunology in chickens |
| 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 | An interview with Dr Kate Sutton talking about her research on immunology in chickens |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 - Professor Jayne Hope |
| 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 video of the Roslin Institute's Professor Jayne Hope talking about her team's work on tuberculosis and cows. |
| 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 | 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 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 | report outlining how Funding supports research towards veterinary vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | report about how an Award from The International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN) enables continuity of efforts for A Roslin-led initiative international hub for livestock and zoonotic vaccinology research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/funding-supports-research-towards-veterinar... |
| Description | report outlining how a TB vaccine protects calves in first weeks of life |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | report outlining how innoculation within the first month of life is effective, offering greater scope for protecting calves against disease and how Vaccines to prevent bovine TB are effective when administered in calves aged up to three weeks |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/tb-vaccine-protects-calves-in-first-weeks-o... |
| Description | reporting outlining a Method offering a boost to safety profile of live vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | report showing how a virus weakened by amending the genetic code promises route to large-scale production of live vaccines. Scientists have developed a method that could enable large-scale production of an effective flu vaccine for people with health conditions. The discovery could help produce industrial quantities of vaccines containing live viruses that have been weakened to induce immunity without causing infection - known as live attenuated viruses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/method-offers-boost-to-safety-profile-of-li... |