Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases: Pathogen diversity and the basis of host-adaption and virulence
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: The Roslin Institute
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 defining mechanisms underlying virulence and host-adaptation of pathogens.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh (Lead Research Organisation)
- Pharmaq (Collaboration)
- Zoetis (Collaboration)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Mowi Scotland (Collaboration)
- RAFT Solutions Ltd. (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- MV Diagnostics Ltd (Collaboration)
- Eco Animal Health Ltd (Collaboration)
Publications
Abdoli B
(2024)
Cold atmospheric pressure air plasma jet disinfection of table eggs: Inactivation of Salmonella enterica, cuticle integrity and egg quality.
in International journal of food microbiology
Akhmetova A
(2023)
Genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in sympatric badger and cattle populations in Northern Ireland.
in Microbial genomics
Aleksandrowicz A
(2024)
FdeC expression regulates motility and adhesion of the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strain IMT5155.
in Veterinary research
Alfituri O
(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
Alves J
(2024)
Generation of tools for expression and purification of the phage-encoded Type I restriction enzyme inhibitor, Ocr
in Microbiology
Alves J
(2023)
Methylome-dependent transformation of emm1 group A streptococci.
in mBio
Banks C
(2024)
Modelling plausible scenarios for the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant from early-stage surveillance
in Epidemics
Barber M
(2024)
Mechanisms of host adaptation by bacterial pathogens
in FEMS Microbiology Reviews
| Description | EPIC 4 |
| Amount | £1,800,275 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Case/56472 |
| Organisation | Government of Scotland |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| 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 synthetic microbiota (chisyn) |
| Amount | £77,801 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Technical University of Munich |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | copy of 21-icrad: tackling chronic wasting disease in europe |
| Amount | £467,409 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 01/2025 |
| Description | developing diagnostics for fcov-23 |
| Amount | £45,881 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | D25FE-707 |
| Organisation | Morris Animal Foundation |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 07/2024 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | dissecting fatty acid metabolism in livestock trypanosomes |
| Amount | £507,271 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X009807/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2026 |
| Description | flu trailmap (transmission and risk of avian influenza: learning more to advance preparedness) |
| Amount | £864,340 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/Y007352/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 11/2025 |
| Description | fluswitch: identification of factors driving the emergence and spread of avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential |
| Amount | £389,623 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 12/2027 |
| Description | gaining an overview into the characteristics fcov-23 |
| Amount | £85,346 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | D25FE-705 |
| Organisation | Morris Animal Foundation |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 07/2024 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | identifying key genetic composition features influencing protein expression in chicken cells during viral infection. |
| Amount | £9,700 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Houghton Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 03/2026 |
| Description | intended and unintended consequences of the zno ban from pig diets on antimicrobial resistance, post weaning diarrhoea and the microbiome |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 14443263 |
| Organisation | AB Agri Ltd |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 02/2027 |
| Description | investigating the potential of bacteriophages to kill scottish streptococcus uberis isolates as a primer for the development of phage therapy for bovine mastitis |
| Amount | £17,091 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Hannah Dairy Research Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 01/2026 |
| 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 | 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 | studentship: advancing phage therapy for human urinary tract infections |
| Amount | £113,009 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | PHD-50457-2021 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Scotland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 10/2026 |
| Description | the fleming fund phase 2 |
| Amount | £327,884 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Department of Health |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Ireland |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| 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 |
| 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 pig farmers and veterinary service providers to understand the impact of withdrawal of dietary zinc oxide on post-weaning diarrhoea. |
| Organisation | RAFT Solutions Ltd. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration was initiated by BBSRC funding via the priming partnerships scheme of the endemic livestock diseases initiative. It involves pig farmers, veterinary services providers (including RAFT Solutions Ltd but also Garth Pig Veterinary Practice), animal feed manufacturers (AB Agri) as well as academic collaborators at the Animal & Plant Health Agency, Scotland's Rural College, Queens University Belfast and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. The consortium recently secured c. £1M BBSRC responsive-mode funding to extend the project to understand the impact of an EU-wide ban on dietary zinc oxide in UK pig production. Emphasis will be placed on the prevalence of post-weaning diarrhoea, pathogens associated with this (particularly ETEC & rotavirus), antimicrobial resistances and the gut microbiota in pigs before and after ZnO withdrawal. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collection of samples and access to health records. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Development of nanobodies for prevention or treatment of porcine reproductive & respiratory syndrome virus infection. |
| Organisation | Eco Animal Health Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating with Eco Animal Health Ltd to explore the potential of nanobodies targeting the CD163 receptor for porcine reproductive & respiratory syndrome virus, both to prevent and treat infections. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding, materials and expertise. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Development of novel diagnostic tests. |
| Organisation | MV Diagnostics Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We have been developing serological and sequence-based assays for detection of animal and zoonotic bacterial pathogens, with emphasis on diseases endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and tools that can be used to obtain a rapid in-field diagnosis. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and expertise in kind. MV Diagnostics Ltd are co-located at Easter Bush as a tenant in the Roslin Innovation Centre. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Genomic surveillance of salmon alphavirus |
| Organisation | Pharmaq |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are studying the genetic diversity and epidemiology of salmon alphavirus to inform the design of cross-protective control strategies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding and in-kind contributions. |
| 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 | Big Baloon Blow Up - Project Science. This Project Science investigation, designed for teachers to use in the classroom with learners aged 9-14, is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This Project Science investigation, designed for teachers to use in the classroom with learners aged 9-14, is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals RI research on the cow microbiome and implications for climate change mitigation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Big balloon Project Science . This Project Science investigation, designed for teachers to use in the classroom with learners aged 9-14, is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals RI research on the cow microbiome and implications for climate change mitigation. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This Project Science investigation, designed for teachers to use in the classroom with learners aged 9-14, is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals RI research on the cow microbiome and implications for climate change mitigation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Blood tests allow early diagnosis of brain diseases |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | News article on Roslin's website reporting on a series of tests shown to identify prion infections affecting people and animals, and has potential for early diagnosis of dementia. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative approach aids progress in tackling bird 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 | An article on how our researchers are seeking to understand deadly viral infection through proactive development of poultry resistant to disease, and rigorous scientific analysis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://impact.ed.ac.uk/research/future-health-and-care/creative-approach-aids-progress-in-tackling-... |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | Mutation drives bacterial adaptation to immune response |
| 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 | Website article reporting on researchers have uncovered a genetic mutation that helps common bacteria affecting humans and animals to survive against immune defences and antibiotics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/mutation-drives-bacterial-adaptation-to-immune-res |
| Description | Outbreak Lab: Trypanosomes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A 1 hour hands-on, experimental outreach workshop, where primary school pupils use simluated laboratory techniques to identify cows that are infected with African Trypanosomes, and estimate vaccination rates in a population. The session covers some of the science behind the diagnosis of trypanosomasis in cattle and humans, and pupils are supported throughout by Roslin Institute scientific staff, researchers and PGRs who tell them about their work, 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!). Feedback from pupils and teachers indicates that pupils enjoy the hands-on elements of the session and the chance to meet and work with "real-life scientists". |
| 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 | Pondering Pond Life Microbiology Toolkit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This free, downloadable microbiology toolkit (designed for use with primary and early secondary pupils) was developed with Roslin researchers with funding from the Microbiology Society. The toolkit includes a teaching guide, pupil worksheet, classroom presentation and template risk assessment, and reveals RI research on lung microorganisms. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Pondering Pond Life Microbiology Toolkit. Free, downloadable microbiology toolkit (designed for use with primary and early secondary pupils) was developed with Roslin researchers with funding from the Microbiology Society. The toolkit includes a teaching guide, pupil worksheet, classroom presentation and template risk assessement, and reveals RI research on lung microorganisms. |
| 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 free, downloadable microbiology toolkit (designed for use with primary and early secondary pupils) was developed with Roslin researchers with funding from the Microbiology Society. The toolkit includes a teaching guide, pupil worksheet, classroom presentation and template risk assessement, and reveals RI research on lung microorganisms. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| 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 | Professor Paul Digard on understanding flu viruses |
| 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 Professor Paul Digard on his career and research on understanding flu viruses |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Proteins & Antibodies | Elisa Masterclass: Flu Fighters |
| 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, hands-on workshop for final-year secondary school pupils (aged 16-18), who use real lab equipment at the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC) to carry out a two-part diagnostic ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), supported by scientific staff, researchers and PGRs from the Roslin Institute. Participants get an insight into how the ELISA technique translates from their textbooks to real-life research projects, and have opportunities to chat with our scientists about their career paths and their research. The practical content is linked to the SQA curriculum and the workshop supports the "Developing the Young Workforce" framework. The sessions aim to reinforce learning by providing real-world experiences, especially in practical techniques that cannot be delivered in the school classroom, raise aspirations and break down stereotypes about who scientists are and who can do science. Participants report that they have learned useful practical 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 |
| Description | Real-Life Research: Hunting Bacteria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | This case study is a free downloadable resource and was created for upper primary pupils and their teachers. It explores RI research on identifying bacteria in sheep lungs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| 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 Eleanor Gaunt |
| 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 where the Roslin Institute's Dr Eleanor Gaunt talks about her team's work on developing flu vaccines. |
| 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- Big Balloon Blow Up |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This Science@Home investigation (designed for families to use with young learners aged 9-14) is used to explore the question "Do yeast need sugar to grow?". The investigation builds confidence in using the scientific method and reveals RI research on the cow microbiome and implications for climate change mitigation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| 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: 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 | Virus ancestry could help predict next pandemic |
| 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 article on Roslin's website on insights into virus evolution helps narrow the range of pathogens that could cause future epidemics and could therefore help predict next pandemic. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/virus-ancestry-could-help-predict-next-pandemic |
| Description | West Nile virus study sheds light on mitigating outbreaks |
| 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 | Website news article on west Nile virus study shedding the light on mitigating outbreaks and reporting on how mapping development of mosquito-borne virus offers clarity on managing risk of infections. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/west-nile-virus-study-sheds-light-on-mitigating-ou |
| Description | article outlining how Experts advise UK Government on bird flu |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | article reporting how Scientific specialists contribute to action plan on managing current and future severe bird flu strains. Roslin scientists played a key role in developing a plan to support the UK Government in managing bird flu. Their expertise has been called upon to inform Government decisions during the current severe, prolonged outbreak of avian flu, which is impacting wild and domestic birds around the world. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/experts-advise-uk-government-on-bird-flu |
| 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 | interview with CTF on diseases that leap from animals to humans |
| 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 | interview with Roslin Institute CTF on Tracking and predicting the spread of avian flu and other zoonotic diseases and switching career paths, |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/dr-lu-lu-on-diseases-that-leap-from-anim... |
| Description | interview with Discovery Fellow on on studying parasites affecting livestock |
| 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 | interview with Discovery Fellow who specialises in studying parasites that affect livestock, and finding ways to target the resulting disease. In this interview, he tells us about his experience in laying new foundations in parasitology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/dr-pieter-steketee-on-studying-parasites... |
| Description | interview with Roslin Institute Professor on on bacterial adaptation |
| 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 | interview with Roslin institue professor on Discovering how bacteria evolve and cause infection, bringing people together and juggling research and managerial responsibilities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/professor-ross-fitzgerald-on-bacterial-a... |
| Description | post doc interview on parasite diseases in cattle |
| 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 | post doc interview on Finding treatment targets for parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, working with exotic species and advancing novel methods for transcribing the genetic code of animals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/dr-rachel-owen-on-parasite-diseases-in-c... |
| Description | report outlining how Parasites of viruses drive superbug evolution |
| 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 a Newly discovered mechanism enables bacteria to rapidly evolve, and could inform phage therapy. A biological process by which bacteria share their genetic material through viruses has been discovered by scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/parasites-of-viruses-drive-superbug-evoluti... |
| Description | report outlining how a Rapid blood test detects prion infections |
| 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 Researchers adapt testing platform to develop rapid, reliable blood test for misfolded protein infections, noting how Scientists have developed a potential blood test for detecting prion diseases including vCJD, an infectious, fatal, degenerative brain disorder. Their method employs an existing technology optimised for use with blood samples, to create a rapid test. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/rapid-blood-test-detects-prion-infections |
| Description | report outlining how a Rapid infection test could curb antibiotic resistance |
| 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 outlilning how a novel system speeds diagnosis of bacterial infections, enabling effective choice of treatment and reporting how Scientists have developed a novel way to rapidly diagnose bacterial infections in dogs, enabling testing and treatment with appropriate antibiotics on the same day. The method could eliminate the delays associated with conventional diagnosis, in which a patient sample has to be cultured for several days to identify the bacteria present and test for its sensitivity against different antibiotics, before the appropriate remedy is prescribed. Report also appears in zooinform.ru, VNOnline, Veterinary Practice, MRCVS, VetCommunity |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/rapid-infection-test-could-curb-antibiotic-... |
| Description | report outlining how a £3.3m award supports research into tackling 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 | report outlining how the Next phase of UK collaboration builds on discoveries around disease immunity, transmission and evolution where A team of scientists studying bird flu has been awarded £3.3 million to further investigate the disease, including understanding immunity in wild birds. The award to the FluMap consortium, led by the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) and involving the Roslin Institute, will support the team's ongoing investigations into the evolution and transmission of the disease. Their investigations take place amid an ongoing, severe outbreak of avian flu, which has caused extensive sickness and death in wild and domestic birds around the world. Article also appears in efeedlink. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/ps3-3m-award-supports-research-into-tacklin... |
| 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... |