Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and modelling
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 studying the epidemiology of key diseases and modelling risks and the impact of interventions.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh (Lead Research Organisation)
- Pharmaq (Collaboration)
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Collaboration)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- RAFT Solutions Ltd. (Collaboration)
- Mowi Scotland (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- MV Diagnostics Ltd (Collaboration)
- University of Glasgow (Collaboration)
Publications
Akhmetova A
(2023)
Genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in sympatric badger and cattle populations in Northern Ireland.
in Microbial genomics
Bean T
(2024)
Scottish oyster mortality event and association with Vibrio aestuarianus
in Aquaculture Reports
Chase-Topping M
(2023)
Analysis of Escherichia coli O157 strains in cattle and humans between Scotland and England & Wales: implications for human health
in Microbial Genomics
Chase-Topping M
(2023)
The WUR0000125 PRRS resilience SNP had no apparent effect on pigs' infectivity and susceptibility in a novel transmission trial
in Genetics Selection Evolution
Coyle N
(2023)
Vibrio aestuarianus clade A and clade B isolates are associated with Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) disease outbreaks across Ireland
in Microbial Genomics
Doeschl-Wilson A
(2023)
Evolutionary Dynamics of the Highly Recombinant Avian Coronavirus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus
in SSRN Electronic Journal
Fareed Z
(2024)
A one health-focused literature review on bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis in Pakistan from the past two decades: challenges and way forward for control.
in One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Ghaderi Zefreh M
(2023)
Exploring the value of genomic predictions to simultaneously improve production potential and resilience of farmed animals
in Frontiers in Genetics
González-Gordon L
(2023)
Identifying target areas for risk-based surveillance and control of transboundary animal diseases: a seasonal analysis of slaughter and live-trade cattle movements in Uganda.
in Scientific reports
| Description | DSFAS: Integrative data science for PRRSV phenotypic prediction based on structural diversity, computational immunology and genomic epidemiology |
| Amount | $800,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA |
| Department | National Institute for Food and Agriculture |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 07/2023 |
| End | 07/2027 |
| Description | Drivers of salmon robustness |
| Amount | £3,794,031 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 09/2029 |
| Description | 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 | EUAqua.Org - Integrative breeding strategies for the transition of EUropean AQUAculture towards sustainable ORGanic productio |
| Amount | € 2,999,312 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | European Commission HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-9 grant, project ID 101181589 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2028 |
| Description | New social phenotypes from automated computer vision systems for reducing harmful social interactions and disease transmission in pigs through selective breeding |
| Amount | £54,900 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BBSRC IAA PIII108 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 10/2023 |
| Description | Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases: Understanding the basis of host resistance |
| Amount | £502,785 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BBS/E/RL/230002A |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 03/2028 |
| Description | TRAnsforming the DEbate about livestock systems transformation (TRADE) |
| Amount | £677,397 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W018152/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | Understanding animal health threats from emerging H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses |
| Amount | £179,866 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X006123/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2022 |
| End | 05/2023 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | the fleming fund phase 2 |
| Amount | £327,884 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Department of Health |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Ireland |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| 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 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 | EPIC-IV: Scottish Government Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Prof Lisa Boden is Co-Director of EPIC4, and Dr Samantha Lycett is Challenge Co-lead (work package lead) for Early Warning. Roslin / Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems (GAAFS), University of Edinburgh (UoE) contribute to policy advice to the Scottish Government on animal disease outbreaks and One Health; modelling of infectious animal diseases such as avian influenza and African swine fever using epidemiological, pathogen sequence and surveillance data; and horizon scanning and predictive modelling for new disease threats. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Glasgow is the lead organisation in the EPIC4 Centre of Expertise; other partners in EPIC4 are SRUC, Moredun, Hutton, BioSS, Roslin / GAAFS UoE. There are six Challenges (work packages) in total, which are co-lead by two people from different institutions. Roslin / GAAFS contribute to all work packages and areas of activity of EPIC4. |
| Impact | This is a multidisciplinary Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks; disciplines include science-policy interface, social sciences, economic sciences, epidemiological modelling, statistics, genomics, veterinary expertise. Please see website for EPIC4 outputs https://www.epicscotland.org. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Flu-MAP |
| Organisation | Animal and Plant Health Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | "Flu-MAP" (formal name "Understanding animal health threats from emerging H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses" and code BB/X006123/1) was a BBSRC/Defra-funded Rapid Response award set up in response to the recent epidemic in Northern Europe of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild and domestic birds. The aim of the consortium funded by this award is to establish an interdisciplinary consortium with the expertise to provide research-led responses and mitigation to the current crisis. The two UK/University of Edinburgh PIs on the US-UK BBSRC-NIFA collaboration award are part of Flu-MAP involved in supplying broadly the same areas of expertise: molecular influenza virology (Professor Paul Digard, local lead PI) and avian immunology (Professor Lonneke Vervelde). It has now been refunded as two separate awards, FluTrailMap and FluTrailMap-One Health |
| Collaborator Contribution | Flu-MAP was led by the APHA (Professor Ian Brown; HPAIV and surveillance expertise) with other partners at The Pirbright Institute (Professor Munir Iqbal; HPAIV molecular virology), The University of Nottingham (Professor Kin-Chow Chang; respiratory RNA viruses), The Royal Veterinary College (Professor Nicola Lewis; epidemiology and modelling), the University of Leeds (Professor Alaistair Ward; ornithology), The University of Cambridge (Professor James Wood; epidemiology) and Imperial College London (Professor Wendy Barclay; molecular influenza virology). |
| Impact | Please see separate Researchfish entry for the Flu-MAP consortium |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| 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 | 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 | AI-PigNet: Insights into the social interaction of pigs through automated data and social network analysis. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The talk demonstrated the use of automated data and AI to study social interactions in farm animals |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | AMR expert network secures funds to tackle resistance |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Website news article on a University of Edinburgh co-directed research network that has received a £650,000 UKRI award to engage with communities and policymakers across the UK to reduce the AMR burden. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/2024/amr-expert-network-secures-funds-to-tackle-resista |
| Description | Adrian Muwonge delivers One Health lightning talk |
| 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 lightning talk delivered by Dr Adrian Muwonge on One Health. |
| 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 | Data insights aid in managing livestock disease spread |
| 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 a new analysis that offers a comprehensive view of cattle movements, providing valuable insights for veterinary decision-making. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/data-insights-aid-in-managing-livestock-disease-sp |
| 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 | Dr Deborah Hoyle on zoonotic diseases and One Health |
| 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 Deborah Hoyle on zoonotic diseases and One Health |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/meet-our-scientists/dr-deborah-hoyle-on-zoonotic-diseases-an... |
| 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 | Invited talk in international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | The talk provided novel tools and results to assess the impact of host genetics in infectious disease transmission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/2025/ |
| Description | Invited talk in international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | The talk provided novel tools and results to assess the impact of host genetics in infectious disease transmission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/quantitative-genetics-and-genomics-conference/2025/ |
| Description | 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 | 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 | Portobello High School Equalities Careers Role Modelling Speed Networking Event S4/5/6 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participation in a careers and EDI-focused Speed Networking Event at a local high school for S4/5/6 pupils (14-18 year olds) by Roslin Core Scientist. Provided pupils with the opportunity to talk to a BAME Roslin scientist, learn about their work and get advice on future studying and work in science, with a focus on encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Portobello High School S2 STEM Networking event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participation in a STEM-focused Speed Networking Event at a local high school for S2 pupils (aged 12-14) by RI Group Leader. Provided pupils with the opportunity to talk to a Roslin scientist, learn about their work and get advice on future studying and work in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation at international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | 4 poster presentations were given at the Epidemics9 Conference in Bologna to demonstrate how vaccination or host genetics can affect transmission and evolutionary dynamics of important poultry viruses (Marek's disease and Infectious bronchitis virus) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Professor 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 | 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 Adrian Muwonge |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A short video with Dr Adrian Muwonge talking about his team's work on AMR (antimicrobial resistance) and One Health. |
| 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: 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 | article reporting on a Summer school focussing on infectious disease research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | article outlining how an international initiative helps early career scientists develop their skills in studying infectious diseases where An international summer school in Sweden has enabled early career scientists to develop valuable skills in infectious disease modelling and control. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/summer-school-focuses-on-infectious-disease... |
| Description | 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 | report outlining how a Long-term approach on bird flu is best |
| 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 Lasting conservation measures targeted at most vulnerable species are recommended in a report for the Scottish Government |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/long-term-approach-on-bird-flu-is-best-stud... |
| 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 | report outlining how an App offers fast method of tracing infectious diseases |
| 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 outlining how a Pilot study shows a novel contact tracing app could help protect groups at risk of catching and spreading infectious diseases in the Global South. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news-2023/app-offers-fast-method-of-tracing-infectiou... |
| Description | stakeholder engagement worskhops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Our ILRI partners held two main engagements with poultry sector stakeholders in Ghana: a stakeholder scoping meeting, and a (first) group model building workshop. The project approaches and updates were presented at both events, including a session presented (virtually) by the USDA partner. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | £1.1m award studies zinc oxide ban in pig diet |
| 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 website news article on a £1.1m award that studies zinc oxide ban in pig diet, and aims to understand the impacts of the dietary supplement ban set to take place later this year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://vet.ed.ac.uk/news-events/2024/ps1-1m-award-studies-zinc-oxide-ban-in-pig-diet |