Today marks World Nature Conservation Day, highlighting the importance of protecting the biodiversity that underpins healthy ecosystems. Our researchers are working to develop tools that could support the conservation of critically endangered eastern black rhinos. edin.ac/43dFy4O

Roslin researchers showcased 27 papers at the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, with many selected for oral presentation. The research spanned genomics, breeding, animal health and sustainability, demonstrating the breadth of science at the Institute. #Genetics #WCGALP

We joined colleagues at the National Museum of Scotland to celebrate Dolly the Sheep's 30th birthday with an evening exploring her remarkable history and enduring legacy. Dr Christine Tait-Burkard joined a discussion panel reflecting on how Dolly's birth opened the door to bioscience research.

‘To pursue a question and advance to a eureka moment – for me that is freedom.’ Dr Adriana Vallejo-Trujillo was surrounded by science from an early age, and pursues her life-long interest in genetics by studying adaptation and resilience in animals. Read our interview: edin.ac/4w0up3Z

The Roslin Institute has joined the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group, launched with support from Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance. It brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, academia, industry and funding organisations.

Research organisations launch collective alliance | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

National Research Organisations Group brings together more than 40 UK institutions to represent national capability.

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Prof Bruce Whitelaw, former Roslin Director, was awarded the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland’s silver medal by James Logan, Chair of RHASS, and Prof Julie Fitzpatrick, Lothian Director of RHASS, for his outstanding contribution to animal biotechnology and genetics in Scotland.

New viruses capable of infecting humans continue to be discovered every year, according to a global study involving Roslin researchers. The most comprehensive catalogue of human-infective viruses to date supports disease surveillance, as well as outbreak prediction and preparedness.

New human-infecting viruses discovered every year | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

The potential of another pandemic is highlighted by research that shows new viruses are being continually discovered.

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To celebrate 30 years since the birth of Dolly the Sheep, we asked colleagues across our campus what the world's most famous sheep means to them. Here's a selection of their responses. What does Dolly mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments. 🐑 #DollyTheSheep #1996

Roslin Reels - The Roslin Institute's Chrissy Rochus talks about her team's work on DNA diversity in livestock. For more information on our research, check out our website: www.roslin.ed.ac.uk #RoslinReels #LivestockHealth #GeneticResearch #FarmAnimals

Studies of a transmissible cancer in sheep could improve livestock health and welfare, prevent losses, and aid understanding of human lung cancer. The large animal model is advancing research into Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA), and offers insights into human disease. edin.ac/4eNiAXH

Congratulations to our former director Professor Bruce Whitelaw, who has been made an OBE in the King’s birthday honours. Professor Whitelaw worked at the Roslin Institute for almost four decades, and served as Director from 2022 until 2025. #BirthdayHonours #OBE

Former Director awarded OBE in King's honours | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Professor Bruce Whitelaw recognised in royal birthday honours list for services to bioscience.

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Prof Neil Mabbott discusses the latest developments in using AI towards designing a universal vaccine, in The Conversation. edin.ac/4ukwwxT #Vaccines #AI

World’s first AI-designed vaccine explained

A vaccine designed entirely by AI has been tested in people for the first time.

theconversation.com

Prof Kenny Baillie, a pioneer in understanding and treating infectious diseases including Covid-19, gave an overview of his career at a recent inaugural lecture showcase. He shared the stage with Prof Jim Wilson, who studies genetic influences on disease risk. Watch again: edin.ac/3RLUswP

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine inaugural lecture showcase | College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine | College of Medicine and Vet Medicine

With professors Kenneth Baillie and Jim Wilson.

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Prof Mark Stevens studies bacteria that cause foodborne diseases, such as salmonella and E. coli. His team seeks to understand how to manage these organisms in livestock, and inform development of vaccines or treatments to mitigate them. Watch our Roslin Reel to learn more. #WorldFoodSafetyDay

Prof Rowland Kao uses data science to understand the intersection between responses to climate change and the spread of infectious diseases in people, livestock and wild animals. Find out more in this Roslin Reel. #WorldEnvironmentDay #ClimateChange

Genomic tools could help support the long-term management of critically endangered eastern black rhinos in Kenya. This will help conservation teams make evidence-based decisions as rhino numbers continue to recover. #WildlifeConservation edin.ac/43dFy4O

Roslin Reels - Tim Connelley talks about his team's work on developing animal vaccines. For more information on our research, check out our website: www.roslin.ed.ac.uk #AnimalHealth #VaccineDevelopment

A bacteria linked to mastitis in dairy cattle has evolved to access nutrients in milk, enabling it to sustain infection in cows' udders, scientists have shown. Their findings highlight potential ways to control the infection in livestock. #WorldMilkDay edin.ac/463lu7b

Breeding poultry to shed less virus through feather dust could help improve flock-level protection against Marek’s disease. Our scientists found that vaccination reduced virus shedding and helped protect susceptible flock mates, while genetic resistance did not reduce spread. @uoe-eid.bsky.social

Feather insights could curb spread of poultry virus | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Breeding poultry according to their capacity to shed virus from feathers could improve flock-level protection against a costly infectious disease.

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Efforts to expand woodland in Scotland should consider disease risks linked to increased contact between wildlife and livestock, research suggests. The findings highlight the importance of careful planning to support environmental goals and livestock health. #LandManagement @uoe-eid.bsky.social

Land policies should consider disease risk, study finds | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Efforts to expand woodland in Scotland should consider potential infection spread between wildlife and livestock, research suggests.

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Roslin scientists are joining a UK initiative to study Andes hantavirus, following an outbreak of disease on a cruise ship. The team will use an established protocol to enable rapid, standardised data and sample collection.

Disease experts join study of Andes hantavirus | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

UK network to study information and samples from patients following infection outbreak on cruise ship.

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Our scientists will join a multi-disciplinary effort to address a major gap in pandemic preparedness around the world. The Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum aims to improve understanding of the impacts of pandemics on people, communities, businesses, services, and the environment. edin.ac/4dqhDVR

Forum strengthens global pandemic preparedness | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Research network unites broad expertise to target widespread impacts of disease outbreaks.

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Pigs could help scientists better understand toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic infection that can cause serious illness in vulnerable people. Humans and pigs use similar immune responses to fight toxoplasma infection, strengthening the case for pigs as a model for studying the disease.

Pigs offer insights into human parasite infection | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Pig studies may help scientists better understand a common parasite that can cause serious illness in vulnerable people, research suggests.

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Artificial light during darkness can have significant effects on animals’ biological functions. The results add to evidence that living things benefit from natural light and dark cycles, and should inform conservation, scientists say. edin.ac/4nsMrbF #LightPollution #UrbanWildlife

Roslin Reels - The Roslin Institute's Mizeck Chagunda talks about his team's work on tropical livestock challenges. For more information on our research, check out our website: www.roslin.ed.ac.uk

Dr Daniel Tolhurst uses his expertise in statistics and genetics to inform breeding of animals and plants in a changing climate. Read more about his work in our latest Meet our Scientists interview. #MeetOurScientists #GeneticGain #Breeding #AnimalResearch #AnimalBioscience edin.ac/4dujRTU

Professor Paul Digard, an expert in flu viruses, is studying the ongoing bird flu outbreak and its pandemic potential. Learn more about his work in our Roslin Reel short. For more on our research, visit our website: vet.ed.ac.uk/roslin #WorldPoultryDay #FluViruses #AvianFlu #BirdFlu

We are pleased to welcome Professor John Hammond as Director of the Roslin Institute. Prof Hammond joins from The Pirbright Institute, where he was Director of Research and led the Immunogenetics Group. He brings a strong track record in animal bioscience and a clear vision for advancing research.

Insights into immunity in one of the world’s most popular seafood species, the Pacific whiteleg shrimp, could help efforts to manage white spot disease, a costly, common viral infection. edin.ac/4emIa7m #Aquaculture

Today marks World DNA Day. Rapid DNA analysis is helping our researchers and clinicians detect infections faster, guide targeted treatments, and reduce reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics in veterinary medicine. Read the full blog to learn how this approach is improving animal health:

Rapid DNA analysis supports infection diagnosis | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

A cutting-edge technology is helping clinicians identify infections in animals more quickly, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and improve outcomes.

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