Roslin Reels - the Roslin Institute's Dr Christine Tait-Burkard talks about her team's work on gene editing for pig viruses. For more information on our research, check out our website: www.roslin.ed.ac.uk

Researchers came together for the 2026 Summer School in Epidemiology, Genetics and Modelling for Infectious Disease Control. Participants explored veterinary epidemiology, quantitative genetics, functional genomics and epidemiological modelling, applying their skills to real-world challenges.

Join us for the second annual scientific lecture to celebrate the legacy of Professor Sir Ian Wilmut. Booking is essential for this talk by Professor Hans Clevers of Utrecht University, pioneer of tissue stem cell-based organoids, at 3pm on 12 October at the Roslin Institute. edin.ac/4yucuU2

Professor Mike McGrew, an internationally renowned specialist in bird biology, is the subject of our latest interview. He talks about career highlights and challenges, and his belief in good communication, empathy, and the value of diversity. edin.ac/4r9s4lJ #CareersInSTEM #AvianBiology

Professor Mike McGrew on developmental biology in birds | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

The Professor of Avian Reproductive Technologies on pioneering research to preserve rare breeds, targeting bird flu, and a dream of saving endangered species.

edin.ac

Stem cells have been used to develop a source of immune cells in the lab, enabling the study of African Swine Fever. The disease causes lethal infection in domestic pigs but only limited illness in their wild counterparts. #AfricanSwineFever #ASFV @pirbrightinst.bsky.social edin.ac/4x6ef8S

Cell growth platform aids African Swine Fever studies | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Team develops process to generate immune cells on demand, to aid understanding of porcine virus.

edin.ac

We were pleased to invite colleagues from academia and industry to the XVIIIth Avian Immunology Research Group (AIRG) meeting, which represented the strength and breadth of research in the field. Thank you to all who contributed. edin.ac/46EHDZ4

A €1.25m European collaboration aims to speed the eradication of BSE. The team, led by the Roslin Institute, will seek to understand the origins of disease and the cause of modern-day cases, and inform targeted strategies to improve disease detection and control. Read the full blog:

Insights aim to accelerate eradication of BSE | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

European research consortium seeks long term solutions to prion diseases.

edin.ac

A renewed five-year funding award will support the Roslin Institute and The Pirbright Institute in the second phase of their Livestock Antibody Hub. The Hub studies antibody responses to infection in cattle, pig and poultry, to aid development of vaccines and diagnostics. edin.ac/4bO3Nv4

Global food security forecasts may be improved by accounting for advances in livestock science against the effects of climate change. This economic modelling study highlights the importance of reflecting developments in livestock science in forecasts to inform food security and climate policy.

Livestock insights could aid food security forecasts | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Updated model shows benefits of breeding management could potentially outweigh negative impact of climate change.

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

edin.ac

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.

edin.ac

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.

edin.ac

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.

edin.ac

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.

edin.ac

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.

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

edin.ac