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The Roslin Institute
@roslininstitute.bsky.social
Pioneering animal biosciences. Our aim is to achieve sustainable agriculture, control diseases and enhance health. Part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Also on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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
September 22, 2026 at 1:46 PM
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.
September 21, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
September 11, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
September 8, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
September 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
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
September 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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
August 25, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
August 17, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
August 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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
July 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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
July 21, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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.
July 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
‘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
July 15, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
July 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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.
July 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
July 8, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
July 5, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
July 3, 2026 at 1:22 PM
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
June 30, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
June 16, 2026 at 10:15 AM
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
June 10, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
June 8, 2026 at 2:47 PM
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
June 7, 2026 at 10:16 AM
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
June 5, 2026 at 10:21 AM
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
June 2, 2026 at 2:47 PM