The Roslin Institute

04/09/2026

Stem cells have been used to develop a source of immune cells in the lab, enabling the study of a disease that affects wild and domestic pigs.

The process will support studies to understand why African Swine Fever is lethal to domestic pigs, but causes only limited signs of illness in their wild counterparts.

The resource could inform the development of farmed pigs that are resilient to disease, and determine whether pigs could be enabled to be entirely resistant to ASF infection.

The Pirbright Institute



https://edin.ac/4x6ef8S

04/09/2026

We were pleased to invite colleagues from academia and industry to the XVIIIth Avian Immunology Research Group (AIRG) meeting this week.

This programme represented the strength and breadth of research in the field, with sessions spanning innate and adaptive immunity, host-pathogen interactions and the microbiome, together with discussions on genetic resistance, ecology and environment and emerging technologies and models. We also enjoyed a rich programme of social activities and networking.

Thank you to all our speakers, delegates and all who contributed to a successful event.

https://edin.ac/46EHDZ4

25/08/2026

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:

European research consortium seeks long term solutions to prion diseases.

17/08/2026

A renewed five-year funding award will support experts from the Roslin Institute and The Pirbright Institute in the second phase of the Livestock Antibody Hub.

The collaboration seeks to understand antibody responses to infection in cattle, pig and poultry, to aid development of vaccines and diagnostics for animal diseases.

https://edin.ac/4bO3Nv4
The Pirbright Institute

14/08/2026

Global food security forecasts could be improved by accounting for advances in livestock science alongside the effects of climate change, a modelling study suggests.

Researchers updated a global economic model to account for heat stress and genomic selection, which uses DNA insights to support breeding for desirable traits. The benefits of genomic selection outweighed projected losses from heat stress, altering forecasts of food production, greenhouse gas emissions and land use.

This proof-of-concept study highlights the importance of reflecting developments in livestock science in forecasts used to inform food security and climate policy.

Read the full news story: https://edin.ac/4bRaQDk

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

28/07/2026

Today marks World Nature Conservation Day, highlighting the importance of protecting the biodiversity that underpins healthy ecosystems.

Our researchers are working with partners in Kenya to develop genomic tools that could support the conservation of critically endangered eastern black rhinos.

By making genetic monitoring more affordable, the project aims to help conservation experts manage genetic diversity and support healthier rhino populations into the future.

Find out more: https://edin.ac/43dFy4O

17/07/2026

Yesterday, 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 reflected on how Dolly's birth opened the door to pioneering bioscience research that continues at the Roslin Institute today, alongside fascinating insights into Dolly's life and legacy from fellow panellists.


National Museums Scotland

15/07/2026

‘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 to learn how Dr Vallejo-Trujillo's career took her from Bogota to Roslin: https://edin.ac/4w0up3Z

09/07/2026

The Roslin Institute has joined the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group, launched today with support from Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance.

The NRO Group brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, academia, industry and funding organisations.

It seeks to provide a coherent, authoritative voice on science, research policy and long-term investment to maximise the impact of UK science and research.

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

09/07/2026

Professor Bruce Whitelaw, former Roslin Director, was awarded the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) silver medal for his outstanding contribution to animal biotechnology and genetics in Scotland, at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of Dolly the Sheep.

The award was presented by James Logan, Chair of RHASS, and Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Lothian Director of RHASS, who acknowledged Professor Whitelaw's work in improving the health, productivity and efficiency of multiple livestock species over almost four decades.

Professor Fitzpatrick said that the silver medal is awarded only occasionally to outstanding individuals, reflecting appreciation of Professor Whitelaw’s work.

RHASS