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Interim Director of The Roslin Institute announced

Professor Bruce Whitelaw has agreed to serve as Interim Director of The Roslin Institute until a new Director takes up the post later this year.

The Roslin Institute inspires thousands of young ‘scientists’ at the Great British Bioscience Festival

Last weekend, thousands of visitors flocked to the Great British Bioscience Festival to discover how bioscience fuels us, feeds us and keeps us healthy.

Breakthrough in Amoebic Gill Disease control

Hendrix Genetics in collaboration with researchers at The Roslin Institute use genomic selection to help breed salmon with increased resistance to this potentially fatal disease.

Physical attraction linked to genes that control height

Our choice of romantic partner can be determined by genetics more than we might expect, suggests a study by University of Edinburgh scientists.

Chancellor marks new era for Easter Bush

The University Chancellor has planted a tree to mark the start of work on a new Innovation Centre and Campus Hub at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus.

The Roslin Institute receives funding for research into infectious livestock diseases

EPIC, the Pan-Scottish Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks, is to receive £1.97m in the first year, as part of £48m announced for funding into Scottish agriculture, food and environment research.

Young scientist award renamed in memory of leading geneticist

An annual award which supports young scientists has been renamed in honour of BSAS late senior vice-president, Steve Bishop and a group leader at The Roslin Institute.

Director appointed to lead The Roslin Institute

Professor Eleanor Riley has been appointed to head The Roslin Institute and will take up post later this year in succession to Professor David Hume.

Gene-edited pigs show signs of resistance to major viral disease

Scientists at The Roslin Institute have used advanced genetic techniques to produce pigs that are potentially resilient to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Oyster farming to benefit from new genetic screening tool

Oyster farmers are set to benefit from a new genetic tool that will help to prevent disease outbreaks and improve yields.

New European project to boost Mediterranean fish farming

Mediterranean Aquaculture Integrated Development is a new EU H2020 research project which brings together over 30 organisations from 12 different countries to improve aquaculture in the Mediterranean.

Genetics roadmap to develop more resilient farmed fish

World experts gathered at The Roslin Institute for a two-day workshop organised by WorldFish to help shape the future of tilapia selective breeding and genetic improvement.

Pupils gain insight into scientific careers

Laboratories across the University of Edinburgh are opening their doors to a group of school pupils for a week of work experience.

The Roslin Institute receives Athena SWAN Gold award

The Roslin Institute receives an Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of its efforts in supporting the careers of women in science.

New approaches for breeding resistance to Infectious Salmon Anaemia virus

Scientists at The Roslin Institute are using genome editing technology to prevent a devastating disease in salmon aquaculture.

Gene experts set to tackle pest control

Experts at The Roslin Institute are to investigate how genetic techniques could be applied to help control pest species.

Gene expression response to sea lice in salmon skin

Scientists have identified gene expression responses that may help understand why some salmon are more resistant to sea lice than others.

Sustainable lab scheme cuts plastic waste and costs

Reduction and reuse approach could reduce the amount of plastic discarded in a lab by 500kg a year.

Gene-editing tool to speed disease studies in fish

An improved gene-editing tool could improve the understanding of the genetic basis of disease resistance in valuable species of farmed fish, Roslin researchers have found.

Genetic resistance to lethal virus found in fish species

Resistance to a deadly disease that is affecting the second most farmed fish in the world has been found to be mainly due to differences in genes between families of the same fish.

Rapid testing system to detect oyster diseases

Scientists from the Roslin Institute are developing a PCR method that will detect a range of diseases and accumulation of organisms affecting oysters and mussels.

Aquaculture genetics consortium set to tackle industry challenges

Major new aquaculture genetics consortium aims to take a leap forward in stock improvement of vital UK species.

Happy Birthday Dolly!

To mark the 20th anniversary of the birth of Dolly the Sheep, a series of Dolly @ 20 celebrations are running throughout the year.

Migration routes could hold key to Bird Flu spread

Monitoring the migration routes of wild birds could help to provide early warning of potential bird flu outbreaks, experts say.

Dolly the Sheep honoured with plaque

The world’s most famous sheep was today honoured at The Roslin Institute with a special blue plaque from the Society of Biology.

Dolly stars in genetics exhibition

Dolly the sheep is to star in an exhibition chronicling a century of genetics research in Edinburgh.

Pig’s genetic code altered in bid to tackle deadly virus

Researchers at The Roslin Institute have made an advance in the fight against a deadly virus that affects pigs.

New funding to develop vaccines for poultry

The Roslin Institute receives BBSRC funding to develop strategies to reduce infections in farmed animals, control foodborne diseases and minimise antibiotic use in the food chain.

Roslin heralds gene-edited pigs resistant to major deadly disease

Researchers at The Roslin Institute welcome news that a research group in the United States using gene-editing techniques have developed the first pigs resistant to a devastating disease.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead visits Easter Bush

Mr Lochhead was updated on the latest Campus developments and presented with an overview of the research and training that is carried out at The Roslin Institute, the R(D)SVS and SRUC.

Stress in pregnancy can impact future generations

A study finds that children whose grandmothers were stressed during pregnancy have an increased chance of mental health problems.

Hong Kong Health Partnership Agreed

The University of Edinburgh has concluded an agreement with the Hong Kong Government.

£2.7 million for research to protect farmed animals

Research at Roslin to improve the health of livestock around the world has received a £2.7 million boost.

Gene study traces birds' family tree back to dinosaurs

How birds evolved to have characteristics including feathers, flight and song is revealed with new clarity in a major study of their family tree. The four-year project included researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute.

Gene-edited pigs to help spread desirable traits

A collaborative project between scientists at The Roslin Institute, The University of Maryland and Washington State has used gene-editing technology to generate germline-lacking male pigs.

Egg-free surrogate chickens produced in bid to save rare breeds

Hens that do not produce their own chicks have been developed for use as surrogates to lay eggs from rare breeds.

Dolly the sheep continues to inspire 20 years after media storm

Twenty years after Dolly the sheep’s dramatic introduction to the world, researchers at The Roslin Institute have been reflecting on her scientific legacy.

Genetic insights into inflammatory bowel disease

An international study led by scientists at The Roslin Institute highlights gut macrophage dysregulation as a key process leading to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BBSRC awards £29.3m towards strategic research at The Roslin Institute

The funding will support three large research programmes at The Roslin Institute as well as the Institute’s core capabilities until 2022.

Insights into the ageing immune system

Scientists at The Roslin Institute uncover the effects of ageing on spleen structure and function.

Immune discovery points to therapies to improve stroke recovery

A study led by Dr. Barry McColl, of The Roslin Institute, shows that having a stroke damages immune cells as well as affecting the brain.

Roslin recognises World Migratory Bird Day

To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and highlight the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats, The Roslin Institute has compiled some of their recent research.

Study targets virus linked to birth defects

Fresh insights into how a common virus replicates could pave the way for new therapies to stop its spread.

Researchers identify childhood blindness gene

A genetic mutation that contributes to sight loss in children has been identified by scientists.

Study reveals genetic changes linked to flat-faced dogs

A study of dog DNA has revealed a genetic mutation linked to flat face shapes such as those seen in pugs and bulldogs.

Roslin research to spearhead genetic understanding

A major new research project is under way at The Roslin Institute, designed to breed elite pigs with a natural resistance to diseases, as well as enhancing other economic traits.

Milk-sourced protein drugs for animal health

Biosourcing in partnership with The Roslin Institute is exploring the production of biopharmaceuticals for animal health.

Bid to tackle widespread cattle disease may aid African farmers

Roslin scientists embark on a collaborative £2 million project to better understand a livestock disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sheep gene study may help breed healthier animals

Fresh insights into the genetic code of sheep could aid breeding programmes to improve their health and productivity.

New method for understanding neurodegenerative diseases

A large scale analyses of neuronal proteins sheds light on the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease.

New award boosts research into Marek’s disease

Scientists at The Roslin Institute and The Pirbright Institute receive funding from the BBSRC to combat deadly poultry disease.

Volunteers sought in hunt for genes linked to severe flu cases

Volunteers are being invited to take part in a flu study to understand why some people are more susceptible to the virus than others.

Cabinet Secretary visits Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute

Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, visits Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute.

Event marks women in science award success

The University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute has gained a prestigious award for supporting the career development of women working in science.

Gene expression and sex differences

New study led by The Roslin Institute explores sex differences in the expression of genes which are involved in the control of food intake and body weight in chickens.

Carnevale exhibit at The Roslin Institute

The exhibit "CARNEVALE" by artist Andrea Roe, which explores pigs' enthusiasm for investigative play, is on display at The Roslin Institute until end June.

Gene-edited pigs are resistant to billion dollar virus, study finds

Scientists have produced pigs that can resist one of the world's most costly animal diseases, by changing their genetic code.

UK's Chief Veterinary Officer visits The Roslin Institute

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief spokesperson on animal health and welfare issues, visited The Roslin Institute to hear about the latest research at Roslin.

Body's stem cells could be used to treat bacterial infection

Scientists found that Mesenchymal Stem Cells from horses naturally produce molecules that can fight bacterial infection.

Vaccine shows promise against widespread chicken disease

A new vaccine strategy could offer protection to millions of chickens threatened by a serious respiratory disease, according to research by The Roslin Institute.

Tumour immune cells could aid cancer therapies

A pioneering technique designed to identify the range of immune cells in a tumour could speed the development of cancer treatments.

New award boosts research into intestinal disease

New research project could help develop treatments for people with Crohn’s disease or other intestinal diseases by identifying what molecules macrophages produce supporting gut lining development.

Stem cell approach to aid vaccine development

Scientists are developing a method to speed the creation of vaccines for devastating pig diseases.

Stem cell study could curb need for animal tissue

Insights into pig blood cell development could help limit the use of animals for research.

DNA insights help poultry producers in developing countries

Research led by scientists at the Roslin Institute discovers sections of poultry genome that could enhance productivity for smallholder farmers in developing countries.

Low-cost method helps tackle sea lice in salmon

Salmon could be bred to be more resistant to sea lice by using genetic data in a relatively inexpensive manner, scientists say.

Imperfect vaccines limit spread of poultry disease

Leaky vaccines can help prevent transmission of Marek’s disease, chicken study finds.

Gene linked to bone strength in egg-laying hens

Bone strength in chickens that produce eggs could be improved thanks to discovery of a key gene.

Roslin scientists support work to tackle coronavirus

Researchers at The Roslin Institute are taking part in global efforts to better understand and develop therapies for the ongoing coronavirus infection.

Resilience to bovine TB traced to key genes

Scientists have identified regions in the cow genetic makeup linked with resilience to tuberculosis disease.

New method aids study of poultry infections

A method of sampling tissue could aid research into therapies for chicken lung diseases.

Steroids could impair defence against coronavirus

Steroids should be avoided in the treatment of the current novel coronavirus, experts have advised.

Gene editing identifies disease resistance gene in salmon

A gene affecting resistance to a viral disease in Atlantic salmon has been identified using CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Genetic clues of TB spread revealed

Disease spread within badger populations and within cattle herds happens at least twice as frequently as transmission from one species to the other, according to a study at a site where infections occur frequently.

Dog study links genetics to behavioural traits

A large-scale study of dogs has given valuable insight on genes linked to common characteristics.

Protein has crucial role in hardening of arteries

Research led by Roslin scientists highlights a key protein linked to the formation of hardened arteries and the mechanisms behind this.

Stem cell partnership paves way to new therapies

Collaboration aims at producing off-the-shelf stem cells for more efficient and less costly regenerative treatments in horses.

Veterinary vaccine development aided by new website

The new UK Immunological Toolbox website aims to remove barriers to veterinary vaccine development by facilitating accurate information exchange and collaboration.

Gene-edited chicken cells resist bird flu virus

Scientists have used gene-editing techniques to stop the bird flu virus from spreading in chicken cells grown in the lab.

Animal genetics open to debate at events this summer

The Roslin Institute is taking science on the road to discuss the potential of animal genetics and celebrate 100 years of animal genetics in Edinburgh

The Roslin Institute heads to the Great British Bioscience Festival

A team of researchers from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh will be heading to east London to bring the best of British Bioscience to the general public.

The Roslin Institute shortlisted in WISE Awards

The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh and its staff are among those on the shortlist for this year’s WISE Awards in association with headline sponsors Bloomberg.

Dogs helped by discovery of sight loss gene

Scientists have discovered a change in the genetic code of Border Collies that is linked to sudden blindness.

Lung tissue forms immune cell hubs when needed

Research uncovers how lung tissue is remodelled to support an immune response to influenza.

Scottish consortiums take giant leap forward for salmon gill health

Two Scottish consortiums, backed by Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, to embark on ambitious initiatives to improve gill health and resilience in farmed Atlantic salmon.

Chicken study may benefit birds at risk

Rare bird breeds that are at risk could be saved from extinction thanks to new research.

Brain infection study reveals how disease spreads from gut

Diagnosis of deadly brain conditions could be helped by new research that shows how infectious proteins that cause the disease spread.

The Roslin Institute is part of the UK’s new ground-breaking livestock innovation centre

Funding for the Centre of Innovation Excellence in Livestock will contribute to build a Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility on the Easter Bush Campus.

Converge Challenge cements position as leading opportunity for universities

The leading academic initiative had received 211 applicants when entries closed from 19 of Scotland’s universities and research institutes.

Director appointed to lead Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng has been appointed to head the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, SRUC and the Africa-based International Livestock Research Institute.

New partnership to use forensic science to tackle wildlife crime

A new partnership between the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government will use forensic science to tackle wildlife crime.

BBSRC launch the Agriculture and Food Security Strategic Framework

Agriculture and food security is an area of key economic and societal importance to the UK and globally, and a strategic priority for the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Award winning Scottish research could pave the way for ‘low-emission cattle’

A Scottish study that potentially paves the way for the breeding of low-emission livestock has won an internationally respected research prize.

World-leading livestock scientist honoured by SRUC

Professor David Hume, former Director at The Roslin Institute, has been presented with an honorary fellowship by Scotland’s Rural College.

New grant to improve hen health and productivity

Scientists at Roslin and two other institutions receive funding from FFAR to improve health and productivity of egg-laying hens.

DNA study of cow stomachs could aid meat and dairy production

A study led by The Roslin Institute and SRUC paves the way for research to understand which types of microbe are best at helping cattle to extract energy from their food.

Miles Briggs MSP visits Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute

Miles Briggs MSP visited The Roslin Institute and the Edinburgh Genomics next generation sequencing facility to underline his support for advanced genomics technologies.

The animal feelgood factor

New research led by the SRUC and University of Edinburgh investigates connections between animals’ emotions and welfare.

Egg study may improve food safety

Scientists are leading research to minimise the spread of bacterial diseases such as E.coli in eggs.

Dolly scientist backs drive to tackle Parkinson’s

Professor Sir Ian Wilmut – who led the team that created Dolly the sheep – has backed an initiative to tackle Parkinson’s disease, after being diagnosed with the condition.

Members of the Scottish Parliament visit the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre

Liz Smith MSP and Oliver Mundell MSP visited The Roslin Institute to learn how it connects school pupils with research via the new Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.

Partnership boosts cystic fibrosis therapy bid

Experts at the University of Edinburgh are teaming up with leading figures from industry to advance development of a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis.

Midlothian Council visit The Roslin Institute to discuss research and outreach

Midlothian Council representatives visit The Roslin Institute to see how research and public outreach can benefit the region and local communities.

Predicting lifelong health and productivity of cattle

A study by scientists at The Roslin Institute and Scotland's Rural College finds that microRNA levels in the blood could be used to predict the future health and productivity of dairy cattle.

Scientific breakthrough could explain how superbugs rapidly evolve

New study reveals how bacteria evolve rapidly and will help to understand how they become antibiotic resistant.

Sea Lice and SRS research shortlisted for the Newton Prize

Research into the genetics of sea lice resistance and SRS has been shortlisted for the prestigious Newton Prize, which serves to highlight science and innovation promoting economic development of Newton partner countries.

Active immune system worsening liver disease in dogs

A new study has found that the high concentration of ammonia in dogs with liver disease causes increased levels of inflammation.

Gene study boosts bid to keep British bees safe from disease

A team led by the University of Edinburgh analysed the entire genetic makeup of bee colonies from across the UK and compared them with recently imported bees.

Animal lovers’ empathy may be hardwired in their DNA

Scientists uncover a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.

Farm data capture tool will benefit Ugandan pig farmers

PigBoost tool will enable sustainable data-driven decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare.

Experts are upbeat about quest for Covid treatment

University scientists join a multi-million euro consortium seeking treatments for Covid-19 and are optimistic.

Gene map to aid studies of key traits in sheep

Scientists identified points in the sheep genome where the process of switching on genes starts.

Adaptability of bird flu poses threat to poultry

Commercial poultry should be protected from the risk of contracting harmful bird flu from migrating flocks, research suggests.

Face coverings can cut risk of coronavirus spread

A range of face masks could all potentially help reduce Covid-19 transmission, a study shows.

‘Unexpected’ number of resistance genes found on pig farm

New study by SRUC researchers highlights the extent of the AMR gene ‘pollution’ in livestock production.

Livestock farms could benefit from genome editing

Animal breeding could become more efficient with an approach that combines DNA-editing techniques with new reproductive technologies.

DNA region linked to disease resistance in tilapia

A section of the genetic code significantly affects survival during a virus outbreak, leading to potential for breeding resistant fish, a study led by the Roslin Institute and WorldFish has found.

Disease and environment drive adaptation in bivalves

Gene study led by the Roslin Institute provides insight into adaptation of key seafood species to environmental challenges.

Chicken study probes resistance to food bug

Receiving gut microbes from resistant chickens does not lessen chickens’ susceptibility to bacterium that causes food poisoning.

Study aims to produce lice-resistant salmon

£1.7m study aims to identify genetic mechanisms that could make Atlantic salmon resistant to a key parasite.

DNA discoveries could aid oyster success

Genetic code findings could help produce larger, healthier shellfish.

Researchers foster ideas for large animal studies

Scientific and medical experts are considering possible projects for the forthcoming Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility.

Moredun signs collaboration agreement with Roslin Technologies to develop E. coli vaccine

Moredun Research Institute has signed an agreement with Roslin Technologies, SRUC and The Roslin Institute, to fund the commercial development of an E. coli O157:H7 vaccine for cattle to prevent life-threatening illnesses in humans.

$3 million grant to tackle costly pig virus

Research funding will help to understand how one of the world's most costly animal diseases spreads.

Widely available antibiotics could target common strains of superbug

A combination of antibiotics and a drug used to treat kidney infections could effectively treat a common superbug and limit the impact of antibiotic resistance.

Dog DNA find could aid breathing problems

Scientists have discovered a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in popular dog breeds.

Emu eggs shine at Easter Bush Open Day

Eggs from emus and chickens are helping scientists to understand how genes can go wrong and cause birth defects. The Roslin Institute will be showcasing their research at the Easter Bush Campus Open Day as part of the Midlothian Science Festival.

Gut worms may hinder the spread of prions to the brain

Study of an infectious brain condition that destroys nerve cells helps to explain why some individuals may be at more risk than others.

Animal appetites on the bill at BSAS 2019

Scientists from around the world are gathering in Scotland’s capital from 9-11 April for the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) 75th anniversary conference.

Sepsis treatment quest focuses on genes

Pioneering research is to focus on the role genes play in determining how likely people are to die from infection in the hope it will speed the search for new medicines.

Gene study shows couples have similar lifespan

People tend to unwittingly choose a life partner who is likely to have a comparable life expectancy, research suggests.

Roslin scientists will support women agricultural scientists in Ethiopia

Scientists at The Roslin Institute will support new African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) fellows in Ethiopia.

Gene-edited meat survey to seek public views

People are being invited to share their views on the use of gene-editing technologies in animals through a new online survey.

Hen eggs set to crack future drug production

Chickens that are genetically modified to produce human proteins in their eggs can offer a cost-effective method of producing certain types of drugs, research suggests.

Long-read DNA analysis can give rise to errors

Advanced technologies that read long strings of DNA can produce flawed data that could affect genetic studies, experts warn.

Members of the Scottish Parliament visit Easter Bush Campus

Richard Leonard MSP and Rhoda Grant MSP visited The Roslin Institute and Roslin Innovation Centre to learn about the research conducted at the Campus.

BBSRC and Defra invest in zoonotic livestock disease research

BBSRC and Defra announce joint investment into 10 innovative projects, including projects led by Moredun and the Roslin Institute, focused on international animal health research.

Obituary: Professor Sir Ian Wilmut

We are saddened to hear of the death of Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, world-renowned embryologist and specialist in regenerative medicine, who led the team that cloned Dolly the Sheep - his work continues to inform and inspire science at Roslin and beyond.

Horse illness shares signs of human disease

Horses with a rare nerve condition have similar signs of disease as people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, a study has found.

Salmon breeding to benefit from gene study of disease resistance

Salmon breeding to benefit from The Roslin Institute gene study of disease resistance to virus infection.

Easter Bush Campus retains Gold Sustainability Award

The Easter Bush Campus is delighted to have received a Gold Office Award whilst The Roslin Institute has also retained its Gold Lab Award.

New Director Appointments at NARF

Dr Kellie Watson and Prof Nick Sparks have been appointed as co-Directors of The National Avian Research Facility at Easter Bush Campus.

One (Reproductive) Health

A study in human cells and tissues collected from cattle shows that the gene-regulating molecule miR-96 could be key for establishing and sustaining pregnancy.

University of Edinburgh to play pivotal role in creating Data Capital of Europe

The University of Edinburgh will be a key partner in a major initiative that seeks to make Edinburgh and its surrounding region the European leader for applying data science to products and services.

Prestigious award for Professor in animal behaviour and welfare

Professor Alistair Lawrence, Chair of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), has been awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Applied Ethology.

Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health: The Road Ahead

Over 70 CTLGH members, funders, key stakeholders and collaborators gathered in Edinburgh to discuss progress on improving tropical livestock productivity and resilience.

The first ever global Zoonotic TB roadmap

A roadmap to combat Zoonotic Tuberculosis was launched last week at the Union World Conference on Lung Health in Mexico.

Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser talked at The Roslin Institute

Professor Ian Boyd from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has given a seminar at The Roslin Institute.

Poultry Award for welfare expert

Welfare expert Jessica Martin receives award for her work at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute.

New poultry facility in Ethiopia explores genetic diversity

Cutting edge research and development programmes at the "Incubated Worlds" poultry facility will be lead by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health - a strategic alliance of The University of Edinburgh (through The Roslin Institute), Scotlan...