iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

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

043

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

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.

A group of nine researchers smile and pose together in front of a large metal horse head sculpture set against a glass-fronted building.

A group of researchers stand on an indoor staircase in a bright office building, posed in rows and smiling for a group portrait.

120

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

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 Hans Clevers stands in front of a glass wall. He is white, has white hair and glasses, and is wearing a blue open-necked shirt and dark blue suit jacket.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

011

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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 slide showing the title of the 18th Avian Immunology Research Group meeting at the Roslin Institute.

Delegates listen to a presentation in the Roslin Auditorium.

Delegates at the meeting chat in small groups during a refreshment break.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 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:

edin.ac

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.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

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

A scientist in a white coat and glasses sits in front of a microscope in a lab.

110

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

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.

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

011

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

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

041

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

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

020

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

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.

020

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 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: edin.ac/4w0up3Z

Dr Adriana Vallejo-Trujillo with a young alpaca in a paddock in Puno, Peru.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

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.

edin.ac

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.

011

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

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.

Professor Bruce Whitelaw, left, former Roslin Director, is presented with the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) silver medal, in a wooden frame, by RHASS chair James Logan.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

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.

edin.ac

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.

031

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

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

A blue card featuring a quote from Professor Simone Meddle which reads 'Thirty years since Dolly was born and her story continues to fascinate the world. We should never forget that sometimes the impossible can be achieved. Thank you Dolly, for your daily inspiration!'

100

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

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

A flock of sheep, including rams and lambs, stand in a field, looking at the camera.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

020

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

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

074

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

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

An eastern black rhino moves through long yellow grass in a sunny landscape.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

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

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

031

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

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

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

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.

edin.ac

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.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

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

edin.ac

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.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

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.

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

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

A green anole lizard sits on a large leaf.

031

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

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

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

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.

020

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

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

120

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

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:

vet.ed.ac.uk

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.

020

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Experts from the UK and Europe gathered for a two-day event on limiting the use of animals in scientific research. A mix of talks and discussion defined the current landscape and considered opportunities, challenges and priorities for stakeholders. edin.ac/4mJJfrS #AnimalResearch #3Rs

edin.ac

Experts meet to advance non-animal research tools | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Two-day meeting facilitates discussion on ways to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in scientific advances.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Prof Maria Forlenza seeks to fill gaps in our understanding of how animals mount immune responses, and how this compares across species. In an interview, she shares how she finds the Roslin Institute to be a diverse, motivating environment with an abundance of expertise. edin.ac/4tbqboH

000

Reposted by The Roslin Institute

AGBT @agbt.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Infectious disease remains one of the biggest threats to agriculture, driving up to 30–40% production losses. At the 2026 AGBT Agricultural Meeting, Andrea Doeschl-Wilson from @roslininstitute.bsky.social challenged a core assumption in how we approach this problem. #AGBTAg26 #agriculture

141

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Roslin Reels - The Roslin Institute's Paul Digard talks about his team's work on understanding flu viruses. For more information on our research, check out our website: www.roslin.ed.ac.uk #BirdFlu #AnimalResearch

040

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Researchers from Roslin shared a stage with experts from SRUC and Farmers Weekly last night, for a lively, wide-ranging, interactive event on the Future of Livestock Farming at the Edinburgh Science Festival. Thank you to our panellists and audience for sharing their perspectives. #EdSciFest

A panel of speakers sit on high stools in front of an audience

An audience member speaks into a microphone

A large display screen shows a live audience poll asking 'Who would you trust most to provide reliable information about precision-bred livestock?' with responses as follows: Scientists 94%; Government 245; Farmers 15%; Food companies 0%; NGOs and charities 42%; Media 4%.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Antibiotic resistance is circulating across people, animals and the environment in poultry farming systems in central Malawi, research shows. These findings highlight the need for targeted stewardship and a One Health approach to help safeguard the effectiveness of vital medicines. #AMR #OneHealth

edin.ac

Antibiotic resistance circulating in farm environments | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

High antibiotic resistance has been linked with poultry farming in Malawi, underscoring the need for targeted stewardship and a One Health response.

001

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Professor Andrea Wilson is a featured speaker at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) 2026 Agricultural Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, next week. Prof Wilson will discuss approaches and novel insights on breeding for reduced disease transmission. www.agbt.org/home/home/ag...

Professor Andrea Wilson, wearing a white shirt and blue sweater, smiles at the camera.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Dr Simon Lillico spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live's Naga Munchetty about the science of cloning - if you missed it, you can listen again on the link below, at 2hr 19mins.

bbc.co.uk

Naga Munchetty - 31/03/2026 - BBC Sounds

Naga Munchetty features news, experiences, and big name interviews from around the UK.

000

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Roslin researchers have developed an AI tool that predicts bone strength in chickens from X-ray images. The automated system offers a fast, non-invasive way to assess bone health. The approach could support large-scale breeding for stronger bones and help reduce fractures in egg-laying hens.

vet.ed.ac.uk

AI tool supports breeding for bone health in chickens | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Automated X-ray analysis could enable large-scale breeding for stronger bones and reduced fractures in egg-laying hens.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Built-in defence systems are shaping how disease-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus evolves by limiting which genes can enter the cell. Understanding these processes could support new approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance. #BacterialInfection @uoe-eid.bsky.social

edin.ac

Defence systems shape evolution of major bacteria | The Roslin Institute | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Built-in defences influence how Staphylococcus aureus sub-groups evolve, shaping adaptation and resistance.

010

The Roslin Institute @roslininstitute.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Join our experts at the Edinburgh Science Festival for a panel discussion on the science and impact of gene editing in agriculture. Ask questions and vote in live polls to share your views at the event. 📆 7-8pm, Thursday 9 April, Bayes Centre.

edinburghscience.co.uk

The Future of Livestock Farming - Edinburgh Science

From avian flu-resistant chickens to livestock resilient to climate change, gene editing offers a more precise way to build on centuries of traditional breeding.

000