First Minister opens innovation hub on campus

Nicola Sturgeon has formally opened the Roslin Innovation Centre on Easter Bush Campus and visited the Science Outreach Centre.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon cutting the ribbon among a crowd to open the Roslin Innovation Centre.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has formally opened the Roslin Innovation Centre at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and visited the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre. The launch took place as the First Minister hosted a meeting of the Scottish Government's Cabinet at the University's Easter Bush campus.

Roslin Innovation Centre serves as the business gateway to the University's world-leading research in animal sciences. It offers flexible laboratory and office space to life science companies seeking to undertake collaborative research with experts on campus.

It also provides research space for veterinary and animal science companies to support the commercialisation of innovations developed at The Roslin Institute within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

First Minister with EBSOC Officer Jayne Quoiani delivering a workshop to pupils from Musselburgh.

Spin-out companies can be formed by University researchers to commercialise technologies developed on campus. External companies can also spin-in to the University, to access expertise, technologies and facilities to develop a commercial opportunity.

The Centre is housed within the Charnock Bradley Building at the heart of the Easter Bush Campus.

Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre

As part of the visit, the First Minister also met pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School as they took part in lab experiments in the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC).

EBSOC is a teaching laboratory built to deliver interactive scientific workshops for school pupils from age 10 to 18 and members of the public. During school workshops, pupils get hands-on with real experiments in a fun way to learn about topics linked to the school curriculum and research and clinical work at the University of Edinburgh.

We are delighted to welcome First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to EBSOC and show her the facilities and activities we provide to schools. Together with our researchers and vets, we work to make science engaging for pupils from all backgrounds, increasing their confidence and scientific skills and raising their aspirations to pursue scientific subjects later in life.

Jayne QuoianiEBSOC Officer

Research & Innovation

The event coincides with the announcement of £5 million investment into the national Interface programme, helping to match businesses to Scotland's world-leading academic expertise.

The Roslin Institute is at the centre of innovation that is enhancing animal and human welfare through world class research into animal biology. It is a great privilege to open the Roslin Innovation Centre in the Charnock Bradley Building, which was supported with £10 million investment, and meet businesses driving forward life science innovation.

Research and innovation, the economy and higher education are key priorities for this government and The Roslin Institute is an outstanding Scottish success story in that regard.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

We are delighted to welcome the First Minister and her Cabinet to our world leading campus for animal sciences. The opening of Roslin Innovation Centre brings opportunities for enterprise together with our excellent teaching and research facilities.

Professor Peter MathiesonPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh