History of the LARIF

The LARIF is a new facility at the University of Edinburgh, which has an extensive and successful history of large animal research.

The Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility (LARIF) is based in new, purpose-built premises on the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' Easter Bush campus, alongside the world-famous Roslin Institute.

The University of Edinburgh has a successful and established record for operating large animal research facilities through its experience with the Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals (WTCCLLA).

Between 2008 and 2014, Professor Michael Eddleston was awarded three Wellcome Trust grants to establish a large animal critical care laboratory - the WTCCLLA. This was used to conduct cutting-edge research leading to substantial progress in the treatment of human pesticide poisoning, lung aspiration, paracetamol-induced liver failure and porcine pneumonia. Results from this work have led to changes in WHO treatment policies and saved thousands of lives worldwide.

In 2015, the Wellcome Trust awarded Eddleston a BioMedical Resource Grant to expand the facility; increasing the number of beds from two to four, adding an integrated CT scanner and opening up the facility as a UK resource for translational researchers.

The creation of LARIF, thanks to the co-investment by the University of Edinburgh and the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL), enables a further expansion in WTCCLLA capability. Capacity within its critical care unit has grown from four to six beds, and its new location within LARIF offers many additional facilities, including a 3T MRI, category 2 animal holding facilities and more laboratory space.