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Secretary of State for Scotland visits The Roslin Institute

Research aimed at focused on the health and welfare of animals, the livestock industry and food security were topics under discussion when the Secretary State for Scotland visited The Roslin Institute.

Secretary of State for Scotland visits The Roslin Institute

The Rt Hon Michael Moore MP spoke to researchers from The Roslin Institute, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) who are based at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus.

During the visit today (on Thursday, 21st March), Mr Moore was told how applications from fundamental science could be used for both human and veterinary medicine.

Mr Moore was greeted on arrival by Professor Charlie Jeffery, the University's Vice Principal for public policy and impact, before being introduced to Professor David Hume, director of The Roslin Institute, Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Professor Bob Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC.

He had last visited the site when The Roslin Institute Building was being built, prior to its official opening in June 2011.

I was very pleased to visit the Roslin Institute today and see first-hand why they are considered to be at the forefront of tackling issues such as animal health and welfare. Through centres for research like The Roslin Institute, Scotland's world-class life sciences capabilities are being fully realised.

Scotland benefits from being part of the vibrant and internationally renowned UK research base and we are committed to providing the support that centres such as the Roslin Institute need. This is emphasised by the Government's Strategy for UK Life Sciences which aims to maintain and enhance our global position as a world leader in life sciences.

Mr Michael MooreSecretary of State for Scotland

The Roslin Institute, which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is sited alongside the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The visit offered an opportunity to highlight the close links The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS have with SRUC. A large number of SRUC researchers are based in The Roslin Institute Building and Professor Webb provided Mr Moore with an overview of collaborations and research.

Research at the Roslin Institute is focussed on the health and welfare of animals, applications of basic animal sciences in human and veterinary medicine, the livestock industry and food security. During the visit to The Roslin Institute on Thursday (21 March), Mr Moore also learned about the National Avian Research Facility, which is currently being built on the Easter Bush Campus. Aims for the facility include addressing the need for improved sustainability in poultry production in light of an increasing global population, developing vaccines against infections and benefitting human health through reducing food-borne diseases.

It is a pleasure to update Mr Moore about the developments at Easter Bush.

As an MP from a rural constituency Mr Moore appreciates the issues facing us all in relation to Food Security and he recognises the major research effort that will be required over the coming years to develop agriculture to produce enough food for a growing world population.

Professor David HumeDirector of The Roslin Institute

 

This visit by the Secretary of State gave me an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the importance of research within SRUC, which was created by a recent merger, and explain how research informs SRUC's enhanced education and consultancy activities.

Professor Bob WebbPrincipal of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)

 

We were delighted to welcome Michael Moore MP to the Campus today. As leaders in veterinary teaching, research and clinical practice, our purpose-built facilities and internationally recognised staff provide our students with the best possible education in veterinary medicine.

We use a range of innovative teaching methods and equipment, from life size mannequins to our clinical skills lab, where students are able to practice their practical skills. Today's visit presented a unique opportunity for the Secretary of State to meet some of our students to gain an insight into how we are training the vets of tomorrow.

Prof David ArgyleHead of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

 

For more information please contact:

Tara Womersley

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