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Roslin scientist appointed Order of the British Empire

Professor Helen Sang has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Scientist Prof Helen Sang
Helen has used gene-editing techniques to stop the bird flu virus from spreading and to produce human proteins in chicken eggs.

Professor Helen Sang, Personal Chair of Vertebrate Molecular Development and Head of the Functional Genetics and Development division at the Roslin Institute, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Her honour is for services to food security and bioscience for health.

The list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

As part of her work with colleagues, Helen has used gene-editing techniques to stop the bird flu virus from spreading in chicken cells grown in the lab, and has gene-edited chickens that produce human proteins in their eggs, which can offer a cost-effective method of producing drugs.

I am really pleased to be recognised for my contributions to bioscience research. The UK is world-leading in bioscience research and the work of UKRI-BBSRC and the many people from Universities and industry who support it are key to this success.

Professor Helen SangThe Roslin Institute

Helen was one of two members of University of Edinburgh staff to feature in the honours list. Professor Rowena Arshad, former Head of Moray House School of Education and Sport, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Professor Arshad is also Co-Director of the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland. Her award recognises services to education and equality.

** The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. **

Related links

Gene-edited chicken cells resist bird flu virus

Hen eggs with human proteins offer drug hope