Experts join forces for animal research

The Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC) involves researchers from The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Moredun Research Institute.

This will create one of the largest concentrations of experts in animal life sciences in the world, says Professor David Hume, director of The Roslin Institute.

Marking the EBRC’s launch is a 2-day conference beginning in Edinburgh (7-8 April) where delegates will be addressing a variety of issues, including the spread of diseases and how to meet the increasing demand for livestock while minimising its environmental impact.

Research within the EBRC will focus on effective disease control and treatment, food safety, animal welfare and sustainable management of livestock. A major focus will be on the role that genes play in animal health.

“It is great to see Scottish scientists working together through this consortium to play a leading role in understanding the ways in which these diseases work. This is an important step forward for animal health and welfare research,” said Maggie Gill, the Scottish Government’s chief scientific adviser for rural affairs and the environment.

“The UK is already rightly seen as a location of choice for world class research in the global market. The EBRC will offer us an additional competitive edge,” said UK science minister Ian Pearson.