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Gene editing pioneer named director of the Roslin Institute
Professor Bruce Whitelaw has been named director of the Roslin Institute.
Professor Bruce Whitelaw will lead research into animal bioscience. 

Gene-editing expert Professor Bruce Whitelaw has been named as Director of the Roslin Institute.

Professor Whitelaw, who is also chair of animal biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, takes up the role after serving as interim director of the Roslin Institute since 2020.

Considered a pioneer in gene editing, he will head up a 500-strong team of scientists and professional support staff in world-leading research into animal bioscience.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Whitelaw said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to lead Roslin in its next chapter of pioneering animal bioscience. I look forward to working with our world-class team, collaborators and supporters in making discoveries to understand and improve animal health, welfare and productivity – and by doing so, impactfully contribute to a sustainable animal agriculture future.”

Professor Whitelaw's career has centred on the development and application of gene activity in genetically-engineered livestock. His research aims to develop novel ways to tackle infectious diseases in animals, evaluate new ways to study potential treatments of human disease and enhance protein production in animals.

Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Acting Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, said: “We congratulate Professor Whitelaw on his appointment as Director of the Roslin Institute, and look forward to working with him in his new role. His leadership and expertise will be of great benefit to the Roslin Institute and to the wider University.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.