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Princess Royal opens new vaccinology centre
HRH unveiling the plaque
HRH the Princess Royal officially opened the BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre.

£24m facility will work on new livestock vaccines 

HRH the Princess Royal has officially opened a £24 million research centre for the development of livestock vaccines.

The BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre is home to 100 scientists who are working on cutting edge vaccines for a variety of livestock diseases, including those that can affect humans.

Based at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey, the centre mainly focuses on poultry diseases such as avian influenza and Marek’s disease, but scientists also develop vaccines for other animal viruses, including African horse sickness virus.

Recent breakthroughs at the institute include the development of a new-generation of GM vaccines. Quicker and cheaper to produce, they protect against a variety of diseases, paving the way for ‘universal’ vaccines against several different strains of viruses, such as avian influenza.

Dr Bryan Charleston, interim director and CEO of the Pirbright Institute, commented: ““We are very honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal here today to officially open the BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre: The Jenner Building.



“Our innovative new facilities will enable scientists to develop a greater understanding of virus-host interactions and how best to combat diseases using the latest technologies including the genetic modification of vaccines and viruses.

“Extensive investment by BBSRC and the government in our infrastructure and the unique expertise of our scientists and staff, well position the Institute to continue to deliver innovative world-leading science that provides economic and health benefits on a global scale.”

Images courtesy of The Pirbright Institute © 2017

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.