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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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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.