The Roslin Institute-The University of Edinburgh Lisa Yeske

The University of Edinburgh Founded in 1582 by Bishop Robert Reid Originally called Tounis College 6 th college in British Isles- 4 th in Scotland First buildings built in 1827

Famous Accomplishments Professors discovered Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen 7 Nobel Prize Laureates including ◦ Alexander Graham Bell ◦ Charles Darwin

University of Edinburgh Library Started its collection before the University was founded in 1580 Contains over 2 million references in print or film This version built in 1962

History of the Roslin Institute In 1919, it was the Institute of Animal Genetics Agriculture Research Council gave more funding to provide research for better food production Formed two segments: the Poultry Research Centre and the Animal Breeding Research Organization

History Still continued with Animal Genetics Animal Genetics, Poultry Research Centre and the Animal Breeding Research Organization combined to form the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics. Breeding researches moved to village of Roslin organizations split to pursue different missions

History April 1993, Roslin Institute was formed Roslin Institute became a limited by guarantee business supported by the Biotechnology and Biology Research council.

Recent History In 2007, the Roslin Institute combined with the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies supported by the University of Edinburgh. Each will gain the others expertise and resources to generate more research in a wider range of topics To commemorate their merger, they are building a £60.6 million facility called Easter Bush

Roslin Institute and RDSVS The new merging groups are also working with the cancer center at the medical school in order to study cancer in large animals and apply that knowledge to humans. They also wish to grow in employee numbers, hoping to work with the Moredun Research institute to work with zoonotic diseases

Mission Statement “The Roslin Institute's mission is to gain fundamental understanding of genetic, cellular, organ and systems bioscience underpinning common mechanisms of animal development and pathology, and to drive this into prevention and treatment of important veterinary diseases and develop sustainable farm animal production systems.” From the Roslin Institute Website

Principle Objectives To enhance ◦ Animal health/welfare by studying genetic factors to disease resistance ◦ Sustainability and productivity of livestock systems through reproductive and development biology ◦ Food safety by understanding relationship of disease organism and animals ◦ Human health by understanding comparative biology ◦ Identification of emerging zoonosis and how a disease crosses species barrier ◦ Quality of life by researching behaviors and mechanisms to optimize environment and life

Dolly the sheep Gave Roslin Institute global recognition First animal to be cloned from an adult cell. Pulled the nucleus out of an udder cell and placed it in an emptied egg cell to grow a genetically identical version of the udder cell donor. Born in July of 1996

Dolly Died six years later in 2003 of degenerative lung disease Many people blame the cloning, but there is no proof that caused it Body showed signs of premature aging in the length of her telomeres and arthritis in her back legs

Recent developments Currently they are studying the hormone involved with smell recognition by animals. Believe the hormone to be vasopressin Ability to recognize another by scent is crucial to animals to form bonds with each other. Scent identification may also contribute to certain types of autism and social phobia.

Funding Main funding from Biotechnology and Biology Research Center. Gave them £40 million in 2007 to last for 5 years In 2008, their expected research budget was £25 million. Other donors include animal and food organizations wishing to promote healthier lifestyles and better productions

Roslin Institute Hits home Everyone benefits from the work done by the Roslin Institute, even us. Our own country’s National Institute of Health contributes to the funds Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer also contribute.