Science ecosystem

Our entrepreneurial ecosystem provides support and access to A3 expertise

Roslin Innovation Centre sits at the heart of  The University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus and offers entrepreneurs a unique ecosystem focused on animal health, agri-tech, and aquaculture (A3) sectors, provides flexible space and expert support to nurture start-ups, scale-ups, and growing companies. 

Gathered on one site, a multidisciplinary grouping of animal scientists within The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, incorporating the Roslin Institute and the Global Academy for Agriculture and Food Systems, alongside a number of interdisciplinary centres and research collaborators, provides a level of expertise that is unrivalled elsewhere in the world. 


Exterior of Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

THE ROYAL (DICK) SCHOOL OF VETERINARY STUDIES

In 2007, the Roslin Institute merged with the University of Edinburgh to become the research arm of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. In 2011, the Institute moved into a new £60.6 million building on the Easter Bush Campus. 

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a world leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical practice and aims to make a real difference through research, directly relevant to the improvement of health and welfare of domestic animal species and the protection of public health. 


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THE ROSLIN INSTITUTE

The Roslin Institute is part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the University of Edinburgh. 

The Institute undertakes research on the health and welfare of animals and seeks to apply findings in basic animal sciences to human and veterinary medicine, the livestock industry and food security.

Further growth will cement world-leading capacity to address livestock improvement, food security and alleviation of poverty in developing countries.


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Young cows representing animal science research on the Easter Bush Campus


glObal agriculture and food systems

A leading interdisciplinary hub of researchers, teachers and students working to develop and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of agri-food systems. 

Research and associated education and engagement  are across two broad themes – 
Food System Transformation and Healthy People, Healthy Planet.


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A field of wheat

Excellence in Research

The Easter Bush Campus delivers world-leading research, education and innovation in the core disciplines of medicine, veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences, working together find solutions to tackle global challenges within livestock industries, human and animal health. 


  • Genetics and Genomics: To advance understanding of complex animal systems through the development of improved predictive models.

  • Infection and Immunity: To enhance understanding of the mechanisms of host defence against infection, and translate this understanding into prevention and treatment.

  • Development Biology: To improve fundamental knowledge of cellular growth to develop better disease intervention strategies.

  • Neurology and Behaviour: To identify the key mechanisms that preserve healthy brain function and those that contribute to neurodegeneration.

  • Translational Clinical Science: To enhance understanding of disease processes in companion and large animals, and to translate that understanding into improved therapies for both animal and human disease.


Agricultural and livestock Innovation

Centres for agricultural innovation are a  collaborative model between the agri-tech sector and government to test and develop new agricultural technology and products. As well as creating capacity in the UK to translate agricultural innovation into commercial opportunities for UK businesses, the new centres will stimulate inward investment and help to revolutionise farming practices in the future. 


UK Agri-Tech Centre logo

UK Agri-Tech Centre

The UK Agri-Tech Centre, funded by Innovate UK, advances UK agri-food research and development and supports collaboration, research and commercial trials to growers, agronomists, retailers, scientists and researchers from across the UK and beyond.

The Northern Innovation Hub on Easter Bush Campus, previously known as Agri-EPI (Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation), houses laboratories, a full-time in-house technician, meeting and presentation space. 

The team supports collaboration, research and commercial trials to growers, agronomists, retailers, scientists and researchers from across the UK and further afield.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre was formed by a merger between three established Agri-Tech Centres: Agri-EPI, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) and Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) in April 2024.



rESEARCH AND INNOVATION CAMPUS

Roslin Innovation Centre provides an entrepreneurial environment to support and accelerate commercialisation within Easter Bush Campus, and serves as a central hub for academia, industry, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on animal bioscience, agri-tech, aquaculture, and One Health research. 


BBSRC logo

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is a key investor and partner in the Roslin Innovation Centre, established to foster commercialisation and economic growth on Campus.

The Easter Bush Campus, home to both the Roslin Institute and the Roslin Innovation Centre, has been designated by the BBSRC as a UK Research and Innovation Campus for animal bioscience.

Roslin Innovation Centre provides opportunities for startups and growing companies to connect directly with world-class researchers and resources, supporting innovation and providing lab and office space for companies focussed in the areas of animal health, agri-tech, aquaculture and related sectors. 



University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt and DDI combined logos

Data-Driven Innovation

Roslin Innovation Centre houses the Agri-tech Hub for Data-Driven Innovation (DDI), a core element of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. 

This connection places the Roslin Innovation Centre at the heart of the region's efforts to commercialise research in animal bioscience, aquaculture, and agri-tech through data and innovation.

Roslin Innovation Centre provides a supportive ecosystem and resources for start-ups and companies to commercialise their research, leveraging data and AI to address challenges in the agri-tech and One Health sectors. 

By integrating Roslin Innovation Centre into the broader DDI strategy, the goal is to accelerate economic growth, foster collaboration, and make the region a leader in agri-tech innovation.