April 5, 2022

Pioneering scientist appointed as director of Roslin Institute

An expert in gene editing has been appointed as director of the Roslin Institute, with immediate effect.

Professor Bruce Whitelaw, who is also chair of animal biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, was appointed to the role after serving as interim director of the institute since 2020.

He will lead Roslin's teams of scientists and professional support staff – approximately 500 people – in world-leading research into animal bioscience.

Roslin researchers aim to understand animal development and disease and to apply their findings to prevent and treat important veterinary diseases and develop sustainable farm animal production systems.

Professor Whitelaw is considered a pioneer in gene editing. His career has focused on the development and application of gene activity in genetically engineered farmed animals.

Professor Whitelaw's research seeks to develop novel ways to tackle infectious disease in animals, evaluate new ways to study potential treatments of human disease and enhance protein production in animals.

He was previously head of developmental biology at the Roslin Institute, a position he held for 12 years. Prior to that, he held research positions at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research and the Agricultural and Food Research Council's Animal Breeding Research Organisation.

Professor Whitelaw holds a BSc in medical microbiology from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Glasgow.

He is also a member of the board of directors of Roslin Technologies and a fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.

"I'm delighted to be appointed to lead Roslin in its next chapter of pioneering animal bioscience," Professor Whitelaw said. "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."

- Roslin Institute