Global challenges such as preventing the spread of infectious diseases and feeding a growing population are to be tackled at a new £60 million institute which opens today (WED 29th June).
Researchers from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh are to take up residence in a new purpose-built centre with partners from the SAC (Scottish Agricultural College).
The building was officially opened today (Wed 29th June) in a ceremony attended by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond.
It was opened by the chief executives of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Scottish Agricultural College and the Principal of the University of Edinburgh.
A total of 500 scientists will work at The Roslin Institute building on the outskirts of Edinburgh, which has received key funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Their research is aimed at improving the health and welfare of livestock animals and the sustainability of the livestock sector.
Expertise covers areas such as immunology and infectious disease, clinical sciences, genetics and genomics, developmental biology and diseases affecting the nervous system.
Scientists at the institute also place a strong emphasis on comparative medicine where research can be applied to improve both animal and human health.
Professor David Hume, the Director of The Roslin Institute said: "The new building is designed to maximise cooperation amongst our experts. Our new home will help us tackle complex problems ranging from fertility and reproduction through the threats of diseases such as avian flu and tuberculosis to animal welfare and greenhouse gas emissions. We now have an iconic building that is instantly recognisable."
The design of The Roslin Institute was inspired by the shape of a pair of chromosomes, with a rainbow progression of coloured panels that link offices with research laboratories.
The three-storey building covers 14,000 square metres. Open-plan working spaces, with break-out areas, are designed to encourage collaboration between scientists from different disciplines. The building also contains an auditorium and meeting facilities.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The new Roslin Institute building provides not only a fantastic new home for the 500 scientists who will work here but also a centre of research that will deliver impact for the lives of people in the scientific community and for wider society.
"Scottish science has an international reputation for quality, and the groundbreaking work of the institute is already famous worldwide. This new home here at Edinburgh University's Easter Bush campus gives an opportunity for further advances.
"The Scottish Government is clear on the importance of continuing to invest in Scotland's world-leading research and development in agricultural and environmental science. We have followed that through not only by contributing to this building but by investing more than £50 million this year in our main research providers - part of our long-term support of research and science.
"The experts based here will be able to deliver top-class research on livestock health and productivity - work which will prove valuable both for animal and human health, with particular emphasis on the kind of comparative medicine that benefits both. I am confident they will deliver new knowledge and innovation and generate new strength in the Scottish economy."
The Institute, sited at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus, replaces the former home of The Roslin Institute, where Dolly the Sheep was cloned, in the nearby village of Roslin.
It has received an award from Architecture Scotland and has been nominated for a number of additional building and design awards.
Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of the BBSRC, said: "This new building, constructed with significant support from BBSRC, will house world-class science that tackles some of the most important challenges we face. These high-quality facilities will enable scientists to do research that supports and enhances human and animal health, food security, and social and economic well being in the UK and beyond."
The Roslin Institute, which is incorporated with the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, currently has more than 100 PhD students and plays a critical role in training researchers for many areas of the UK's livestock sector.
Professor Bill McKelvey, Chief Executive of SAC, said: "This builds on a long track record of cooperation and collaboration between SAC, The Roslin Institute and the University of Edinburgh and opens up opportunities for even greater things to come. The kinds of research that are needed to address today's 'Grand Challenges' span the range from new fundamental understanding of biology to practical innovation. That is what is so appealing about the combination of scientists from SAC and the University cheek by jowl in the same building."
Prof McKelvey gratefully acknowledged the financial assistance of the Scottish Government Rural and Environmental Science Directorate in supporting SAC's investment.
The new building forms part of a £100 million development at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus, which includes a new teaching building for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
The Roslin Institute, which has doubled in size since 2007, has attracted more than £24.2 million in research funding to Scotland last year, supporting 1,179 jobs.