Institute to get £29m for fight against diseases

Scientists at Edinburgh University will receive £29 million of UK Government cash for work to help control infectious diseases such as bird flu.

Business Secretary Greg Clark announced the funding will go to the Roslin Institute, which is famous for the creation of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep.

The money is part of a £319m commitment for funding for the bioscience sector over the next five years.

Mr Clark said: “Science, research and innovation are at the heart of the industrial strategy which is why we’re providing more than £4.7 billion of additional funding over the next five years, including the £319m for bioscience research.

“The Roslin Institute is a great example of Scotland’s world-class bioscience sector and exactly the sort of project our industrial strategy will support.”

Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, principal and vicechancellor of the university, said: “This investment will help to ensure Roslin’s continuing success over the next five years.

“The institute plays a pivotal role in the university’s mission to tackle the many pressing issues in animal health and welfare, including those which have implications for human health and sustainability of animals in the food chain.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “The investment of £29m of UK Government funding for the Roslin Institute underpins our ambitious industrial strategy, as we ensure innovative Scottish industries such as biosciences lead the way in research and development on a global scale.

“As we prepare to negotiate our exit from the EU, the UK Government are supporting Scottish businesses, from Harris Tweed to whisky, to compete in markets across the globe and create skilled, sustainable and secure jobs.”