Partnership deal cements SRUC links with Moredun

A new strategic partnership involving closer collaboration between two of Scotland’s leading agricultural research institutions will be a “game- changer” in terms of scientific advancement for the farming sector, it has been claimed.

The Moredun Research Institute and SRUC have worked closely together for a number of years but in a move announced yesterday, the two organisations will see this relationship strengthened with the setting up of cross- disciplinary teams and the sharing of laboratory facilities and other resources.

While the catalyst for the move might have been the SRUC’S need for new premises for their veterinary surveillance team, the collaboration will give the college access to Moredun’ s excellent facilities while giving the institute a more immediate idea of current health problems and access to samples for research.

Although it was made clear that the institutions would maintain their own distinct identities and independence, they said the move would allow them to build on their complimentary expertise in areas such as animal health, welfare, genetics, nutrition and pas- 0 Julie Fitzpatrick and Wayne Powell seal deal toral farming systems. And with Brexit looming large, the extra “critical mass” of a collaborative approach when seeking investment from Scottish, UK, EU and global funders as well as from commercial organisations had also been recognised.

Wayne Powell, pr incipa land chief executive of SRUC, said a strengthened relationship with Moredun signalled a step change in the way that Scottish research ins titutes would work and collaborate in future.

“Underpinning this relationship is a fundamental shift in our approach to ‘ doing business’ where we will seek to maximise opportunities to share facilities and expertise and create critical mass in selected areas of research where we have recognised strength or the potential to create world class presence and impact rapidly,” he said.

“This will enable us to better support our existing stakeholders, customers and future investors both within Scotland and globally.”

Julie Fitzpatrick, More - dun’ s scientific director and chief executive, said that some of the“grand challenges” facing scientists required them to work together in multi- disciplinary teams.

“SR U Ca nd More dun scientists will lead the way in developing new technologies and establishing routes to bring developments to practical and commercial reality ,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Both organisations have extensive and l ongstanding links to farmers, landowners and others involved in custodianship of Scotland’s environment and our combined aim will be to support rural and urban communities across the country through research, development and knowledge exchange.”

She said that part of the work would involve adopting a “One Health” approach which would focus on linking the health of humans, animals and the environment – in part through protecting human health by reducing re liance on antibiotics and pesticides in livestock and other animal diseases.