News
DDI programme publishes latest annual report
The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University’s Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) initiative has published its latest Annual Review, highlighting achievements from the academic year 2024-25.
Twelve case studies feature in the review, covering start-ups and spin-outs, research, and partnerships delivering positive impacts for a range of industry sectors.
Scottish Enterprise appoints Nicola Anderson as Director of Scaling Innovation
Scottish Enterprise has appointed Nicola Anderson as its new Director of Scaling Innovation, strengthening Scotland’s ambition to build and scale world-leading businesses in high-growth sectors.
Nicola will lead Scottish Enterprise’s Scaling Innovation Mission, focused on helping ambitious Scottish companies grow faster and translate cutting-edge research and development into globally competitive businesses of scale.
Experts collaborate to develop research technologies
The Roslin Institute is to build on its expertise in developing laboratory-based models to reduce or replace the use of animals in research, where it is feasible to do so.
A collaborative initiative with three other leading veterinary research organisations aims to design and validate novel lab-based models for studying farm animal health and disease.
Genetics expert appointed next head of Roslin Institute
Professor John Hammond has been appointed the next Director of the Roslin Institute.
Professor Hammond, an expert in genetics, genomics, and immunology, is currently Director of Research at The Pirbright Institute. He is expected to take up his post at Roslin in May.
Beta Bugs Ltd appoints Dr Alan Tinch as CEO to lead genetics-focused strategy
Beta Bugs Ltd has announced the appointment of Dr Alan Tinch as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2026. Dr Tinch's appointment follows Beta Bugs' strategic decision in 2025 to focus exclusively on BSF genetics, moving away from pilot-scale manufacturing operations. This pivot reflects the company's assessment of competitive dynamics in the UK BSF market and positions Beta Bugs to capitalise on its core strength: developing superior genetic strains for the rapidly growing global insect protein industry.
Moredun opens upgraded High Security Unit to support research to protect animal and public health
Moredun Research Institute has opened its upgraded High Security Unit (HSU) following a major programme of refurbishment and sustainability works, strengthening Scotland’s role in protecting animal and public health.
The upgraded facility was officially opened by MP for Midlothian, Kirsty McNeill, marking the completion of works designed to secure the long-term future of one of the UK’s high-containment research facilities.
Farmland birds in Scotland decline over past decade, report shows
A new report on Scotland’s breeding birds shows that all farmland species have decreased over the past ten years.
The NatureScot report highlights that while woodland and pastoral bird numbers remain higher than 1994 levels, arable and wet farmland bird populations are now lower than a decade ago.
Source: STV News
IOM relocates to Pentlands Science Park for future growth and innovation
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has announced the relocation of its Head Office and laboratory facilities to Douglas House, Pentlands Science Park.
This strategic move marks another chapter in IOM’s evolution, enabling investment in their facilities, enhancing their service offering, and placing them at the heart of a vibrant scientific community.
SRUC selected for Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education USA Exchange
SRUC livestock experts have been selected to take part in a prestigious international programme designed to strengthen academic collaboration between the UK and the United States.
They will join scientists from seven other UK institutions in the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange 2026.
The announcement follows SRUC being awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for the third time, placing it among few Scottish institutions to have received the honour on more than two occasions.
Axol Bioscience to expand in Edinburgh after $2.8m funding deal
Axol Bioscience has secured $2.8 million (around £2.1 million) in funding, part of which will be used to expand its operations in Edinburgh.
The investment was led by US life sciences specialist BroadOak Capital Partners, with the company’s founding investor, the Roslin Foundation, also participating.
Source: Scottish Financial News