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DNA experts join forces in new facility
Edinburgh centres merge to support ground-breaking research

A new genomics facility at the University of Edinburgh promises to bring together experts for large-scale studies, to support ground-breaking research in both human and animal health, sustainable food production and the environment.

Based at the university, Edinburgh Genomics aims to be in the foreground of medicine personalisation, where treatment is tailored to the patient's genes.

Technology at the centre will will allow scientists to inform the development of new therapies by analysing and comparing hundreds of DNA samples from patients with certain diseases, identifying key genes involved.

Scientists will also aim to use the facility for ground-breaking agricultural research, pinpointing genes that may contribute to crop or animal disease.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the centre will enable environmental scientists to find out more about the natural world, allowing a rapid response to diseases posing a thereat to wildlife.

The university's new facilities represent a merging of its existing Edinburgh GenePool and ARK-Genomics, whose scientists and technologies will contribute to Edinburgh Genomics' work.

Professor Mark Blaxter, Director of Edinburgh Genomics, said: "Edinburgh researchers already lead the world in this area, and our facility is ready to support more of this ground-breaking work.

"We will work with clinicians to apply new knowledge in the clinic, with farmers and breeders trying to improve our food supply, and with scientists aiming to understand the genetic underpinnings of how our ecosystems function."

The new centre will capitalise on the university's expertise in supercomputing and informatics to analyse huge amounts of data generated by large DNA studies.

According to the university, Edinburgh Genomics aims to be a leading provider of training, service quality and support for its collaborators.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'