Dates

• Existence: 1993-:

Biography

Roslin Institute was created on 1 April 1993 from the former Edinburgh Research Station of the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research (IAPGR-ERS). At the same time, the Cambridge Research Station of IAPGR became the Babraham Insitute. Grahame Bulfield, former Head of Station at IAPGR-ERS, was appointed Director of Roslin Institute in June 1993. Roslin was an independent, but wholly owned, Institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). In 1995 Roslin Institute became a company limited by guarantee and a Scottish Charity sponsored by BBSRC.

The previous seven scientific departments of IAPGR-ERS became amalgamated into four larger divisions: Development and Reproduction, Environment and Welfare, Genetics and Biometry and Molecular Biology. A new post of Assistant Director (Science) was also created, with Harry Griffin being appointed to this role in September 1993.

Roslin Institute's research focused on basic and strategic research relevant to farm animal production. It was the major centre in the UK for research on molecular and quantitative genetics of farm animals and poultry science, with major programmes on development, growth and reproduction and animal welfare. In 1997 it made world headlines when the birth of Dolly the sheep, the world's first cloned animal, was announced.

In April 2007, Roslin Institute was integrated with the Neuropathogenesis Unit formerly of the Institute for Animal Health, and in April 2008 the combined organisation became a part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (RDSVS) of the University of Edinburgh.

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