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Taking Stock of the Links between Research and the Land Professions - A View from a Research Institute Julie Fitzpatrick Director of the Moredun Research Institute, Chair in Food Security, University of Glasgow. 1 st May 2014. Moredun’s History. Animal Diseases Research Association
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Taking Stock of the Links between Research and the Land Professions - A View from a Research Institute Julie FitzpatrickDirector of the Moredun Research Institute,Chair in Food Security, University of Glasgow 1st May 2014
Moredun’s History • Animal Diseases Research Association • 17th March 1920 at the Highland and Agricultural Society • Professor S.H Gaiger, Glasgow Veterinary College • Braxy, lamb dysentery, scrapie, louping ill “My flocks feed not, My ewes breed not, My rams speed not. All is amiss: What can be the cause of this?” The Shepherd’s Lament, Richard Barnfield, 16th century
The Moredun Foundation • Mission: “Promoting animal health and welfare through research and education” 1920
The Moredun Group The Moredun Foundation Moredun Research Institute Pentlands Science Park Moredun Scientific Ltd
The Moredun Group Owned and Governed by Farmers and Vets Public Private Partnership Cost and Responsibility Sharing
Large animal accommodation Moredun Scientific High security unit, including small animal containment Moredun Research Institute BBSRC valuation (2009) - £100m
Moredun Research Institute • Mission: “To lead in livestock health solutions for global food security”
Livestock Science Host Environment Pathogen Disease Control Programmes Diagnostic Tests Vaccines
Vaccines • Development of vaccines for 11 diseases • Parasites, protozoa, bacteria, viruses • Native protein, recombinant • Mucosal, systemic • Correlates of protection • Adjuvancy, delivery technologies www.moredun.org.uk
Diagnostics • Sheep scab • Subclinical Johne’s • OPA • Mastitis strains • Food-borne pathogens • Schmallenberg virus • Surveillance • Serological • PCR/RT-PCR • In vitro hybridisation • MLST • VNTR • Pyrosequencing www.moredun.org.uk
Disease Control • Reproductive diseases • Respiratory diseases • Skin & mammary gland diseases • Diseases of the nervous system • Environment & waterborne diseases • Diseases of the gut • Parasitic worms • Parasitology • Bacteriology • Virology • Epidemiology • Surveillance • Proteomics • Bioinformatics • Genetics www.moredun.org.uk
Knowledge Exchange • Two way flow of information • and prioritisation of research targets • Discussion on best methods of • KE • SRUC, QMS, other levy • boards, other organisations • The Moredun Foundation • One of Scotland’s largest • charities • 12,600 members • Moredun members • (farmers and vets) • AHDA (animal health product distributors) • NSA/NBA • XLVets; Westpoint
Knowledge Exchange • News-sheets (quarterly) • Moredun Magazine • Open days • Special events • Scotsheep, Agri-Scot • Public engagement • Roadshows • Translation of strategically relevant research into practice • Outputs, outcomes and impact • Products – tools and plans • Ethos is “Prevention is better than cure”
Engaging the Communities • Moredun Foundation Boards • Regional reps are decision makers • Regional Boards • Vets, advisors, farmers, landowners • Diseases/research that matter to that region • Specialist speakers • Within or outwithMoredun • Links with levy boards (i.e. added value) • QMS, Dairy Co, HCC • Links with national bodies or companies • NFUS • Feed merchants • Abattoirs • CAMERAS (advises on research priorities)
Knowledge Exchange • Who is the customer? • Scientific community • Conferences, peer-reviewed publications • Data must be robust before being translated • “End-users” – farmers and vets • Multiple formats • Continued professional development accredited • Politicians • Face to face meetings • Policy makers • Policy briefs • Science-led policy not policy-led science • General public • Demonstrations and debates • Who conducts the KE? • Scientists, vets and farmers • Incentives for participation • Budget allocation • Promotion and bonuses • Carrot or stick? • It’s not for everyone • Enthusiasm, dedication, interest • Horses for courses • Don’t put square pegs in round holes • Vets • 15 (12 active in research and surveillance) • Professional interest, breadth, focus, trusted, evidence-based • To vet – To subject to thorough examination or evaluation • To doctor – To tamper with; to falsify • Measure the impact
Ruthin Liver Fluke Control in Sheep and Cattle Tuesday 12th November 2013 Coleg Cambria, Llysfasi
Public Debates on Food Security – Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee
What Else has Moredun Learned? • Take the water to the horse • Local events work for farmers • Don’t make KE presenters feel exposed • Local vets support scientists (biologists) • Local vets and advisors get the “right” people there • Don’t preach only to the converted (ieMoredun Foundation members) • Keep messages simple and repeat take home messages at the end of all presentations • Try different times of day for different audiences • Avoid major sporting events, especially Rangers v Celtic matches • Have a free bar....
Acknowledgements Moredun Staff Scientific and Farming Collaborators – national and international Scottish Government QMS, Eblex, BPEX, HCC Defra BBSRC Commercial companies www.moredun.org.uk