Technology transfer - Getting the Message Across
Moredun is committed to promoting public understanding and appreciation of science. It supports technology transfer to the agricultural community by ensuring that any information or breakthroughs made in animal disease research is communicated effectively to those who may benefit from it.
Communicating science to all
Moredun staff regularly attend scientific meetings to present their work. During 2003 our scientists presented their work at over 50 national and international meetings. However Moredun also believes in supporting education for people working in agriculture. We therefore strive actively to promote the importance of research as well as its application in farming and its role in the food chain. Moredun staff spoke at 11 farmer-focused animal health meetings during 2003, on a variety of veterinary subjects. These meetings were held throughout the UK, in locations ranging from the islands of Islay and Syke in the western isles of Scotland to Launceston in Cornwall.
Moredun believes that the veterinary profession is the most effective source of information and advice for farmers and is committed to keep them fully informed of advances and developments in animal health research. We have therefore established a partnership with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and held nine joint meetings throughout the UK in 2003 for its members.
Organising and Hosting Scientific Events
Moredun regularly organises and hosts conferences and workshops at its base at Pentlands Science Park. One of the most successful scientific events in 2003 was a one day Proteomics Conference. Moredun’s Functional Genomics Unit arranged for eleven high profile speakers to speak on a range of proteomic techniques and applications to researchers from scientific and academic backgrounds as well as commercial biotechnology companies. The conference was extremely successful with over 80 delegates attending – as a result Moredun plans to arrange a similar Proteomic event in 2004.
Moredun’s commitment to animal health was again demonstrated when it hosted an International Workshop on sheep lameness in June 2003. Fourteen experts in sheep health attended the event, which was held to ensure that best practice approaches are shared and communicated more widely to veterinary practitioners and sheep farmers. The workshop was co-ordinated by SAC and chaired by David Henderson, formerly head of Clinical Division at Moredun.
Moredun was delighted to host Scotland’s Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes (SABRI) postgraduate competition in April 2003. Congratulations to Katie Caldwell from the Scottish Crop Research Institute who won the competition this year. Also, in April, Moredun was honoured to host the annual Royal Society of Edinburgh and SABRI lecture. Professor Peter Doherty, ex-Moredun employee and Nobel Prize winner spoke to a packed lecture theatre on the subject of “Cell Mediated Immunity in Virus Infections”.
Attending Farmer Focused Events
During 2003, a team of Moredun vets, scientists and animal health specialists attended two specialist sheep events as well as the Royal Welsh Show and the Royal Highland Show. It is Moredun’s hope that these events will help to provide farmers throughout the UK with information about animal health issues so that they can make informed choices about disease control on their own farms. This continuous contact with the farming community ensures that Moredun’s research remains rooted in the practical needs of farming today.
Opening its Doors
Throughout the year Moredun regularly hosts visits by student and agricultural groups. In February 2003 Moredun also was pleased to host the AGM for the National Sheep Association (NSA) Scottish region. In addition to these visits, Moredun also held its biannual Open Day in June. This event is a perfect example of Moredun’s commitment to effective technology transfer and over 200 members, supporters and guests attended. As well as a series of talks and lectures, there was an opportunity for visitors to see ‘behind the scenes’ of the research institute with a tour of its laboratories and animal accommodation. As well as running a variety of practical demonstrations, Moredun scientists were on hand all day to talk to visitors about their work and answer any questions they had on animal health.
Publications
Moredun has an excellent record of producing high quality scientific papers. During 2003, 83 scientific papers in total (57 of which were peer-reviewed) were produced in the scientific press, however a further 127 articles about Moredun’s work appeared in the farming, veterinary and general press. The Moredun Foundation also produces a technical newssheet every twelve weeks, each one focused on the control of a different disease subject.
Information on-line
Moredun is aware that more and more people are now using the web to access information and as a result its website underwent significant development and was relaunched in 2003. It now contains a variety of animal health information for scientists, students, teachers, farmers, the press and the general public. As well as containing reports and updates on the latest research progress, the site also incorporates information about news and events, the Moredun group and job vacancies.