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Our mission & values

'Preventing and controlling viral diseases'

We are a world leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. We receive strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and work to enhance capability to contain, control and eliminate these economically and medically important diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. 

The Institute employs around 450 staff, research students and visiting scientists, and has recently moved to one campus in Pirbright, Surrey, where investment by BBSRC has resulted in a redevelopment of the site and the construction of a high level containment facility – the BBSRC National Virology Centre: The Plowright Building and a SAPO level two facility, The Jenner Building. 

Our mission:

To be the world's leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock.

Our vision:

Apply scientific research to prevent and control viral diseases, protecting animal and human health and the economy. 
View The Pirbright Institute Science Strategy.

Our values:

The Pirbright Institute and its staff takes pride in being a world-class organisation where knowledge, expertise, facilities, professional excellence and rigorous academic, biosafety and ethical standards combine to generate global health and economic impacts. Our values include:

Passion – for the highest quality standards, delivery and performance

Reliability – in everything we do - leadership, learning, biosecurity, problem anticipation and containment of unexpected events

Innovation – is the driving force behind our fundamental and applied science. Our work is positioned at the cutting edge of science to deliver solutions for global good

Dignity and respect – we respect and trust all in our diverse community

Excellence – we aim to deliver the best in all aspects of our work including health, safety, biosafety, scientific research, customer service and protecting the environment.

We take PRIDE in our science.

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® The Pirbright Institute 2024 | A company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 559784. The Institute is also a registered charity.