Pirbright’s insectary facilities are among the best in the world. They allow us to research vector-borne viral diseases, including those spread by midges, mosquitoes, and flies.
Vector-borne viral diseases such as Rift Valley fever virus and bluetongue virus have devastating effects on human and livestock health, which has a knock-on effect on food and economic security.
Pirbright researchers are set to join forces with some of the UK’s top experts in avian influenza in a new research consortium dedicated to tackling bird flu.
This consortium has received £1.5 million from the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and is responsible for developing new strategies to tackle bird flu outbreaks.
Last week Pirbright celebrated the success of two of our apprentices, Lucy Drudge and Alex Reeves, both of whom completed their apprenticeship programme earlier this year and have gone on to secure positions at the Institute.
Lucy is currently working in the Grants Office and Alex in BACS (Building Automation and Control System). The knowledge and skills they have both gained during their time as apprentices has enabled them to make valuable contributions to their respective departments.
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