The Pirbright Institute announces that due to personal reasons, Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS FRS has retired from his position as Institute Director and CEO.
Bryan has made an exceptional contribution to The Pirbright Institute over more than three decades. Since joining the Institute in 1994, he has led pioneering research into the immune response to viral infections in livestock, particularly foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in cattle. His work has advanced scientific understanding of infectious diseases and supported the development of novel vaccine approaches, while his expertise has informed the design of disease challenge models for a wide range of important agricultural pathogens. A veterinary surgeon by training, Bryan graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, before undertaking postgraduate studies in molecular biology and completing a PhD as a Wellcome Trust Scholar. Following postdoctoral research appointments at the Royal Veterinary College and the Babraham Institute, he went on to build a distinguished scientific career dedicated to improving animal health and supporting global food security.
Bryan was initially appointed Interim Director in December 2015 before being formally appointed as Institute Director in April 2017 and has provided exceptional leadership during a period of significant growth and achievement. Under his guidance, The Pirbright Institute strengthened its international reputation for scientific excellence, secured substantial research funding, enhanced its facilities and infrastructure, developed as a centre of excellence in biorisk management, achieved long-term financial sustainability, and reinforced its commitment to delivering world-leading science for the benefit of animal health and global food security.
Reflecting on his retirement, Bryan said:
“Life can change very quickly, recently my wife Janet was diagnosed with a serious illness with very little warning. There was only one decision, to retire immediately and devote all my time and energy to support Janet. This decision was made easier because I knew the highly professional and dedicated staff at Pirbright would ensure the Institute will continue to be a centre of excellence. I’ve had a very fulfilling career at Pirbright and I leave with no regrets. I wish everyone success in the future.”
Professor Vince Emery Chair of the Board, said:
“Bryan’s contribution to the success of The Pirbright Institute is immeasurable. On behalf of current and previous members of the Board of Trustees I would like to acknowledge his leadership and vision in cementing Pirbright as a national capability achieving high impact both within the UK and internationally. We wish Bryan the very best for the future."
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said:
“Bryan's retirement marks the end of a truly remarkable chapter for The Pirbright Institute. His leadership has been exceptional, inspirational and exemplary and the impact of his work over more than three decades speaks for itself. Under Bryan's stewardship, Pirbright has grown into a world-leading centre of scientific excellence, making vital contributions to animal health and global food security that will endure long into the future. On behalf of BBSRC, I want to thank Bryan for everything he has given to the Institute and the broader scientific community. We wish him a very well-deserved retirement.”
We are deeply grateful to Bryan for his leadership, service and dedication to The Pirbright Institute and the wider scientific community. His impact on the Institute, its people and its science will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of everyone at The Pirbright Institute, we thank Bryan for his tremendous contribution and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.