Pirbright virus programmes receive quarter share of new £0.3 billion research funding
29 May 2023
Nearly a quarter of a £0.37 billion new scientific funding package has been awarded to one of the UK’s leading research hubs for animal-to-human viruses.
The Pirbright Institute, which specialises in the study of infectious diseases affecting farm animals will receive nearly £90 million from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
This represents a substantial share of the overall £376 million portfolio of ‘strategically important’ funding to be provided over a five year period by the BBSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Its objective with the investment is to enhance the UK’s capability to deliver world-leading research with socio-economic impact.
Announcing the decision, BBSRC Executive Chair Professor Melanie Welham said: “As experts in their fields, these world-class research institutes provide the UK with the capability and connectivity needed to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the bioscience revolution.
“The investment BBSRC is making in its strategically supported institutes over the next five years will help deliver novel bio-based solutions to some of the greatest challenges we face as a society… it is mission critical that BBSRC invests in world-class science that delivers benefits to society as a whole,” said Welham.
The Pirbright investment, intended to enable the discovery, development and translation of bio-based solutions to address major global challenges, will support two key programmes.
The Virus Life Cycles at Multiple Scales project will examine how virus-host interactions control species-specific pathology and how viruses overcome barriers to species jumping. The Host Responses to Viral Infection programme will investigate why host responses to viral infection can result in disease with limited protection, with the aim of boosting vaccine efficacy and understanding of vaccine platform applicability.
In addition, Pirbright’s Core Capability and Institute Development grants have also received funding allocations.
Pirbright Director and CEO Professor Bryan Charleston commented: "We are delighted to have secured funding from BBSRC for the next five years, allowing us to pursue our research and make substantial contributions to address global social challenges.
“This investment reaffirms our commitment to advancing knowledge and finding innovative solutions with our many collaborators, that can positively impact the world.”
