World class facilities for world leading research centre

World class facilities for research into animal health and welfare will be built at Pirbright with new investment from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, it was announced today.

The Department has approved the redevelopment of the world leading Institute for Animal Health. The redevelopment will constitute a major investment by government of over £100m to be partially funded from the Large Facilities Capital Fund. The redevelopment work will:

modernise the working environment for BBSRC’s highly valued researchers enabling Pirbright to continue to carry out high quality leading-edge research;

significantly enhance Pirbright’s ability to attract and retain the best researchers in a global market for expertise;

improve Pirbright’s ability to deal effectively with animal disease outbreaks and to promote BBSRC’s role in translational research; and

provide the most up-to-date methods of bio-security, keeping the UK safe from diseases.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:

"Pirbright leads the world in studying animal health and welfare, making a major contribution to our understanding of animal diseases and helping to maintain food security.

"This redevelopment will ensure that Pirbright has the facilities it needs to keep the best scientists and continue to be at the forefront of this vital research."