Bringing Science to Life
Moredun has always been committed to undertaking practical research in order to provide livestock farmers with a variety of control options for the diseases that may challenge the animals in their care. The effective technology transfer of this information is paramount and Moredun works hard to promote the importance of research as well as its application in farming and its role in the food chain.
Talking Science
Moredun staff travel the World presenting the findings of their research. During 2004 our scientists gave presentations at over 40 national and international scientific meetings. However Moredun is also dedicated to promoting the public understanding and appreciation of science to a variety of end users outside the scientific community.
For over a decade The Moredun Foundation has organised a Roadshow of animal health meetings in November each year. These meetings, which are free to attend and open to all, enable farmers throughout the UK to learn more about the animal health problems that have been highlighted as a concern in their area. It is Moredun’s hope that these events help to supply farmers with enough information about animal health issues so that they can make informed choices about disease control on their own farms.
The 2004 Roadshow consisted of thirteen meetings, which made it the largest that Moredun had ever organised. Subjects covered included worm control strategies, the viral diseases of sheep, abortion, liver fluke, lameness and BVD and meetings were held as far apart as Thurso in Caithness and Okehampton in Devon.
Moredun is aware that it is also vitally important for the veterinary profession to be kept up to date with the latest developments in animal health. Through our partnership with the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Moredun arranged a number of specialised meetings for veterinarians working in practice during 2004.
Show Time
During 2004, Moredun attended two specialist sheep events as well as the Royal Welsh Show and the Royal Highland Show. This continuous contact with the farming community ensures that Moredun’s research remains focused on the needs of farming today. Attendance at events like these enables Moredun team of vets and animal health specialists to discuss particular animal health problems that may be a concern to local farmers. It also ensures that our staff remain aware of the issues of UK farmers on the subject of disease control.
Welcoming Visitors
As well as arranging meetings around the UK, Moredun is delighted to welcome groups of visitors to its headquarters at Pentlands Science Park and during 2004 Moredun hosted several visits from student and agricultural groups. Moredun’s Patron HRH Princess Anne spent the day with us in February and had an opportunity to chat with a number of Moredun’s scientists, visiting workers and PhD students about their research.
Effective disease control is a global issue and Moredun is extremely proud of the number of international collaborations it has established in order to drive animal health research. The level of collaboration is reflected in the number of visiting workers that Moredun attracts - over 70 visiting workers and students came to work at Moredun’s Research Institute in 2004.
Publications
Moredun has always had an excellent record of producing high quality scientific papers. During 2004, 127 scientific papers (71 of which were peer reviewed) were published in the scientific press and an additional 120 articles about Moredun’s work also appeared in the farming, veterinary and general press. In addition, the Moredun Foundation produces a technical animal health newssheet every 3 months, each one focused on a different disease.
Website Development
More and more people are now using the web to access information. Moredun is delighted with the success of its website - the number of visitors to Moredun’s site has tripled during 2004 and continues to increase. Moredun’s website contains a substantial amount of animal health information from detailed research progress reports to practical disease control information. The site also contains information about forthcoming events and job vacancies and visitors can also order items ranging from animal health textbooks to soft toys online!