School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum (EPRF) is among the first research initiatives in the world to integrate the protection of public health with addressing the wider societal harms of pandemics. EPRF is hosted by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, one of the largest groupings of infectious disease experts in Europe. The new Forum also includes researchers from the The University of Edinburgh’s Schools of Biological Sciences, Informatics, Social and Political Science, Law, Education and Sport, Business and Engineering and specialists from NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Napier University and the Moredun Research Institute. ▶️ https://lnkd.in/ewPcpWgQ #pandemic #globalhealth #publichealth #covid Roslin Institute, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh Medical School, School of PPLS, University of Edinburgh Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh Business School, School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, TIBA Partnership, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Mark Woolhouse, Image credits: Getty Images - Mutlu Kurtbas, Pixabay - TheDigitalArtist, Pexels - Kaique Rocha, Getty Image - DKosig

Plants transformed life on our planet, making our existence possible. 🌍 🌿 Dive into fascinating stories of plant evolution from the last 500 million years by Sandy Hetherington in 'Atlas of Botany' Find out how plants conquered the land - turning dusty, barren and rocky landscapes into rich green ecosystems, changing the atmosphere, building the soil and paving the way for all other terrestrial life forms.

"Articulating the key roles of plants in the past, present, and future of our planet is a prerequisite to capturing students’ interest and attention" With the number of students studying plant science declining each year, a community of educators is taking steps to transform the subject into an engaging, modern subject, central to the green jobs of the future. Dr Andrea Paterlini (FHEA) explains more in The Biologist magazine. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ekQfct9V #FascinationOfPlantsDay #PlantHealth

What if biology could help solve one of the biggest challenges in battery sustainability? 🔋🧬 At the 16th Annual Advanced Automotive Battery Conference Europe 2026, taking place May 18-21, 2026 Louise Horsfall from The University of Edinburgh will be presenting on A Bio-Enabled Circular Economy for Lithium-ion Battery Cathode Metals. This fascinating session will explore how microorganisms can be used to recover valuable metals from lithium-ion battery leachates by naturally mitigating metal toxicity. Using engineering biology, researchers are optimizing these biological processes to improve recovery efficiency and scalability — creating exciting new possibilities for sustainable battery recycling and material reuse. Key topics include: 🧪 How microorganisms precipitate metal ions into nanoparticles and minerals ♻️ Biological approaches to recovering critical battery materials 🔬 Engineering biology strategies to optimize recovery and scale-up processes 🔋 The potential for recovered cathode materials to be reused in future battery applications As the battery industry continues to focus on sustainability and circularity, innovative approaches like this could play a major role in the future of battery materials recovery. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dZtgmRg #AABCEurope #BatteryRecycling #CircularEconomy #LithiumIonBatteries #BatteryTechnology #Sustainability #EngineeringBiology #CleanTech

Insightful read from Dr Andrea Paterlini (FHEA) in the Royal Society of Biology's magazine - explaining how improving plant science education could inspire the public and increase the number of scientists that can protect our planet. 🍃 🌍 Plants, the ultimate enablers of life on our planet, are facing growing threats, from climate change to habitat loss. Yet, as the demand for plant scientists and green jobs grow, educational opportunities are in decline. Read more about how a landmark meeting, with plant science educators from over 10 countries and 30 institutions, led to a manifesto to tackle these issues. Discover how to get involved and what actions you can take. Royal Society of Biology (RSB), The Biologist, Opinion and Analysis - Regrowing plant science https://lnkd.in/ekQfct9V Paper - A manifesto for plant science education (Plants, People, Planet) https://lnkd.in/emjRHMNP Study with us - Plant science degrees, The University of Edinburgh https://lnkd.in/eR2Z2SDm #plantscience #planteducation #greenjobs #climatechange #biodiversity #agriculture #education #FascinationOfPlantsDay The University of Edinburgh, College of Science and Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences SBS University of Edinburgh

By fostering collaboration at a national scale, the initiative will support the development of next-generation therapeutics, diagnostics and enabling technologies. Professor Susan Rosser, Director of the Engineering Biology for Engineering Biology for Advanced Therapeutics Hub, will lead the The University of Edinburgh involvement in the network, supported by Dr Alice Barrier, Head of Operations, and Dr Rennos Fragkoudis, Head of Edinburgh Genome Foundry. The goals of the network are aligned with the aims of the Advanced Therapeutics Hub: to harness engineering biology to develop safer, more precise and controllable next-generation gene therapies and advanced therapeutics. ▶️ https://lnkd.in/e45HDqjq #genetherapies #engineeringbiology

In the last month we have been delighted to hear that Dr Annis Richardson and Professor Amy Pedersen have been successful in Royal Society of Edinburgh’s recent award announcements. Today is International Day of Plant Health and we are delighted that Annis has been chosen to take part in RSE’s new Research Leadership Scheme. Her work investigates how the shape of whole plants, or their individual parts, develop and could reveal potential ways to improve cereal crop yields. Amy is one of 43 new fellows elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2026. RSE's 1,800-strong Fellowship tackle the most pressing issues facing society. Amy's work addresses vital questions about host-parasite interactions, including how to improve host health and develop effective disease control strategies. Read more via the link below ▶️ https://lnkd.in/eMe8Hx4P #InternationalDayOfPlantHealth

“The world is full of wonders, but they become more wonderful, not less wonderful, when science looks at them.” — David Attenborough Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough! For decades of inspiring generations of nature lovers and scientists - by showcasing the wonders of our natural world and our responsibility for protecting it. https://lnkd.in/eUjtrkU7

Can we revive interest and improve education in plant sciences to tackle global challenges? Dont miss Andrea Paterlini (FHEA) insightful webinar!

What if plastic waste wasn’t the end of the story?♻️ At The University of Edinburgh, Dr. Jo Sadler is exploring how biotechnology can turn discarded plastics into valuable resources. Her research is helping to rethink waste, showing how materials we throw away could play a role in building a more circular economy. 🔗 Read more about how her research is reshaping our approach to plastic and value: https://lnkd.in/e_wqGPdR