News
Moredun opens upgraded High Security Unit to support research to protect animal and public health
Moredun Research Institute has opened its upgraded High Security Unit (HSU) following a major programme of refurbishment and sustainability works, strengthening Scotland’s role in protecting animal and public health.
The upgraded facility was officially opened by MP for Midlothian, Kirsty McNeill, marking the completion of works designed to secure the long-term future of one of the UK’s high-containment research facilities.
Farmland birds in Scotland decline over past decade, report shows
A new report on Scotland’s breeding birds shows that all farmland species have decreased over the past ten years.
The NatureScot report highlights that while woodland and pastoral bird numbers remain higher than 1994 levels, arable and wet farmland bird populations are now lower than a decade ago.
Source: STV News
IOM relocates to Pentlands Science Park for future growth and innovation
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has announced the relocation of its Head Office and laboratory facilities to Douglas House, Pentlands Science Park.
This strategic move marks another chapter in IOM’s evolution, enabling investment in their facilities, enhancing their service offering, and placing them at the heart of a vibrant scientific community.
SRUC selected for Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education USA Exchange
SRUC livestock experts have been selected to take part in a prestigious international programme designed to strengthen academic collaboration between the UK and the United States.
They will join scientists from seven other UK institutions in the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange 2026.
The announcement follows SRUC being awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for the third time, placing it among few Scottish institutions to have received the honour on more than two occasions.
Axol Bioscience to expand in Edinburgh after $2.8m funding deal
Axol Bioscience has secured $2.8 million (around £2.1 million) in funding, part of which will be used to expand its operations in Edinburgh.
The investment was led by US life sciences specialist BroadOak Capital Partners, with the company’s founding investor, the Roslin Foundation, also participating.
Source: Scottish Financial News
Native Scottish species under threat from disease and warming climate
Wildcats, puffins and trees such as the European Ash will be under critical threat without greater conservation measures, according to a “genetic scorecard” developed by scientists across Scotland.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and NatureScot have led the development of the most comprehensive analysis yet of the genetic health of Scotland’s native wild species.
Source: The Scotsman
Advancing microbiological testing with Moredun Scientific
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum took place on Tuesday 9th December 2025 at Pentlands Science Park, for a presentation and introduction to Moredun Scientific Ltd, to hear more about the company’s biosafety and microbiological testing services.
Dog food accounts for 1% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, study finds
Dog food accounts for 1% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to research that found wet, raw and meat-rich products were associated with substantially higher emissions than dry kibble.
Source: The Guardian
Archangels leverages £41m of investment in Scottish scale-ups in 2025
Edinburgh-based angel investment syndicate, Archangels, has leveraged £41.1 million of investment in Scottish scale-ups during 2025, in some of Scotland’s best early-stage tech and life science companies.
Source: Scottish Financial News
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum visit Ingenza's new purpose-built facility
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum guests gathered at the new location of Ingenza Ltd. The engineering biology company embarked on the development of this multi-million pound facility, on Pioneer - Edinburgh Technopole, to help drive ambitious growth plans.