THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE

THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE

We are a world leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of viral diseases of farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. We receive strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and work to enhance capability to contain, control and eliminate these economically and medically important diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. The Institute employs around 450 staff, research students and visiting scientists, and has recently moved to one campus in Pirbright, Surrey, where investment by BBSRC has resulted in a redevelopment of the site and the construction of a high-level containment facility – the BBSRC National Virology Centre: The Plowright Building and a SAPO level two facility, The Jenner Building. 

Our work has a huge impact both nationally and internationally as we fulfil our mission to be the world’s leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock. We play a crucial role in protecting UK livestock from viruses that have huge socio-economic impact with a unique combination of fundamental research and applied science in diagnostics and control.

The Institute is home to Reference Laboratories that focus on surveillance of viruses that are not endemic, but pose a threat to the UK. These include foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV).  We provide the UK with its capability to monitor current and future threats from exotic viruses, to inform national and international government and non-governmental agencies, and to lead with efforts to best control exotic viruses if and when they arrive in the UK.

Last updated : June 28, 2023