Dr. Bryan Charleston, has been appointed as Institute Director for The Pirbright Institute, a world-leading center for the prevention and control of viral diseases of livestock, which receives strategic investment from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
With a background in veterinary medicine, Dr. Charleston is a leading expert in the study of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). His research focuses on the immune response to FMDV in cattle to develop new and improved vaccines and diagnostics. He joined The Pirbright Institute (formerly known as the Institute of Animal Health) in 1994 and provides advice and expertise on the design of effective vaccine testing models for a wide range of pathogens in important agricultural species. He will take up the post immediately.
The Pirbright Institute is a UK National Institute of Bioscience. It carries out pioneering research into a variety of high consequence livestock diseases and develops innovative vaccines and diagnostics for use in the UK and globally.
Dr. Charleston said, “I am honored and delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead The Pirbright Institute. Pirbright provides the UK with its capability to control highly infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth and bluetongue with a combination of fundamental research into host-virus interaction, development of new vaccines and advanced diagnostic testing.
“With its global reputation for excellence in research that improves animal health and fights disease, Pirbright helps protect the livelihoods of farmers and national economies around the world. I look forward to guiding the Institute to continued success and to strengthening our research collaborations at home and abroad."
Professor Quintin McKellar, Chair of the Institute’s Trustee Board, said, “I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Charleston has been appointed to the position of Institute Director on a permanent basis.
“Bryan has already demonstrated his leadership ability over the past 14 months as interim Director. He has played an integral role in the success of the Institute over the past 22 years, during which time he has become a world-leader on immune responses in cattle to foot-and-mouth disease virus. The Trustee Board is certain that his experience, collaborative approach to scientific research and high quality leadership will ensure an outstanding future for the Institute."
Professor Melanie Welham, BBSRC Chief Executive, said, “I’m delighted that Dr. Charleston will be leading The Pirbright Institute. The excellent research of the Institute is key to preventing livestock disease and improving welfare and so safeguarding agriculture in the UK and around the world.”
