0
Vital JSR Genetics collaborative research into the generation and transportation of pig embryos has seen the project scoop two prestigious awards at the recent University of Kent Innovation Awards.
The first for Impact through knowledge exchange was awarded to professor Darren Griffin of the University of Kent’s School of Biosciences, while the second was awarded jointly to JSR Genetics, Professor Griffin and "The Bridge" IVF centre in London for outstanding industry and academia collaboration.
The ongoing collaborative project adapts human technology to introduce a more environmentally sustainable alternative to current pig farming production and logistics through the generation and transport of pig embryos.
The five-year project has been one of the most prolific collaborations in the University’s history in terms of research outputs, impact and funding, with over £1.3 million given to the venture and over 50 published scholarly research articles.
Managing director of JSR Genetics Dr Grant Walling said: “We were delighted to find that the impact of the research and collaboration with partners was recognised with these two awards.
“The collaboration with The London Bridge Fertility, Gynaecology & Genetics Centre and the University of Kent has provided all the partners with many benefits over the past five years and goes from strength to strength.”
The research was judged to have had an impact in many areas, including: public health - the research has led to the formation of the clinic for the prevention of genetic disease; public policy - the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the body which regulates IVF in the UK, is currently considering the impact of the universal preimplantation genetic diagnosis test; public opinion - evidenced by Professor Griffin’s appearance in BBC Sunday morning debate shows, national radio and broadsheet newspapers; food security and sustainability due to pork being the most consumed meat worldwide; and environmental issues reducing the climatic and environmental impact of pork production especially in nations with growing agricultural sectors with historical models of production inefficiency.
November 15, 2012 - JSR Genetics
