A groundbreaking ceremony has celebrated the first major milestone in the delivery of the Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing (CVIM).
Laura Dance, newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer of the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), dug the topsoil with a silver spade to mark the start of work on the leading-edge global hub at The Pirbright Institute.
CVIM aims to revolutionise animal health solutions by advancing vaccine development and biomanufacturing capabilities. The centre is supported by funding from BBSRC, the Gates Foundation and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.
Acting as a catalyst for cutting-edge research, CVIM brings together leading scientists, researchers, and industry partners to address emerging animal health challenges.
CVIM will develop next-generation vaccines, improving disease resilience, and enhancing global biosecurity with a primary focus on orphan livestock and zoonotic diseases affecting low and-middle-income countries.
Laura Dance said: “This groundbreaking is an exciting step in realising the vision of CVIM. The new hub will enable us to drive vaccine development and biomanufacturing in animal health, making advances in disease resilience and global biosecurity, where research holds immense potential to protect and improve lives and livelihoods for all. Collaborative action is crucial in addressing global animal and human health needs and BBSRC is proud to work alongside key partners in the development of CVIM."
Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS FRS, Director of The Pirbright Institute, said: “We are delighted that Laura was able to join us to mark a new era of collaboration and progress in animal health. By combining our expertise in virology and vaccine development with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, CVIM will accelerate the delivery of vital solutions to safeguard livestock and livelihoods worldwide.”
Scitech’s Managing Director, Dave Grant, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion. Scitech has been deeply involved in this project from its inception, through the stages of basic and detailed design. We are honoured to have been awarded the contract to construct this state-of-the-art facility which will play a crucial role in addressing neglected and emerging livestock diseases, including zoonotic diseases that pose significant public health risks.”
The construction of CVIM aligns with national and international priorities to strengthen pandemic preparedness. Once completed, the facility will foster innovation, create high-skilled jobs and reinforce UK leadership in veterinary science and biotechnology.
The groundbreaking event was attended by key stakeholders including funders and industry leaders, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing animal health and global biosecurity.
