University of Edinburgh x International Livestock Research Institute: Strategic research alliance launch

Building on decades of successful collaboration that has delivered practical benefits to small holder farmers and livestock keepers, on 29 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya the University of Edinburgh (UoE) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) renew their strategic research alliance, aiming to deepen the positive impact of livestock research on people and the environment in the Global South.

Founded on two core ambitions, the research alliance fosters joint research focused on key themes including one health and infectious diseases, food systems transformation, genetic improvement and sustainable livestock production; and supports career development and builds needed infrastructure through sharing expertise and deploying resources.

In 2021, the UoE and ILRI partnered with Community Jameel, Save the Children and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab to establish the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action housed on ILRI’s campus to better prepare for and act on environmental shocks. The alliance will further focus on positioning the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action as the key centre within CGIAR helping to strengthen early warning systems across East Africa.

The launch brings together members of UoE, ILRI, the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action and Community Jameel for the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding as well as opening remarks by Elsa Murano, board chair of ILR alongside Bruce Whitelaw, director of The Roslin Institute (UoE) and David Argyle, vice principal and head of CMVM (UoE) and a panel discussion considering the successes and opportunities for the future of the strategic alliance.