PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING VIRAL DISEASES

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 228824 REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 00559784 CONTENTS THE INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020

PIRBRIGHT: HIGHLIGHTS 1 Significant contribution by 3 Despite the difficulties brought 6 Design of a new effective and Pirbright to the UK’s COVID-19 about by COVID-19, Pirbright has affordable vaccine for diagnostic and surveillance continued its research foot-and -mouth disease, effort through the loan of our licensed to a global animal health specialist equipment and by the 4 A new strategic bioimaging company volunteering of our highly collaboration between Pirbright trained staff and the Electron Bioimaging 7 Significant progress in Centre at Diamond Light Source the development of a vital 2 Working closely with the which is enabling our scientists vaccine for African swine fever, University of Oxford, Jenner to study viral diseases in a devastating disease that Institute ( a partnership between greater detail has resulted in the reduction of the University and Pirbright ), China’s pig stock by nearly and Imperial College London 5 Receipt of a US$5.5 million 40 percent to test three different vaccine grant from the Bill & Melinda candidates in pigs, which Gates Foundation to establish 8 Further progress in have similar immune the Pirbright Livestock Antibody the development and responses to humans Hub, aimed at improving animal construction of Pirbright’s and human health globally new research facilities as part of the One Health Agenda

3 Trustees’ Report 46 Balance Sheet Incorporating the Strategic Report 47 Statement of Cash Flows 41 Independent Auditor’s Report 48 Notes to the Financial The Cover image: Inside front: www.pirbright.ac.uk Pirbright scientist BBSRC National Virology 43 Principal Statements working on COVID-19 (right) and Vaccinolgy Accounting Policies @Pirbright_Inst in containment level 3 Centres at Pirbright. 60 Reference and laboratories in sealed @ThePirbrightInstitute Photography: 45 Statement of Administrator cabinets. © James Brittain 2020 Financial Activities Details The Pirbright Institute Photography: © Ed Brydon

2 | | 3 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 TRUSTEES’ REPORT INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT

FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

As Chair of Trustees of The Pirbright Institute, Despite the recent challenges, the Institute Strategic capital investment from the I am delighted to present our Trustees’ Report has had a very successful 2019-2020. Like many Biotechnology and Biological Sciences incorporating the Strategic Report for the Year other research organisations, COVID-19 has Research Council part of UK Research and ending 31 March 2020. impacted on our international collaborations Innovation (BBSRC UKRI) has enabled Reflecting back on this year it is impossible and some research projects, particularly since Pirbright to move forward on the second not to contrast the pre- and post COVID-19 lock-down. We continue to operate essential phase of its development programme and pandemic months. The emergence of the science which has mitigated the financial I am delighted to report the new Houghton novel severe acute respiratory syndrome impact of COVID-19 on the Institute. Facility, a specified pathogen free poultry coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late December Pirbright has been quick to offer the UK the laboratory, is now complete, enabling future 2019 has been an event that has dramatically benefit of its expertise in the prevention and research into diseases of poultry including changed people’s lives in so many ways, and control of viral diseases of livestock and has avian flu, infectious bursal disease and Marek’s one that history will not forget. been successful in achieving grants for future disease. It has also been a defining moment for coronavirus research in animals, including Work on the new high containment large the global research community as scientists SARS-CoV-2. I look forward to seeing the animal facility (The Brooksby Building) around the world work together to understand results of this research in the coming months. continues at pace and is on track for more about SARS-CoV-2 and effective ways to Pirbright has had a successful coronavirus completion in 2022, cementing Pirbright’s both prevent and control it. Never before has research programme for many years, primarily position as the UK’s, and indeed one of the research been highlighted in the non-scientific aimed at understanding and preventing world’s, leading research facilities in highly community so clearly as a crucial element in two diseases: infectious bronchitis virus, infectious diseases of livestock. the control of disease globally, and the critical a coronavirus that affects poultry, and a All of these achievements are only possible role scientists play in supporting government deltacoronavirus of pigs. We are using our because of the high calibre of research and and public health in disease diagnosis, control expertise and unique facilities to support support staff we have at Pirbright, and this has and prevention. research efforts to control this pandemic and been brought into focus even more this year Throughout my career working in the field future emerging viral diseases, particularly in as the Institute continues to deliver research of viral , including flu pandemics, I research and vaccine development. outputs with global impact, against an have never experienced anything quite like The Institute continues its science increasingly challenging backdrop, including COVID-19, which is causing great harm to programmes into other important livestock COVID-19 and Brexit preparations. world economies and human health. diseases with global impact such as foot-and- The Trustee Board has been especially I am particularly proud of the contribution mouth disease, African swine fever, lumpy skin impressed by the flexibility and rapid response Pirbright has made to the UK’s COVID-19 disease, and influenza. of Pirbright staff to the COVID-19 pandemic diagnostics and surveillance efforts by We have made substantial progress in the and is delighted with the professionalism mobilising our high throughput diagnostic development of vaccines against many of demonstrated by all who work and study at equipment and volunteering our highly- these diseases and continue to increase our the Institute and would like to thank everyone trained staff at centres around the country. reputation worldwide as a centre of excellence for their enormous efforts and continued I am convinced that continued investment in research and diagnostics of livestock viruses commitment in these very difficult times. in disease research will result in an increased as well as viral zoonoses. This is evidenced by understanding and ability to combat this virus the continued investment in Pirbright research Professor John Stephenson and other novel diseases when they appear. as income has increased in 2019-2020, Chair of the Trustee Board including a £4.2 million (US$5.5 million) grant The Pirbright Institute from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub and £1.5 million from Defra to investigate alternative ways to detect foot-and-mouth disease virus on farms. BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre: The Jenner Building

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“The continuing A FUTURE FREE emergence FROM DISEASE of new viral diseases, such as COVID-19, demands robust research Last year I opened my Director’s Welcome with Scientists at Pirbright have also continued These initiatives help to ensure that global and collective the words “Emerging diseases, particularly to study animal coronaviruses, including governments can put in place mechanisms to viruses that have the potential to cause infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), which protect economic and food security as well as efforts that can pandemics in animals and humans, are a causes severe disease in poultry, and a animal and human health and wellbeing. growing concern”. deltacoronavirus which infects pigs. We have Indeed, the position of Pirbright as a A new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory responded rapidly to the COVID-19 pandemic global leader in diseases that affect animal respond to syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), using our expertise in animal coronaviruses, and human health was strengthened by the emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 before diagnostic capabilities and specialist facilities successful review of our Institute Strategic rapidly changing rapidly spreading around the world. At the to help combat this disease. Programme Grants (ISPGs) halfway into the time of writing (9 July 2020) this viral zoonosis, Our staff are volunteering at diagnostic five-year funding cycle. This funding from outbreak a virus that jumps from animals into humans, testing sites across , and we have BBSRC UKRI underpins our efforts to study has infected more than 12,077,210 people and loaned UK government our specialist viral diseases from the perspective of both the scenarios.” resulted in 550,327 deaths, and the figures equipment to help the diagnostic effort. virus and the host it infects. BBSRC UKRI also keep climbing. (Source COVID-19 dashboard We have also begun testing three different supports the Core Capability Grant, which is by the Center for Systems Science and vaccines on pigs developed by the University essential to maintain Pirbright’s high and low Engineering at John Hopkins University). of Oxford, (a partnership containment buildings and other specialist COVID-19 is not the only disease to have between Pirbright and the University of facilities. caused a global threat in the past year either. Oxford), and Imperial College London. The continuing emergence of new viral African swine fever (ASF), a devasting and Similarities between the life cycles of different diseases, such as COVID-19, demands deadly disease of pigs, continues to sweep coronaviruses could also reveal targets for robust research and collective efforts that through the pig farms of Asia resulting in the broad-spectrum control methods. can respond to rapidly changing outbreak reduction of China’s pig herd by nearly 40 A new strategic bioimaging collaboration scenarios. Pirbright’s global collaborations percent in one year. Both diseases threaten between Diamond Light Source and Pirbright, with research institutes, universities, science global food supplies and economies, neither will further facilitate this research by allowing networks, biotech and industry, together with has a vaccine. our scientists access to techniques and the support received from BBSRC UKRI, Bill & Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a facilities that will enable them to study viral Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust devastating and highly infectious disease of diseases in greater detail. The facilities at and other leading funding bodies, means cloven-footed animals, is present in many Diamond played a key role in the research that we are better equipped than ever to be countries worldwide and is moving into that led the design of a new FMD vaccine able to support the UK’s and the wider global new regions causing economic and health funded by Defra and Wellcome and response to new and existing diseases. hardship, particularly in areas where farmers licensed to MSD Animal Health in 2019. The rely on livestock to survive. African horse exclusive commercial license means this new Professor Bryan Charleston sickness (AHS), a lethal disease of horses technology will be taken into development, Director and CEO The Pirbright Institute which has been present in Africa for some registration and manufacturing for a new, time, has been recently confirmed by Pirbright effective and affordable vaccine to protect to be circulating in Thailand. Scientists in the livestock from FMD. Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratory also The Institute grew its worldwide academic identified the serotype that was responsible collaborations with our scientists sharing their for the outbreak, which is important in expertise and technology through multiple choosing the most effective vaccine. networks.The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharper focus why working with partners across the world is so important in tackling emerging diseases. The entrance to the BBSRC National Virology Centre: The Plowright Building

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Dr Sandy PIRBRIGHT’S OUR GOVERNANCE Primrose ENGAGING PURPOSE The Pirbright Institute is an independent company, limited by guarantee Dr Sandy Primrose and a registered charity, governed by a Board of non-executive Trustee has detailed WITH OUR Directors. Research at the Institute is reviewed by an independent group business knowledge of leading scientists who comprise of the Science Advisory Board and and his broad expertise has been STAKEHOLDERS gained at a senior level in diverse As a predominantly whose role it is to provide advice and guidance on science strategy and industries including pharmaceuticals, direction. diagnostics, medical devices, publicly funded instrumentation, food microbiology, organisation, OUR MISSION CHAIR OF THE TRUSTEE BOARD: Pirbright’s aim is to prevent and control viral radio chemicals, fine chemicals and engaging with all diseases of livestock and those that spread Professor John Stephenson environmental testing. our stakeholders between animals and humans (zoonoses). Professor John Stephenson became Chair on 1 January 2019. He has is an essential part had a distinguished research career, with a long-standing interest in the of our operation interaction between virus infection and the immune system. He holds Sir Bertie Ross OUR VALUES Sir Bertie Ross retired and funding honorary professorships at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical The Institute employs over 430 staff and in June 2013 after a Medicine and the University of Liverpool and is an Independent requirements. Our students. It is situated on a state-of-the-art long and varied career Scientific and Technical Advisor (ISTA) for the Surgeon General. key stakeholders campus in Pirbright, . Our core values including as Head of inform all that we do: and how we TRUSTEES: the London Agricultural Department at real estate provider Savills. He engage with them Passion – for the highest Ian Bateman Professor was appointed a member of the are outlined in the Ian Bateman is currently Prince’s Council in 1997 and Secretary table below: quality standards, delivery and Vince Emery Photography: © James Brittain 2020 Director of Quality Professor Vince Emery and Keeper of the Records (Chief performance at NHS Blood and is Emeritus Professor Executive Officer) for the Duchy of STAKEHOLDERS HOW WE ENGAGE Transplant. He is an of Translational Cornwall. After retiring he became a – in everything we do; FUNDERS We engage with funders at all stages of the funding process and have regular Reliability Executive Director and Board Member Virology at the and consultant to three organisations, has dialogue and face-to-face meetings with our key investors. Please see page 20 leadership, learning, biosecurity, with significant strategic leadership holds an Honorary Professorship in been a trustee of five companies and ‘Investment in Science’ for further information. problem anticipation and experience in healthcare organisations Virology at UCL. currently holds several Directorships in both public and private sectors. He in small businesses. PUBLIC We engage with the public through our Outreach and Public Engagement containment of unexpected events has a strong background in corporate programmes. Further details can be found in ‘Science For All’ on page 18. leadership of quality, regulatory affairs, Roger Louth RESEARCH Pirbright has numerous collaborations with universities, research institutes and Innovation – is the driving force corporate governance, assurance, Roger Louth was a Professor ORGANISATIONS disease control agencies around the world. More details can be found in ‘Global behind our fundamental and risk, health and safety, environment senior civil servant in David Rowlands the Department for Professor Rowlands is AND PARTNERS Partners’ on page 24. applied science. Our work is management and continuous improvement. Business Innovation and an emeritus Professor PHARMA Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies are essential for vaccine positioned at the cutting edge Skills. In his final post before retirement of Molecular Virology and Visiting development, diagnostics and medicines. Find out more on ‘Working with of science to deliver solutions for in 2011 he was responsible for the Research Professor at the University Industrial Partners’ on page 23. Ian Black strategic financial management of the of Leeds. He worked at the Animal FARMERS We engage with farmers, through farming bodies and through farming global good Ian Black worked as a senior Virus Research Institute (now The Government’s £6 billion per annum publications and the media including BBC and Radio 4’s Farming executive in a number Pirbright Institute), before transferring Science and Research Budget. Today, as well as at agricultural events. Dignity and respect – we of global organisations, to industry, holding positions at respect and trust all in our diverse including various roles Wellcome Biotech and the Wellcome EMPLOYEES Employee Engagement forms a central part of our overall strategy and we have a community covering strategy, HR, IT, quality and Dr Vanessa Foundation. range of ways of communicating with staff and gaining their feedback including marketing services, and served as a Mayatt OBE forums, staff briefings, surveys and focus groups. More information is available member or chair of board committees Dr Vanessa L Mayatt on page 30. Excellence – we aim to deliver OBE was appointed to for audit, remuneration, nominations and Jane Tirard One of the ways we engage with scientific suppliers is through an annual the best in all aspects of our work The Pirbright Institute Jane has over 30 years SUPPLIERS strategy in the public and private sectors. Suppliers’ Day held at Pirbright. We also have several points of contact with including health, safety, biosafety, board in 2013 and has been the chair of of experience of all aspects of strategic visitors and contractors. scientific research, customer the board’s Risk & Assurance Committee Jon Coles since it was established in 2015. She financial planning, LOCAL Our neighbours are extremely important to us and we engage through service and protecting the Jon Coles was a senior has held senior positions in HSE, global financial management, financial COMMUNITY sponsorship and corporate social responsibility initiatives such as Fox Corner environment. Partner at Brunswick Group risk management consultancies and accounting, systems and processes. Conservation and working with the Parish and Local Councils. Our scientists also LLP, a leading international insurers. Whilst operating her own As a result of her roles she has a visit local schools and colleges, more information can be found on page 18. communications working knowledge of government We take PRIDE in being a world-class risk management consultancy, she REGULATORS As a Major Hazard site, Pirbright forges close working relationships with its consultancy, where he advised the departments, funding councils, organisation where knowledge, expertise, undertook academic research as a AND regulators such as the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE), National Counter Boards of Directors of global groups academia and the pharmaceutical facilities, professional excellence and rigorous university research fellow and became GOVERNMENTS Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Home Office. Pirbright is on strategic communications and academic, biosafety and ethical standards, the Chief Executive of a research body. industry. Her last position was as the predominantly publicly funded and informs government policy in livestock corporate reputation. His particular focus allied with openness and transparency, She has held previous board director Director of Finance and Corporate disease control and engages regularly with BBSRC UKRI, PHE, Defra and others. combine to generate global health and was on clients in the pharmaceutical, roles in the Public Health Laboratory Services at the Diamond Light Source, Pirbright has a vibrant student community and we are committed to supporting, economic impacts. biotechnology and Service and the Health Protection the UK’s national synchrotron science STUDENTS nurturing and offering additional learning and training opportunities. Find out industries. Agency. In 2016 she was made an OBE facility. more on page 32. for services to public and animal health.

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ANIMAL RESEARCH SERVICES OUR SCIENCE The animal facilities at Pirbright are managed by a specialist team of experts AND EXPERTISE who prioritise the welfare and care of the animals by treating them with compassion and respect, going above and beyond the legal requirements set by the Home Office. The Pirbright Institute provides the In 2019 Pirbright received a Leader in UK with its capacity to predict, detect, Openness award from Understanding understand and respond to the threat Animal Research (UAR) in recognition of viral diseases of livestock and those of its commitment to animal welfare as that spread between animals and a signatory of the UAR Concordat on people, with potentially devastating Openness on Animal Research in the UK. health and economic consequences. We receive strategic funding from BIORISK BBSRC UKRI for capital development The unique high containment research and our science programmes, as buildings at the Institute that facilitate the well as our core capability grant. study of highly infectious animal viruses, The Institute also receives income Sir John Kingman visited Pirbright and unveiled ‘The Bull’ to mark the 60th including in vitro and in vivo study facilities, via competitive grant applications anniversary of the World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease. mean that Pirbright is designated a Major Pigs used in research are from other funders including, but From left to right: Professor John Stephenson, Chair of the Trustee Board, Hazard site and is subject to intense given enrichment to provide a stimulating environment not limited to, Department for Professor Bryan Charleston, Director and CEO, Sir John Kingman, Chair of regulations and scrutiny. UKRI, and Dr Michael Johnson, Director of Capability Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Managing the inherent biorisk requires (Defra), Medical Research Council in-house, high containment engineering (MRC), Wellcome Trust, Bill & Melinda PROGRAMME 1: ENHANCED HOST with its ability to prepare for, and respond to, and health, safety and biosafety expertise. Gates Foundation, and the Defence RESPONSES FOR DISEASE CONTROL high consequence livestock and zoonotic This is complemented by openness and Advanced Research Projects Agency Led by Professor John Hammond, the Host viral diseases that threaten the UK, helping cooperation with all of our regulatory (DARPA). Research Programme focuses on immunology, to maintain food security, economic stability, bodies. Pirbright’s world-class staff are BBSRC UKRI supports our two core , entomology, vaccinology and health and wellbeing. This was demonstrated nationally and internationally recognised for research programmes – one linked bioinformatics in the study of the natural hosts during the race to develop a new vaccine to their knowledge and leadership in this area to the study of viruses, the other to of viruses, including livestock and insects combat COVID-19 as the Institute was able to and collaborate with partners globally to the study of hosts – through two under high containment. The goal of the test several vaccine candidates in pigs in its offer support and advice in managing high Institute Strategic Programme Grants research is to develop new methods for the high containment large animal facilities. containment facilities. (ISPGs). Following a successful review control of viral diseases through an enhanced in 2019, this funding was guaranteed understanding of the host and host- REFERENCE LABORATORIES BIOIMAGING Imaging facilities in Mathematical for the final two years of the five-year virus interactions. The reference laboratories housed at Pirbright Pirbright has dedicated bioimaging facilities laboratories at The modelling that shows funding period. The unique facilities perform the vital function of monitoring with confocal microscopes, electron Pirbright Institute. the potential spread of bluetongue in the UK and expertise at the Institute provide PROGRAMME 2: UNDERSTANDING livestock for viral diseases including foot- microscopes, flow cytometry and cell sorters Photography: it with the capability for fundamental AND PREVENTING VIRAL DISEASES and-mouth disease, African swine fever, that enable our scientists to investigate © Andy Newbold 2018 Image by Dr Simon Gubbins and applied research that inform each Dr Toby Tuthill leads the Virus Research bluetongue and African horse sickness, and viral infection in detail both inside and other. This fosters innovative research Programme designed to understand, at the are part of the UK ‘s National Capability to outside high containment. In 2019 the and the development of methods to molecular and cellular level, how viruses protect itself from infectious pathogens of Institute entered a strategic partnership prevent, diagnose and control high replicate, evolve, spread and cause disease, animals. The reference laboratories also work with the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre consequence viral diseases, helping including for highly infectious or virulent closely with our research laboratories so that (eBIC) at Diamond Light Source, the UK’s to protect animal and human health viruses that must be studied under high fundamental and applied research inform one national synchrotron science facility. eBIC and the economy. containment. This knowledge will another and enhance our ability to control viral houses powerful transmission cryo-electron Pirbright’s importance help produce better methods for disease. microscopes that will allow our scientists as a National Capability the diagnosis, prediction and The international reference laboratories to pursue viral research at unprecedented was reinforced by a very control of disease. are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, a UKAS levels of detail. successful visit from Sir accredited laboratory number 4025. In 2019- John Kingman, the Chair False colour electron 2020 Pirbright confirmed outbreaks of all the BIOINFORMATICS of UK Research and micrograph of African swine above diseases in countries around the world Disease modelling is important for the fever virus (ASFV) particles Innovation (UKRI) in July (red) in an infected cell including a recent outbreak of African horse prediction and control of viral diseases. 2019. Sir John toured sickness outside of Africa which occurred in Pirbright biomathematicians use complex Thailand. Its diagnostic capabilities are now Pirbright’s campus, visiting PROTECTING THE UK mathematical computation to understand multiple laboratories that As a global centre for supporting the UK diagnostic activities for the disease transmission and spread between house the Institute’s world excellence, the specialist COVID-19 pandemic. animals, farms and beyond. This type of class science and viewing the modelling is crucial when new and existing Researcher working in the facilities and expertise at BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre: construction of new facilities Pirbright represent a unique diseases emerge, as demonstrated in the The Jenner Building funded by BBSRC UKRI, which will national asset that provides the country COVID-19 outbreak where government increase our research capacity. policy was led by scientific models.

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Pirbright’s research has global impact. Fundamental and applied science SCIENTIFIC generates results that aid the development of new vaccines and treatments and IMPACT inform disease control policy.

virus (ASFV) that generate strong immune CORONAVIRUS cell responses and transferred them into REPLICATION viral vectors; viruses which deliver the ASF To study the locations within the cell where proteins to pig cells, but are not harmful to porcine deltacoronavirus, a coronavirus pigs. Further research is needed, but it is that infects pigs, makes new copies of itself hoped that these vector vaccines will provide during replication, scientists at Pirbright used an alternative to vaccines developed using electron microscopy to visualise structures, weakened strains of ASFV to help control the called replication organelles, similar to spread of this devastating pig disease. those found in cells infected with other coronaviruses. The world’s Dr Joshua Sealy sampling attention has been focused USING INFECTIOUS chickens for influenza virus on coronaviruses due to the BRONCHITIS in a market in Vietnam COVID-19 pandemic and MUTATION FOR of infection were higher in the chickens of establishing consistent steps, VACCINE DESIGN retailers that had a greater number of unsold structures and locations in the One method of generating a ducks per day and that avian influenza viruses life cycle across the virus family weakened strain of infectious from the same market were genetically could facilitate the development bronchitis virus (IBV) for use more similar than those from other markets of broad-spectrum control as a vaccine is growing the or provinces. This information could inform methods to tackle the diseases virus in eggs, and then passing vaccination strategies in poultry populations. RINDERPEST, they cause. the virus onto another batch of eggs repeatedly. In looking at the genetic changes SEQUENCED AND that occur during this process our scientists NIPAH VACCINE TRIGGERS PROMISING PROTEINS FOR ‘IMPRESSIVE’ IMMUNE DESTROYED ASF VACCINE CANDIDATES demonstrated that IBV vaccines produced In June 2019 scientists in the World African swine fever (ASF) continues to using this method have unpredictable RESPONSE Two new potential vaccines against Nipah decimate pigs in Asia. One year on from mutations that may be prone to revert to a Reference Laboratory for Rinderpest at virus developed by the University of Parma China’s first reported outbreak, the country’s wild type or new strain in the field. However, Pirbright destroyed the final rinderpest virus generate a strong immune response in pigs Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Affairs they also identified a few genetic mutation stocks held in its archive (apart from a minimal according to Pirbright research. Nipah virus reported China’s pig herd had reduced by hotspots that seem to be conserved and number of reference samples). Before typically infects bats, but pigs can become nearly 40 percent, impacting on global protein may therefore be a characteristic of vaccines infected by consuming fruit contaminated destruction the genetic information of each production and consumption and causing developed this way. These findings reinforce with bat secretions. Spread of the virus from stock was recorded through full-genome economic hardship. Pirbright’s ASF research the need to ensure that changes made to IBV pigs to humans was responsible for the first sequencing. This action completed a major programme has been in operation since vaccines are both reliable and achieve the best and most severe human Nipah outbreak in 1963 and our scientists continue to share protection. The team will use this information milestone in the World Organisation for Malaysia during 1998-99. The two vaccines their knowledge and expertise with countries to inform the development of weakened Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agriculture generated strong antibody and cellular around the world. viruses that have been genetically modified in Organization of the United Nations (FAO) immune responses in pigs, both of Pirbright scientists have identified 18 the lab for use as vaccines. programme to ensure the world remains free proteins encoded by African swine fever from rinderpest disease, which was declared FLU SPREAD IN POULTRY to be eradicated in 2011. The FAO estimates TRADING that the eradication of rinderpest has The structure of the networks involved alleviated losses of US$920 million each year in live poultry trading in Vietnam can influence the transmission of avian influenza viruses, say in Africa alone. Pirbright remains one of only which are important for Pirbright scientists. Working with partners at five designated global Rinderpest Holding protection against Nipah virus. the National Centre for Veterinary Diagnostics Facilities. These results provide a solid basis for in Vietnam and Oxford University Clinical further investigation, and it is hoped that by Research Unit, they were able to demonstrate preventing spread of the virus through pig that when retailers purchased chickens from Section from bovine duodenum populations, the vaccines would also lower the middle-men, the birds had an increased showing rinderpest virus chances of humans contracting the disease False colour electron micrograph of African chance of being infected compared to those infection. Green indicates swine fever virus (ASFV) infecting a cell. ASFV which supports the ‘One Health’ approach to those cells which are infected that were bought directly from large farms. in turquoise, mitochondria in blue disease prevention and control. by the virus Researchers also uncovered that the odds

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CLIMATE CHANGE EXTENDS UK MIDGE SEASON A team of scientists from Pirbright, , the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the Met Office gathered data across two UK sites over nearly 40 years that PhPhotography: ©F A Murphy; J Dalrymple shows differences in the adult active period of the Culicoides biting midge. This is the first of current RVF more physiologically compared to their equivalents in humans evidence that the UK midge season has extended due to climate change, which could vaccines, such as and anatomically and other animals. Scientists also produced have consequences for the health of animals susceptible to the diseases they carry. The causing pregnancy similar to humans than the first specific antibodies for the chicken findings may help scientists to make better predictions about how the spread of livestock complications or those small mammals proteins, allowing them to examine the diseases that are transmitted by midges, such as bluetongue, might alter in response to the requirement often used in research, interactions and effects of these proteins future climate change. for multiple booster so they can also be used more closely and setting the stage for vaccinations. This work is to study the mechanisms the development of immunotherapy a key step in development that lead to immune treatments that block the pathway, which of a new vaccine, which could protection. could revive immune cells and therefore be the first to be used against the enable them to clear infection. same virus in both animals and humans. FAT AND PROTEIN IMPORTANT IN MAREK’S MAPPING AFRICAN SWINE False colour electron PIGS ARE A GOOD MODEL DISEASE REPLICATION FEVER VIRUS GENES micrograph of an RVF virus- In two separate studies Pirbright scientists African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large infected cell, RVF virus in blue FOR HUMAN FLU VACCINE TESTING have shown that fat production pathways are DNA virus whose genome includes 150- Flu vaccines are selected each year based necessary for Marek’s disease virus (MDV) 190 genes. In a comprehensive genetic RIFT VALLEY FEVER on the previous year’s prevalent strains and to make new copies in infected cells. Fat study using next generation sequencing it is important to test them to ensure they production induced by virus replication is techniques, scientists at Pirbright and VACCINE SAFE FOR provide the best protection possible against also important for suppression of the anti- University College London (UCL) were the PREGNANT ANIMALS the seasonal burden of influenza. In looking viral response and can be blocked, which first to map the expression of those genes, Scientists from Pirbright, The Jenner for new ways to test effectiveness, a study by the researchers will test in further studies. determining when and how they are turned Institute, Wageningen University Research in Culicoides biting midge is responsible for the spread researchers at the Institute suggests that pigs Researchers also demonstrated that infected on or off throughout the cycle of infection. the Netherlands, BioVacc Consulting of several animal diseases, including bluetongue are a good model for evaluating vaccines cells seem to be ‘addicted’ to glutamine, an The study also uncovered new, previously Ltd and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research designed to protect against seasonal human amino acid building block found in proteins. unknown, genes and findings with Programme in Kenya have shown that a new flu. When pigs were infected with the 2009 Cells infected with MDV, which causes a deadly potential to provide vital information for the vaccine is effective at protecting pregnant for specific immune cell receptors are H1N1 swine flu pandemic virus they produced cancer in chickens, increase their uptake of development of vaccines and antiviral drugs sheep and goats from Rift Valley fever extremely diverse and differ from those of lower levels of virus if they were immunised glutamine and are unable to survive without to help prevent this deadly pig disease. (RVF), a debilitating disease that can also other livestock relatives. This research could with a single dose of the vaccine used during it. Scientists will also study whether blocking be transmitted to humans. The new vaccine inform livestock genotyping platforms for the 2017-18 human influenza season. Pigs are glutamine uptake could lessen MDV infection overcomes technical and safety drawbacks UNDERSTANDING GOAT the purpose of breeding healthier, disease- and reduce the spread of the disease. IMMUNE KILLER CELLS resistant animals. In order to better understand how goat and Goats at a market in Nigeria IMPACT OF POX VIRUSES sheep natural killer (NK) cells recognise DUAL POULTRY VACCINE ON NIGERIAN FARMS when other cells are infected by invasive The powerful gene editing tool CRISPR/ Lumpy skin disease (LSD) sheeppox and viruses or other microbes, scientists at Cas9 has been used by Pirbright researchers goatpox (SGP) are caused by infection with Pirbright studied the genes that code for the to create a vaccine for poultry that will capripoxviruses and are found throughout proteins on the NK cell surface, known as protect against both Marek’s disease and large parts of Africa and Asia, though they receptors. These receptors detect infected avian influenza. Using the technology, occasionally also spread into Europe. Pirbright cells and initiate their destruction to halt the an avian influenza gene that codes for researchers found that outbreaks of these spread of microorganisms. Using advanced haemagglutinin (HA) is inserted into the diseases have an immediate and long-lasting sequencing technology to obtain accurate turkey herpesvirus (HVT) that is used in impact on the livelihoods of farmers in North- genetic information, they found that goat Marek’s disease vaccines. HA is an influenza East Nigeria. On average farmers lose a third and sheep virus protein found on the virus surface that of their herd value after SGP or LSD outbreaks. genes enables it to enter host cells and is As LSD and SGP vaccines are currently therefore an important target of unavailable in Nigeria, the research helped the host immune response. This scientists to suggest potential tailored control new method will reduce the time strategies, rather than blanket procedures that it takes manufacturing companies to adapt To create a new treatment for this disease, could prove to be ineffective. their vaccine strains to match flu mutations, Pirbright researchers engineered synthetic allowing for faster responses to outbreaks antibody molecules which bind to the H9N2 POULTRY CELL DEATH and improved protection. virus that they were able to use to prevent PROTEINS IDENTIFIED the virus from entering cells in tissue culture. Two chicken proteins that may be involved ENGINEERED Intranasal administration of the antibody to in immune regulation of cancerous cells and ANTIBODIES FOR chickens reduced the amount of virus and viral infection, named Programmed cell death AVIAN INFLUENZA resulted in the chickens continuing to gain 1 (PD-1) and Programmed cell death ligand 1 Avian influenza, such as the H9N2 weight, when compared to chickens that did (PD-L1), have been characterised by Pirbright strain, poses a great risk to the not receive the antibody, since these birds researchers. Activation of these proteins is poultry industry as well as lost weight due to infection. Further work is known to cause immune cell ‘exhaustion’ and people due to its ability required to determine the effectiveness of this prevent the immune system from destroying to mutate and adapt to promising immunotherapy treatment option, infected cells. Both proteins were shown new mammalian hosts. which could be adapted for other diseases of to have similar structures and interactions animals and people.

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THE HOUGHTON FACILITY The Houghton Facility is Pirbright’s purpose-built Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) poultry facility dedicated to the incubation, hatching and growth of birds. This means poultry research centre for viral diseases of livestock, disease, the project is being facilitated by an reared in the building are guaranteed to be free of disease, it is facilitating collaborative work such as the investment of £6.5 million from BBSRC UKRI Livestock Antibody Hub and UK Immunological and will enable the transfer of current avian enabling scientists to carry out research knowing the birds Toolbox. research from temporary facilities. have no underlying conditions or previous exposure that could interfere with experiments. The £4 million Houghton Facility THE PHILIP MELLOR INSECTARY FUTURE PLANS was made possible through a £250 million investment by The Insectary provides the infrastructure for Pirbright’s vision is to deliver a campus which BBSRC UKRI and is an essential part of government strategy in the production, growth and maintenance fulfils its objectives and adapts to changing helping secure the UK’s food supply since diseases of poultry of unique mosquito and midge colonies. needs in the viral research landscape. £7 cost the UK £146.7 million annually. The building was named in honour of million in capital funding from BBSRC UKRI will Professor Philip Mellor, who expanded enable completion of two critical infrastructure entomology research at Pirbright. Insects projects for the site: a new effluent treatment reared in the Insectary can act as vectors plant to service the high containment animal to spread diseases of veterinary, medical facility (early 2021) and a combined heat and and agricultural importance. Culicoides power plant to deliver 95 percent of Pirbright’s biting midges, Aedes and Culex mosquito electricity demand (mid 2021). species, including genetically modified lines, Future facilities, under the next Phase 3 of are among the those housed in the Insectary. development (funding permitted), include: These insects can be studied in and out of high • Additional low containment laboratory containment (using The Plowright Building) • New insectary A GLOBAL to improve understanding of the relationship • Stores and facility management centre CENTRE OF between virus, vector and host. • New administration building EXCELLENCE • Car park Photography: © James Brittain 2020 Brittain James © Photography: THE IS4L INSECTARY Research into the genetics of various insect SUSTAINABILITY Pirbright’s unique site comprises species and the ability to manipulate these The Institute is committed to environmental fundamental research and applied to create new infection and transmission sustainability and is undertaking 15 projects science in both high and low resistant lines to viruses such as West Nile that will make a positive contribution. These containment research laboratories and Zika is crucial to control these vector will be completed over the next two to three and animal facilities. borne diseases. The IS4L insectary features years and will reduce energy consumption, specialised temperature and humidity rooms help reduce our carbon emissions and make to produce insects. There is a critical shortage us more efficient. The Institute will base its THE BBSRC NATIONAL VIROLOGY of insectary facilities in the UK, so this facility environmental objectives around the UKRI CENTRE: THE PLOWRIGHT BUILDING will be developed to further enhance insectary Environmental Sustainability Strategy which The Plowright Building is a high containment capability in the future. drives towards a zero-carbon future. (SAPO4) research facility. It is an essential facility for the Institute’s two scientific The following figures reflect the Institute’s best THE BROOKSBY BUILDING estimates of its environmental impact during programmes, allowing in vitro research into Currently under construction and due for the 2019-2020 financial year virus diseases of livestock, including the study completion in 2022, The Brooksby Building is of highly infectious viruses such as foot-and- a high containment laboratory designed for GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever in vivo experimental work on viral diseases EMISSIONS TONNES CO2e (ASF). In 2019 the facilities in the building such as FMD and ASF. It will provide the UK Scope 1 : Gas 3,620,551 were instrumental in the destruction of the with the capacity to handle large groups of Scope 2 : Electricity 2,858,250 last samples of rinderpest virus held in the livestock infected with viruses that can cause Scope 3 : Official business travel 5,577 World Reference Laboratory for Rinderpest serious in people. The laboratory Total emissions 6,484,378 at Pirbright. It is named in honour of Walter is crucial in the overall development of the Emissions per £ of grant received – 0.2 Plowright who played a key role in the Pirbright campus and will facilitate sustained tonnes CO2 eradication of rinderpest by developing research success on viral diseases of livestock ENERGY CONSUMPTIONS – kWh a vaccine. and zoonotic diseases. It is named in honour Scope 1 : Gas 17,466,483 of John Brooksby who joined the Foot-and- Scope 2 : Electricity 11,182,512 THE BBSRC NATIONAL VACCINOLOGY Mouth Research Institute at Pirbright in 1939, Scope 3 : Official business travel 1,621 became Director in 1957 and established the CENTRE: THE JENNER BUILDING Total energy consumption 28,650,616 The Jenner Building is a low containment World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and- research laboratory that allows researchers to Consumption per £ of grant 0.87 Mouth Disease, which is now in its 60th year. received - kWh work on strategically important endemic and FINANCIAL INDICATORS exotic viruses which can be handled under THE BIGGS BUILDING Total Energy cost - £’000 2,059 low containment, including Marek’s disease The Biggs Building, which is due for Energy cost per £ of grant received 6.2265p virus (MDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and completion in early 2021, is an avian research Cost of official business travel - £’000 12 low pathogenicity animal influenza viruses. The The rearing room in The Houghton Facility, facility which will operate at containment award-winning Jenner Building was opened in Cost of official business travel per £ of 0.0003p a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal level 2 and be used for in vivo avian research. grant received laboratory for disease-free poultry 2017 by HRH the Princess Royal. As well as being Named after Peter Biggs, the first person Numbers for the previous year are not available. Photography: © James Brittain 2020 a leading UK vaccine development hub and to isolate the virus that causes Marek’s In 2020/21 we will publish two years of figures.

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“One of the best science festival SCIENCE FOR ALL PIRBRIGHT ENGAGEMENT events I’ve ever HIGHLIGHTS There’s no shortage of people at Pirbright who are willing to Collingwood College was one of the 17 schools our staff been to.” get involved in public engagement, whether it is Science, visited throughout the year to help students understand Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers fairs or the many roles available at research institutes like ours. Visitor, Cheltenham Science Festival, hands-on workshops at schools, universities, agricultural 7- 9 June 2019 shows and national science festivals. More than 130 staff and Students at our annual Science Day students, including over 70 STEM Ambassadors, participated at Tillingbourne Junior School learn in 45 public engagement and outreach activities last year. how germs (represented by UltraViolet powder) spread through touching contaminated surfaces. Our volunteers use a UV torch to reveal how well they have washed their hands!

Dr Zoo, otherwise The Fleet Brownies received a known as Dr Karl visit from Henrietta the Hen, who Byrne, of the London School squawks when she is tested for of Hygiene and flu. She demonstrates why testing Tropical Medicine, animals for disease is important compered each for keeping the whole population of the interactive healthy. Viral Survival experiences, adding to the Our student volunteers ran Pirbright’s Big Bang South tension and drama East 2019 stand to show secondary school pupils how using genetics is a key scientific tool to further understanding of viruses and the animals they infect as well as developing crucial treatments and vaccines. VIRAL SURVIVAL ESCAPE ROOM The ‘Viral Survival’ science escape room was the centrepiece of Pirbright’s Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Cheltenham Science Festival exhibit in 2019. The exhibit was designed to researchers from Pirbright use the illustrate the role science plays in combatting infectious viruses. Themed giant FMD virus puzzle to explain around an outbreak of ‘Disease X’, an unknown virus that is spreading how their work with Diamond Light between animals and people, teams of ten people competed against Source helps them to understand the each other to complete four zones against the clock. Each zone featured structure of the virus, which is vital for a unique puzzle based on aspects of viral research and by cracking the moving vaccine research forward. codes, participants received clues to help them identify the mystery virus. Our close relationship with the local Pirbright also sponsored ‘Predicting Pandemics’, a community is demonstrated every year panel event that tackled when Pirbright volunteers help out the big question on how at Fox Corner Community Wildlife pandemics spread across removing invasive plant species the globe, and how Area, scientists use different and clearing the pond. Pirbright is tools to predict and also a member of the Fox Corner prevent their spread Conservation Committee, strengthening our partnership.

At the LEAF Open Farm event on Hampton Estate near Pirbright’s stand in the Farnham, our Immunogenetics Discovery Zone featured Group show how their genetics Dr Zoo’s Travelling Science Lab, a Tardis-inspired research aims to improve mini-escape room livestock disease resistance. that provides heaps of interactive learning to Surrey County Show is a regular teach the basics of disease prevention and control. local agricultural event that More than 500 people provides us with opportunity to Visitors attempt to evade a took a crack at Dr Zoo’s lab showcase the Institute’s work to deadly virus by cracking codes over the three days the local community and engage in the Contagion Zone in the Viral Survival Escape Room at people of all ages in our science. Cheltenham Science Festival

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PIRBRIGHT’S PROGRESS A SUCCESS INVESTMENT Pirbright holds two BBSRC UKRI Institute Strategic Programme Grants (ISPGs) that underpin research on viral diseases at the Institute. In 2019 both grants were positively reviewed securing IN SCIENCE strategic funding until the end of the cycle in 2021. We have also secured additional funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Defra and BBSRC UKRI.

Professor John The Bill & Melinda Dr Simon Gubbins Culicoides biting BBSRC URKI has Dr Helena Maier Improving livestock Professor Simon Hammond has been Gates Foundation has has been awarded midge-borne diseases awarded Dr Toby has been awarded disease resistance Graham and Dr Julian awarded £4.2 million awarded Professor £1.5 million by such as bluetongue Tuthill £413,982 to £367,234 from requires investigating Seago have been (US$5.5 million) by the Luke Alphey £2.9 Defra to investigate virus (BTV) and African identify and validate BBSRC UKRI for a the genetics underlying awarded £299,691 Bill & Melinda Gates million (US$3.6 whether non-invasive horse sickness virus host genes essential collaborative project the animal immune in funding from a Foundation to support million) to develop environmental and (AHSV), are a major for foot-and-mouth that will investigate responses to viruses pharmaceutical the Pirbright Livestock high-threshold gene air sampling methods threat to UK agriculture. disease virus common host proteins and vaccines. Dr Holly company to develop Antibody Hub. The drives for the control can provide an To help combat these (FMDV) replication within replication Shelton and Professor a next-generation Hub will enable of malaria transmitting alternative means diseases Defra has in a collaborative organelles which John Hammond vaccine to help protect antibody discovery, mosquitoes in proof- of foot-and-mouth awarded Dr Carrie project between form in coronavirus have been awarded against porcine manipulation and of-concept studies. disease virus (FMDV) Batten and Dr Karin The Roslin Institute infected cells. These £422,383 by Aviagen reproductive and testing in cattle, poultry This will build upon detection on farms Darpel £1.1 million and the University of studies could lead to to work collaboratively respiratory syndrome and pigs, contributing preliminary work to to clinical inspection. to advance molecular Edinburgh. Candidate antivirals, vaccines and analysing differences in virus (PRRSV). to a strategic goal to develop similar systems This builds on previous diagnostics within genes will then be other interventions innate immune genes establish products and in Aedes mosquitoes studies conducted in the Non-Vesicular tested by using gene- that target multiple amongst different technologies for the and apply them to Nepal, where foot- Reference Laboratory editing to disrupt or members of the commercial chicken benefit of smallholder Anopheles species. and-mouth disease (NVRL) at Pirbright and delete them from pig coronavirus family. lines that may alter farmers. (FMD) outbreaks further understanding cells to see how this levels of protection occur regularly, and of the protective affects FMDV infection against avian viruses will be applied to immune responses of and replication in those such as highly different environmental sheep and cattle to cells. This research pathogenic avian conditions and farming bluetongue infection will be a stepping- influenza. systems. and vaccination. stone towards the development of foot- and-mouth disease resistant pigs.

Dr Julian Seago has Honey bees are crucial Dr Karin Darpel, Dr A BBSRC UKRI LINK Dr Pip Beard has won Dr Andrew The EU has awarded Professor Satya been awarded £1.1 for pollination of food Simon Carpenter and grant worth £465,458 £356,484 from BBSRC Broadbent, in Dr Carrie Batten Parida will receive million (US$1.5 crops and production Dr Chris Sanders, has been awarded to UKRI for further studies collaboration with £250,558 in continuity £157,314 from BBSRC million) by the Bill of products such as in collaboration with Professor Munir Iqbal on the transmission researchers in the USA funding for European UKRI for a project & Melinda Gates honey, but in the past Professor James and industry partner of lumpy skin disease and Dr Holly Shelton Virus Archive to develop next Foundation to develop two decades, honey Logan from the London MSD Animal Health, (LSD) between cattle as Co-Investigator, GLOBAL, a non-profit generation vaccines a foot-and-mouth bees have suffered School of Hygiene who will contribute by insects such as has been awarded organisation that for peste des petits disease (FMD) vaccine declines across Europe and Tropical Medicine £582,408, to develop mosquitoes, flies and £307,952 from the mobilises a global ruminants (PPR), also for immunisation of and North America and Professor John next generation midges. The project, BBSRC Ecology and network with expertise known as goat plague, cattle in East Africa. The through a number Pickett from Cardiff vaccine technology which is an industrial Evolution of Infectious in virology to collect, that differentiate quadrivalent vaccine of causes, including University have been that delivers avian partnership award Diseases programme amplify, characterise, between infected and will use conventional viruses. Professor awarded £466,424 influenza antigens, the (IPA) with MSD Animal (EEID) to evaluate standardise, vaccinated animals. and recombinant Luke Alphey has won from BBSRC UKRI to parts of viral proteins Health, will look at the how the immune authenticate, Being able to make approaches to protect £699,859 from BBSRC study how bluetongue that stimulate immune transmission of lumpy status of a flock distribute, track and this distinction will against four different UKRI to investigate virus (BTV) changes responses, to specific skin disease virus affects the duration of collect viruses and facilitate accurate serotypes of foot-and- whether infection with body odour of sheep chicken immune (LSDV) from clinical disease, transmission derived products. disease surveillance mouth disease virus Wolbachia bacteria can and cattle during cells. In vivo studies donor animals to naïve parameters and programmes and is an (FMDV) at once. protect bees from viral infection. Insect vectors will help determine recipients. evolution of avian important step in the diseases. use body odour to if this induces rapid influenza viruses. eradication plan for this locate their host, and strong immunity Understanding these disease. therefore these studies in chickens and has dynamics will help to will provide new insight potential to become control these diseases. into the transmission an inexpensive, easy of vector-borne viruses and safe commercial while also exploring poultry vaccine. the potential of non- invasive diagnostics to detect virus infections in livestock.

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POULTRY PROTECTION PARTNERS provide an alternative control method which Pirbright has entered into a worldwide would help limit clinical signs in pigs and lower INDUSTRIAL exclusive partnership with ECO Animal Health virus replication. This could reduce the spread Ltd (ECO) on two new projects to combat of disease and help to contain outbreaks, PARTNERS multiple economically important diseases ultimately reducing the number of pigs lost to of poultry. The first project will be on the this deadly viral infection. development of a vaccine that could protect against four poultry viruses simultaneously. NEW PATENTS GRANTED TO COMBAT Utilising an existing vaccine that immunises LIVESTOCK DISEASES against Marek’s disease, Pirbright’s expertise Pirbright has been granted a patent in in recombinant vaccine development will Mexico for gene-editing technology that enable ECO researchers to insert protective could enhance the growth of vaccines for genes from avian diseases such as infectious avian diseases. Scientists working closely bursal disease virus (IBDV), Newcastle disease with Horizon Discovery Group, have already virus (NDV) and infectious laryngotracheitis been granted a patent in Europe and the virus (ILTV) so that a single immunisation will USA for technology that uses gene-editing protect chickens from these diseases as well to delete an important chicken immune as Marek’s disease. gene called IFITM, leading to higher yields The second project is to develop a novel of vaccines when grown in cells that don’t biological product using a viral vector have the gene. Funding from BBSRC UKRI Commercial partnerships are a system expressing proteins that will aid in and the International Development Research strategic priority for Pirbright since the protection of chickens against infectious Centre (IDRC) supported the project, which they facilitate bringing new vaccines bronchitis virus (IBV). It is estimated that could make the production of vaccines for and treatment options to market every 10 percent reduction in infectious diseases such as influenza more economically that help combat viral diseases. bronchitis incidence would be worth around and technologically viable for developing £654 million to the global poultry industry. countries. Pirbright has disclosed 13 new Another patent has been granted in Europe inventions and filed four new patent AFRICAN SWINE FEVER ANTIVIRALS for an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine that applications during 2019-20. African swine fever (ASF) causes a lethal viral had previously been granted a patent in Africa. haemorrhagic disease in pigs and there is no The vaccine was developed by Pirbright vaccine. It is a global threat to food security researchers who deleted a gene important in and the economy, which has accelerated helping the virus overcome the pig immune the need for effective treatments. Pirbright response. This creates a weakened virus that researchers are partnering with the Belgian does not cause severe disease or death in biotechnology company ViroVet to develop pigs but provokes an immune response that the first antiviral drugs that act against ASF. In is strong enough to protect them from natural PIRBRIGHT LICENSES FOOT-AND- the absence of a vaccine, antiviral drugs could strains of African swine fever virus (ASFV). MOUTH DISEASE VACCINE Together with our research partners we have granted MSD Animal Health a commercial licence to produce a new and affordable vaccine to protect livestock against several serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The vaccine is made of small synthetic protein shells called ‘virus like particles’ (VLPs), which mimic the FMDV outer shell and are designed to trigger optimum immune responses. It is the result of long-standing collaborations between Pirbright, the University of Oxford, Diamond Light Source, the University of Reading and MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., who will take forward the new technology into development, registration and manufacturing. Pigs are suffering globally The work has also been supported by from African swine fever, with China’s pig herd down funding from the Wellcome Trust to speed up by nearly 40 percent a year commercialisation. The granting of the licence after the disease entered the highlights the confidence MSD Animal Health Livestock farmers in countries country. Pirbright researchers has in the vaccine’s effectiveness, safety and are working together with likeTanzania would benefit from an industry partners to develop viability for commercial production and is an affordable foot-and-mouth disease better vaccines and antivirals important milestone marking the years of vaccine that is less reliant on a cold- that could combat this disease research it takes to develop a new vaccine. chain for transport and distribution

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conference addressed the current problems through the initiative between UK and in controlling diseases that have a huge Pirbright scientists attended the UK-China CERAD conference overseas partners, have been underway for in Zhengzhou, China, where researchers from the UK and China COLLABORATIONS economic impact on the poultry industry. provided updates on research to control avian viral diseases almost two years, and the meeting marked a Pirbright’s Professor Venugopal Nair OBE midway point workshop. Research includes WORLDWIDE and Dr Yongxiu Yao were among the keynote the development of new diagnostic devices speakers who discussed recent research and vaccines that are designed to provide tackling issues such as the ways in which increased capacity to prevent and control viruses become more damaging to hosts, swine and poultry diseases with three projects cross-species transmission and changes in co-led by Pirbright investigators. clinical signs. EVALUATING FOOT-AND-MOUTH GLOBAL VIRAL DEFENCE DISEASE VACCINES FOR AFRICA DEFEND, a network of researchers whose In a flagship twinning project funded by members work on African swine fever (ASF) the World Organisation for Animal Health and lumpy skin disease (LSD), held its second (OIE) Pirbright is helping to develop Africa’s annual meeting in September 2019. Funded capacity for the independent assessment of Professor Pippa Hawes, Head of through Horizon 2020, the project aims to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines. The Bioimaging at improve animal health worldwide through the funding provides Pirbright with the resources Pirbright, and control of these two diseases, particularly as to do this work in partnership with the Dr Nicole Doyle the ASF crisis continues. Participants gathered African Union Pan-African Veterinary Vaccine using a confocal microscope to hear progress on areas such as ASF and Center (AU-PANVAC). The two-year project LSD vaccine development, transmission will help build a pipeline of tools that will Photography: © James Brittain 2020 Brittain James © Photography: studies to inform prevention strategies and enable customers in Africa to make informed One of Pirbright’s strategic priorities is to contribute to food security and One investigations into how environmental factors decisions about the suitability of the vaccines Health Agenda through global collaborations. We are committed to sharing our like conflict and migration can influence the they are considering, ensuring that the limited range of these diseases. Participation and resources available in those countries are knowledge and expertise to build capacity in countries that require more robust promotion of women in science was also put to better use and are more effective at mechanisms to protect their livestock and livelihoods against viral diseases. addressed as one of the core values of the Professor Venugopal Nair OBE presents controlling FMD. to the Newton Fund Swine and Poultry project, which is led by Pirbright’s Dr Pip Beard. Initiative delegates during their visit to The World Reference Laboratory for Foot- and-Mouth Disease (WRLFMD) at Pirbright UK and global community have access to an Pirbright GENE DRIVE RESEARCH NETWORK will be providing technology support for Pirbright has joined the Outreach Network for expanding resource guaranteed by long-term GNATWORK SKILLS TRAINING In November 2019 scientists in Gnatwork, the AgResults challenge alongside AU- Gene Drive Research. Genetic modification strategic funding from BBSRC UKRI. a network that brings together scientists PANVAC. of mosquitoes and other insects in order to working on blackflies, sandflies and biting control the spread of the diseases they carry eBIC BIOIMAGING PARTNERSHIP midges, hosted a conference and training is an area of science that provokes vigorous A five-year collaboration has been agreed COMBATTING GOAT PLAGUE for a group of international early career Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), debate. The Network’s mission is to raise between Pirbright and the electron Bio- researchers at Universidade Federal De Minas also known as goat plague, is a public awareness about the potential value Imaging Centre (eBIC) at Diamond Light Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. Pirbright scientists highly contagious viral disease of this technology. Professor Luke Alphey Source that will help our scientists to study were among those leading the seminars of sheep and goats that remains and other Pirbright scientists are leading the viral diseases in unprecedented detail. To Early career and workshops which aimed to provide best endemic in many developing development of genetics-based methods to facilitate this partnership, Professor Pippa researchers learning practice training to researchers from countries how to set traps countries in Asia, the Middle reduce mosquito-borne disease. Joining the Hawes, head of Bioimaging, will split her that receive Official Development Assistance, for field research East and Africa, causing losses of Network will help us communicate with a wider time between the two organisations to who would otherwise find access to training during the Gnatwork US$1.5 to 2 billion every year. The range of stakeholders and interested parties help prepare Pirbright research projects conference and difficult. Scientists were able to share expertise disease is targeted for eradication regarding the potential to integrate genetics- for high resolution electron microscopy workshop at and methodologies and the event also helped by 2030 and in order to help meet this based methods into disease control efforts. and to contribute to Diamond’s user the Universidade identify barriers to research in the attendees’ Federal De Minas FMDV infected cell goal, Pirbright scientists are working programmes and development initiatives. home countries, such as funding, facilities and Gerais (UFMG), Brazil with viral protein in red, with the Sokoine University of Agriculture The new relationship will bring together two microtubules in green IMMUNOLOGICAL TOOLBOX career progression, with a view to finding ways (SUA) Southern African Centre for Infectious Scientists at Pirbright have partnered internationally renowned institutions that and nucleus in blue to break down or circumvent impediments to Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) in Tanzania to with The Roslin Institute to launch The UK form an essential part of the UK’s National Delegates at the annual DEFEND meeting in Brussels research. build its capacity by providing expertise and Immunological Toolbox, a website that Capabilities and represents a conscious effort viral diagnostics technology that will enable provides a platform for veterinary researchers to increase research resilience and innovation rapid detection of PPR. This collaborative to find resources and collaborate. The Toolbox identified by the UK Research and Innovation PIRBRIGHT WELCOMES PIG AND work, funded by two ongoing Global aims to remove barriers to veterinary vaccine (UKRI) Infrastructure Programme. POULTRY DISEASE SCIENTISTS Pirbright hosted Newton Fund Swine and Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) grants development by aiding information exchange Poultry Research Initiative delegates from through BBSRC UKRI and the Engineering and providing a central database of reagents, UK AND CHINA TACKLING AVIAN the UK, China, Thailand and the Philippines and Physical Sciences Research Council part including antibodies, modified proteins and DISEASE TOGETHER in January 2020. The day’s events included of UK Research and Innovation (EPSRC UKRI), cell lines. The Toolbox is expected to grow Scientists from the UK and China gathered scientific talks focused on the research will increase the productivity and incomes of as further information on unique institutional in Zhengzhou, China between 23 and 25 being undertaken at Pirbright and how our small-scale/house-hold farmers in Africa as collections is received from around the world September 2019 to attend the annual UK- state-of-the-art facilities provide the UK well as the health and stability within local, and both the number of reagents and species China Centre of Excellence for Research on with its National Capability to prevent and regional and national economies. included will increase. This will ensure that the Avian Diseases (CERAD) conference. The control viral diseases. The projects, funded

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PIRBRIGHT’S INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

Pirbright prides itself on establishing partnerships across the world to help ensure diseases can be tackled where they emerge and in countries that are most affected. We were involved in 98 projects with 211 commercial and academic partners and collaborators in 51 countries during 2019-20.

& RUSSIA $ SWEDEN ESTONIA @ DENMARK # $ CANADA LITHUANIA ! NETHERLANDS BP IRELAND @ PAKISTAN # BT BP GERMANY ! UNITED STATES CHINA * POLAND % BELGIUM BN FRANCE CL ! INDIA JAPAN @ CZECH REPUBLIC ! AZERBAIJAN ! $ SOUTH KOREA SWITZERLAND ! ROMANIA ! THAILAND @ SLOVAKIA SENEGAL @ @ VIETNAM # SERBIA ! # SPAIN BL MONTENEGRO ETHIOPIA ! MALAYSIA ITALY BP MALI ! GREECE $ TURKEY ! BRAZIL @ BURKINA! % FASO KENYA TUNISIA ! SLOVENIA ! ! ^ BANGLADESH AUSTRALIA ALBANIA ! GHANA ! ! ISRAEL $ TANZANIA ! MOROCCO JORDAN $ ARGENTINA ! SOUTH AFRICA $

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The Institute, its scientists and staff received a variety of prestigious awards This confocal microscope image of infectious OUR last year, recognising Pirbright’s scientific and operational commitment to bronchitis virus (IBV) infected ex vivo excellence. SUCCESS chicken tracheal organ culture ring taken STORIES by Dr Helena Maier was selected as one of the winners in the Vector Laboratories 2019 photo contest. IBV associated dsRNA is shown in red, the cellular cytoskeleton component tubulin in green and DNA in the nuclei of cells in blue. Cilia on the tracheal Dr Pip Beard Professor Simon Pirbright is a recipient epithelium can be seen as green “hairs” on has been made Graham, head of the first Leader in the luminal surface a board member of the Porcine Openness awards of The Genomia Reproductive from Understanding Fund, a seed and and Respiratory Animal Research (UAR). pre-seed fund Syndrome (PRRS) Awarded for a period that supports the Immunology Group, of three years, 2019-22, commercialisation was made a Visiting the accolade recognises of new technologies Professor at the Pirbright’s commitment to the UAR Concordat and to start the University of Surrey on Openness on Animal Research in the UK as process of bringing one of 121 UK life science organisations that them to market. have signed the Concordat.

Charlotte Cook, a The animal services Pirbright Science PhD student in Dr poultry team: Katie Advisory Board Pip Beard’s Large Harris, Rachel New, member Dr Samuel DNA Viruses Group Billy Matthews, Thevasagayam whose studies are Jess Want and Paul received the also part-sponsored Smith, won best prestigious by MSD Animal poster prize at the ‘International Health, was awarded Institute of Animal Award’ from the the In Vivo Skills Award from BBSRC UKRI. The Technology (IAT) Congress 9-12 April 2019 for Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). £15,000 funding will provide Charlotte with their poster ‘Refinement: Promoting Gallus The award recognises veterinary surgeons, the opportunity to learn new skills essential in Gallus welfare in an experimental poultry unit’. nurses and laypeople who have worked progressing lumpy skin disease research. Katie Harris accepted a cheque of £250 on internationally to improve animal health and behalf of the team. welfare, veterinary standards and education in line with the RCVS mission.

Professor Three Pirbright projects Venugopal were shortlisted for the 2019 Nair OBE, Innovation awards: head of the Viral The UK Immunological Oncogenesis Toolbox (UK-ITB); research Group at that will lead to the Pirbright, and development of a Nipah virus his collaborators vaccine and a new, non- in the UK-China Centre of Excellence for invasive method for detection Dr Andrew Broadbent and Dr Amin Research on Avian Diseases (CERAD), were of foot-and-mouth-disease Asfor were shortlisted in the 2019 BBSRC shortlisted nominees for the Newton Prize for virus (FMDV) using a novel Innovator of the Year Competition. Dr their work establishing the network. CERAD field sampling method. Dr Broadbent, Institute Fellow and group leader promotes research for enhancing sustainable William Mwangi, Professor in birnaviruses, was shortlisted for his work on growth of the poultry industry by preventing Simon Graham and Emma reducing the need for live chickens in research major diseases that cause significant Brown attended the awards as while Dr Asfor’s work on a test for FMDV economic losses and animal welfare issues. project representatives. vaccine effectiveness was also recognised.

28 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK PIRBRIGHT’S PEOPLE THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 PIRBRIGHT’S PEOPLE

LOOKING AFTER OUR PEOPLE FELLOWSHIP SUCCESS DEVELOPING OUR CULTURE Further initiatives to continue to WORLD CLASS The continued success of Pirbright’s science Fellowship scheme has seen three Research improve working conditions at the Fellows promoted to Group Leaders this year. In particular, the Fellowship scheme has proved AND WORKFORCE Institute include a staff and student EXPERTISE an exceptional way to foster female scientists, accounting for 57 percent of fellows promoted to survey that garnered a response rate of Group Leader at the Institute since 2015. Pirbright’s success is built on the foundations of world-class scientists and our 66 percent. The percentage of positive Pirbright requires world-class specialised engineering, health and safety and biosafety experts, as well as scores in the survey increased from researchers and support staff to professional services. Our community of staff, students and visiting scientists 58 percent to 63 percent. A series of deliver our cutting-edge research, come from around the world, reflecting the Institute’s global reach. focus groups gained further insights and feedback received towards action diagnostics and surveillance. We achieve this through recruitment PERFORMANCE planning to make the Institute an even of top talent from around the SUCCESS RATE better place to work and study. A new BY GENDER Mentoring Scheme is also supporting world and investment in our staff our aims to encourage more women and students. into higher level roles at the Institute. Pirbright has delivered a range of wellbeing initiatives during the year to support both the physical and mental HELEN WATTS wellbeing of our staff and students, Helen joined the Institute in particularly as staff work from home September 2019 as Director during the COVID-19 pandemic. of Finance and Company Research Fellows Secretary. Her remit Dr Chris Netherton, We are continually striving to Dr Helena Maier provide a holistic environment for our covers all aspects of the and Dr Andrew employees that will enable them to Institute’s finances as well Broadbent, have Female: fulfil their personal and professional as managing the IT and been promoted to Group Leaders goals and enhance their ability to drive procurement functions. Helen is a fellow 7% exceptional the Institute’s essential, world-leading of the Institute of Chartered Accountants research. Some of these initiatives have for England and Wales (ICAEW) and has DR CHRIS NETHERTON DR HELENA MAIER DR ANDREW BROADBENT Chris has studied African Originally joining the Institute Andrew joined Pirbright as been impacted in 2020 because of extensive experience of managing finance Male: swine fever virus (ASFV) at for a postdoctoral position, a Research Fellow in 2014 to COVID-19 but we have created online functions in private and public/not-for- the Institute since 1997 as a Helena was subsequently set up his own group with a 4% exceptional activities to support wellbeing while profit sectors, including world leaders in PhD student, postdoctoral appointed as a Research Fellow focus on immunosuppressive people work from home and additional the marine industry, and British Institutions. researcher, Research Fellow in January 2016 following the viral diseases of poultry, 27% highly successful support as they return to site. Helen believes strongly in providing customer focused, timely information to and now Group Leader. award of a BBSRC UKRI grant as specifically infectious bursal 24% highly successful help the organisation make well informed Chris’ research has evolved principal investigator and has disease virus (IBDV). His GENDER BREAKDOWN decisions. to encompass the study of now been promoted to Group research aims to evaluate the Total Students and Staff 432 the immune response in vitro Leader. The focus of her group’s causes and consequences Total Staff 372/Total Students 60 and in vivo, as well as vaccine research is the identification of immunosuppression in PROF JOHN HAMMOND development, particularly of coronavirus-host cell livestock, particularly that John leads the Institute the development of subunit interactions that are critical for caused by IBDV in chickens, 19% successful vaccines against ASFV. He virus replication and required and its contribution to the 18% successful Female staff 190 Strategic Programme Grant (51%) for host responses to viral aims to concentrate on both by multiple coronaviruses. spread of zoonotic infections fundamental aspects of virus Using this information, it will that are transmitted between Male staff 182 disease and is head of (49%) the Immunogenetics research alongside advances be possible to develop novel animals and humans, with a in vaccine development over control strategies that would view to improving disease CELEBRATING DIVERSITY Pirbright currently holds than women hold senior roles Group, whose the coming years, with the goal be applicable to multiple, if control. In the process of this The Institute welcomed 59 bronze status under the at the Institute creating a research focuses of making a positive impact not all, coronaviruses including work he has developed new new starters last year, 30 Advance HE Athena SWAN gender pay gap and we are on studying on the global effort to control COVID-19. systems for reducing the need in science roles and 29 in Charter. We have recently working hard to address this the genetics of African swine fever. for animals in research. operational roles. Successful reformed our Equality, imbalance. livestock with a view to developing disease Female students grant applications drove Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) In 2019 there was a 25 resistant animals. John’s group also leads (42%) research recruitment, whilst Committee, to increase the reduction in the mean pay on new flagship ventures such as the Bill Male students a number of existing staff diversity of members and gap from 16.5 percent in 2018 35 & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded (58%) ANA CORRAL CAYON were successful in securing we are renewing the focus to to 14.2 percent. The mean pay Livestock Antibody Hub and The UK Ana is the Head of Quality and Organisation and is leading on Project promotion through Pirbright’s create a fully inclusive culture. gap is the difference between Immunological Toolbox website resource. Improve, the Institute’s initiative designed to assess the management Personal Promotion Scheme. We continue to support the average hourly earnings of This year John gained a promotion through structure at Pirbright and improve quality and governance, as well as Of those promoted , 73 equality through fair pay, men and women. The median the internal Personal Promotion Scheme, other aspects. She is also leading the implementation of the COMAH which was granted on scientific review percent were female. The benefits and opportunities pay gap, i.e. the difference Total part time Major Hazard Leadership across the Institute and the introduction of Institute also welcomed a and are confident that men between the midpoints of and interview by a panel of internal and a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) across the staff 44 (12%) eminent external stakeholders. new member to the Senior and women are paid equally hourly earnings of men and Total full-time reference laboratories and disinfectant testing functions. Ana gained Leadership Board, Helen for doing the same job at women, has reduced from a promotion via the internal Personal Promotion Scheme, which was staff 328 (88%) Watts, as Director of Finance the Institute. However, a 16.1 percent in 2018 to 8.1 granted on review by a panel of internal and external stakeholders. and Company Secretary. greater proportion of men percent in 2019.

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PIRBRIGHT’S Students from the PERFORMANCE University of Oxford Interdisciplinary Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE programme in the atrium of The Providing staff, students and external partners with the right training, Plowright Building whether in research or operations, is vital to ensure that everyone can during a visit to reach their potential and contribute to the Institute’s mission. Pirbright FROM 2020/21 PIRBRIGHT’S KEY OUR PERFORMANCE PIRBRIGHT’S PRINCIPAL PERFORMANCE AGAINST KPIS OUR STUDENT COMMUNITY follow on a previous Flexible Talent Mobility OBJECTIVES ARE: INDICATORS ARE: 2019-20: Pirbright’s vibrant student community is Award (FTMA) from BBSRC UKRI. The award To continue a world leading research • Publications in relevant scientific comprised of more than 60 PhD students, MSc facilitates the movement of scientists between SHARING 1 • We published 118 papers in a range programme by publishing ground- journals; being one paper per research project students, BSc year-in-industry industry and academia with the goal of of high-impact journals achieving an PIRBRIGHT’S breaking scientific research, winning postdoctoral scientist per year students and undergraduate veterinary developing transferable skills and knowledge. average of 0.89 publications per post- EXPERTISE research funding and recruiting and doctoral scientists in the year students. A student’s PhD studies provide so Both the NPIF and FTMA support the UK’s • Success rates for research grant retaining the brightest and the best much more than just bench research skills; our Industrial Strategy. • In January 2020 proposals over the next five years; staff and students • We had 45 percent successful grant transferable skills training courses, combined Pirbright launched 35 percent in terms of successful applications and 46 percent in terms with a careers day and the chance to STAFF AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Project SPirE (Sharing 2 To further develop the Pirbright long applications and 30 percent in terms of value of the awards attend placements off-site with Pirbright ran 52 courses in 2019/20 to Pirbright’s Expertise) term vision of scientific research of the value of the awards other institutions or companies, give staff and students specialised which is an initiative with impact, in particular enhancing • At the end of March 2020, the rolling • Recruitment and retention of high- exposes them to the many and transferable skills. Specialist designed to bring its internationally our collaborations with agencies to annual average voluntary staff quality staff and students; to achieve different avenues available courses were also provided, recognised science and training to improve disease control in low and turnover figure was 14.93 percent, just less than 15 percent annual staff after graduation. including mentor training, a global audience through online middle-income countries beating the 15 percent target turnover within five years The funding landscape which is available to all staff, and instructor-led courses. The To continue to implement the fully • The annual grant income for 2019-20 for PhD studentships has supporting the Mentoring five-year project will take advantage 3 • Annual research income of £11 million funded development programme to was £18.1m, exceeding the £11m changed significantly in Scheme. Women make up of opportunities identified by a externally won funding each year over provide additional animal research target by 65 percent recent years, with Research 48 percent of all our mentors comprehensive market assessment of the next five years facilities to study high consequence Council funding now being and over 50 percent of overall the training Pirbright could provide in a • Pirbright is subject to an HSE Major pathogens. These facilities will further handled by Doctoral Training mentoring participants. Last post-Brexit landscape. • Compliance with all statutory Hazard Intervention Plan comprising enhance the Institute as a unique Partnerships (DTP) rather than by year also saw the introduction of • A modular, blended-learning requirements as a Major Hazard site, of a minimum of four scheduled HSE National and International Capability individual institutions. Pirbright Pirbright’s students hit the mandatory Active Bystander training approach that includes face-to-face, close cooperation with regulators, inspections each year, to monitor and conformity to applicable also provides internal funding for track for some go karting in support of our Equality, Diversity hands-on, e-learning and virtual reality To develop strong strategic compliance with its licence under the action at a social in 2019. 4 standards such as ISO/IEC 17025. studentships but seeks matching and Inclusion strategy. The Pirbright methods, will be used to maximise collaborations with other global Specified Animal Pathogens Order Supported by Academic (SAPO) 2008 and with regulations funding from university and Affairs and Training, student Learning Development Team has the flexibility of training courses in centres of excellence to support the industrial collaborations, grants, socials are a fantastic way also provided first aid courses, high containment engineering and Institute Strategic Programme Grants under the Health & Safety at Work and established partnerships, to bring students at the mental health first aid training and biosafety. This will operate alongside etc. Act 1974. No enforcement such as with the University of Institute closer together the sponsorship of two MSc students e-learning development for the full 5 To diversify our funding through notices were issued, or enforcement Oxford, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) and the in virology at the University of Surrey. range of vesicular and non-vesicular greater collaboration with action taken by HSE against Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Apprenticeships are a growing programme exotic viral diseases, to complement international partners via various new Pirbright in 2019/20, and all HSE at Pirbright and we have seven full time the current training provided through funding opportunities recommendations were complied apprentices in a variety of roles (pictured with. Pirbright reference laboratories OPPORTUNITIES FOR EARLY expertise within the reference 6 To maintain our high containment CAREER SCIENTISTS below) and six full-time staff undertaking an laboratories at the Institute. infrastructure, to manage the safety, are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and Two seed funding grants were awarded to apprenticeship programme as part of their • Project SPirE will be used to provide security, environment and quality risks are subject to annual surveillance Pirbright to help the Institute’s scientists further education development. new skills and training to from our work with high consequence audit by UKAS. Accreditation was get experience of working in the biotech our workforce, as well as pathogens, and to provide training maintained in 2019/20 with no major industry, fostering vital partnerships that people around the world, and expertise to external partners in findings from the surveillance audit. will enhance our ability to translate basic and provide Pirbright with these areas. No other enforcement was applied science research into viable, market-ready an enhanced international to Pirbright in 2019/20 by any other vaccines and anti-viral therapies: reputation as a centre of regulator or audit body on any The National Productivity expertise and training. aspect of biorisk, health & safety, Investment Fund awarded security, environment, quality or wider Pirbright £25,000 through compliance. BBSRC UKRI for the development of entrepreneurial Pirbright apprentices and innovation skills in early Kian Coen-D’Arcy, Macey Bhamra, James career researchers. Gaskell, Lucy Drudge, Pirbright received £75,000 to David Selby, Rebecca Evans and Zak Croucher

32 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK | 33 FINANCIAL CHARTS THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 FINANCIAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL CHARTS BBSRC UKRI Strategic and INCOME the development of a business plan that is activity. The redevelopment of the site will also research grants Total incoming resources amounted to built on an income stream that is very likely provide the world class facilities required to 2019 – 2020 £18.3m £60.1m (2019: £47.8m). Investment in tangible to be achievable, provides a high degree of ensure the Institute is best placed to succeed INCOME £60.1M fixed assets in the year totalled £21.4m (2019: confidence of future financial security. The in future grant submissions. £13.0m). This was substantially funded by Trustees are not expecting any change to the grants from the Institute’s principal sponsor Core Capability Grant (CCG) now that BBSRC DESIGNATED FUNDS Capital and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences has merged into UKRI. The use of the unrestricted designated fund maintenance grants Research Council part of UK Research and Having considered the risks in respect as set out in note 15 comprises of sums set £25.5m Innovation (BBSRC UKRI), Defra and other of future funding, financial forecasts for aside for specific purposes as decided by the grant awarding bodies. The change relates to the period to March 2023 and the level of Trustees to support ongoing non-operational both an increase in capital funding (£12.6m) reserves, the Trustees have concluded that it activity and the continued development of the and decrease in non-capital income being remains appropriate to prepare the financial Pirbright site in support of the construction Other £34.9m in 2020 compared to £35.2m in 2019. statements on a going concern basis. programme. research grants EXPENDITURE NET MOVEMENT IN RESERVES RESTRICTED NON-ENDOWMENT £8.1m Recurrent expenditure for the year amounted The Pirbright Institute recorded a net decrease FUNDS to £45.6m (2019: £46.2m), a small reduction. in unrestricted reserves of £1.0m. (2019: £0.8m The Institute has been undertaking a Staff costs accounted for £17.1m (37%) (2019: increase) £1.6m of this decrease was in the significant building programme within the £16.3m; 35%) of expenditure. The rise in staff designated reserve with the general reserve Pirbright site for which funding has been costs from 2019 relates to the pay award for increasing by £0.6m. Due to the phasing of received from BBSRC UKRI. The funding of this Defra grant the year. the Pirbright Development Programme, the programme is via grants which are held within £5.1m restricted reserves increased by £15.5m. (2019: the restricted funds and comes to a total of CASH AND TERM DEPOSITS £0.9m) Capital expenditure in the year was £284.8m. This funding is solely and specifically 2019 – 2020 Cash at March 2020 was £40.7m (2019: £21.4m (2019: £13.0m). There has been an granted for the purpose of the building Other EXPENDITURE £45.6M £30.5m). Pirbright deposits its cash with UK ongoing major development of the Pirbright programme hence the inclusion within the income registered financial institutions. Investment site which has resulted in building new restricted fund and mostly this represents £3.1m income from cash deposits in the year was laboratory facilities and providing additional the value of the buildings which have been £290k (2019: £208k). state of the art science equipment. constructed. Research & infrastructure costs GRANT PROPOSALS RESERVES POSITION FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES £13.3m During the year, Pirbright researchers Total Institute reserves increased by £14.5m in Section 162a of the Charites Act 2011 requires 2019 – 2020 submitted grant proposals with a sponsor the year to £298.0m (2019: £1.7m to £283.5m). charities to make a statement regarding CASH RESERVES £40.7M value of £40m (2019: £32.0m) and were Restricted reserves increased by £15.5m fundraising activities. Although we do not awarded grants with a value of £19m (2019: (2019 £0.9m) to £289.8m (2019: £274.3m), of undertake direct fundraising from the general £12.6m). which £289.8m relates to capital reserve in public, the legislation defines fundraising as connection with funding received from BBSRC “soliciting or otherwise procuring money or GOING CONCERN UKRI (2019: increased by £0.9m to£274.3m). other property for charitable purposes”. We The Trustees have reviewed whether it is Unrestricted reserves decreased by £1.0m have received no such income during the year. appropriate for the financial statements to (2019: £0.8m increase ) in the year to £8.1m (2019: £9.1m), of which £3.0m relates to a Restricted be prepared on a going concern basis. The capital Institute has in principle received its five-year designated reserve to support ongoing strategic grant funding from BBSRC UKRI, non-operational activity and £5.1m to general £28.5m £15m per annum. This is split in two; the value reserves. of the first part of the award started on 5 April Total restricted 2017 and ran to March 2020, there is a further RESERVES POLICY resources provisional award for the subsequent two Unrestricted funds expenditure years to March 2022, the first year of which has It is the policy of the Trustees to ensure the £10.7m now been agreed. The Institute has now been General Fund in the Unrestricted Reserves advised by BBSRC UKRI that the grant period reaches £4.5m by the end of the current Other will be extended for a sixth year to March business plan cycle being 2021/22 to enable research 2023. This source of confirmed funding, the the Institute to manage fluctuations in income costs consistent performance of attracting income and unforeseen cost pressures. At 31 March £9.0m from other funding bodies, the successful 2020 unrestricted general funds showed occupation of new laboratory facilities and a surplus of £5.1m (2019: surplus of £4.5m) Unrestricted reaching the target as set by the Trustees. It is general Research staff costs anticipated that over the coming years it will be £8.2m possible for the Institute to undertake further £12.6m development of science activity to enhance Unrestricted the overall sustainability and improvement of designated £4.0m

34 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK | 35 RISK MANAGEMENT THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 RISK MANAGEMENT

RISK CONTEXT CONTROL / MITIGATION

Physical, engineering, operational and management measures for RISK BIOSAFETY biological containment in compliance with relevant UK legislation (Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008, Control of Substances (UNINTENTIONAL Pirbright is classified by the Health & Safety Executive Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Genetically Modified MANAGEMENT RELEASE OF (HSE) as a Major Hazard site, because release of the Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014) and associated OR EXPOSURE high consequence viral pathogens of livestock animals Approved Codes of Practice and guidance, in alignment to ISO 9001, Pirbright’s risk management system TO HIGH that the Institute works with (such as foot-and-mouth ISO 35001 and ISO 45001. Also, HSE Major Hazard Intervention Plan, is broadly aligned to ISO 31000, ISO CONSEQUENCE disease virus) could cause a serious disease outbreak, and staff cohort of competent biorisk advisers. Management Systems Standard PATHOGEN) leading to destruction of many animals, extensive Annex L and HM Treasury Orange national disruption and severe economic loss. Some of the pathogens are also zoonotic, Book. A Risk Policy is in place defining BIOSECURITY Physical, operational and management measures for security in which means they can infect humans and cause serious organisational approach, responsibilities, (DELIBERATE conformity with requirements of the UK National Counter Terrorism illness. risk criteria and assessment methodology, RELEASE OF HIGH Security Office, with oversight by regional Counter Terrorism Security governance and applying a High CONSEQUENCE Adviser, 24/7/365 guard force, background screening of new starters, Reliability Organisation and Human PATHOGEN) and multiple layers of physical security. Factors model. A risk & opportunities As well as being a leading research institute, Pirbright Accreditation of the reference laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025, by the register is maintained that identifies and provides diagnostic and surveillance reference UK Accreditation Service (a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No analyses operational, continuity and laboratories for a range of pathogens for the UN 4025), development and implementation of a quality management strategic risks, and delineates treatment of Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World system across the Institute, internal audit programme, and alignment those risks. A range of insurance policies Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and is funded to ISO 9001 and other relevant standards in key operational areas for by BBSRC UKRI and Defra as a National Capability to better support of the reference laboratories. QUALITY are in place to transfer financial risk so far provide diagnostic capacity in the event of national as appropriate and practicable. disease outbreaks. An internal audit programme Quality of Pirbright’s scientific output is therefore provides stakeholders with objective critical, and FAO, OIE and UK Government require the evidence of conformity to systems and reference laboratories to be accredited to the ISO/IEC effective management of risk. A training 17025 international quality standard. programme supports this. A Risk & Research with animals is an integral part of the research Physical, operational and management measures for animal welfare in Assurance Directorate provides specialist programmes at Pirbright and is carried out to UK compliance with relevant UK legislation (Animal Scientific Procedures practitioners to develop and support the standards of ethics and animal welfare, which are the Act 1986) and associated Approved Codes of Practice and guidance, risk management system and processes. ANIMAL WELFARE most stringent in the world, addressing this critical oversight by UK Home Office, application of 3Rs (Replace, Refine, reputational risk. Reduce) and ARRIVE guidance (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Senior Leadership Board takes oversight Experiments). of risk management by regular review of risk & opportunities register, of relevant leading and lagging performance Pirbright also faces the cybersecurity, continuity, Technical countermeasures and management systems for people and financial risks that most organisations must cybersecurity in conformity with requirements of UK National Cyber indicators and benchmarks, and of CYBERSECURITY manage, and the potential consequences of these are Security Centre including Cyber Essentials Plus, and HSE OG86 findings from audits and investigations. amplified because of possible effects on biological and cybersecurity requirements for safety critical control systems, The Board of Trustee Directors has quality risks, e.g. a power failure could cause biological segregation of critical resource from network, and staff training. established sub-committees to take containment plant to fail, difficulty with recruitment similar oversight. could lead to an inadequate staff skill base, insufficient Incident and crisis management plans, business continuity planning in alignment with ISO 22301, backups and contingencies for critical CONTINUITY budget for planned preventative maintenance could Key risks are summarised in the table on lead to lower reliability of biological containment plant services and supplies, contingency plans for the reference laboratories for disease outbreaks, and all plans regularly tested by exercises. the right: or scientific equipment. Recruitment & retention and responsibility allowances, training An image of infectious bronchitis PEOPLE & development programme, career pathways, performance and virus (IBV) taken by Pirbright personal development reviews. researchers in their paper ‘Infectious Bronchitis Virus Regulates Cellular Stress Granule Rigorous systems for financial control and monitoring, risk management, processes and support to facilitate preparation, Signaling, Viruses 2020, 12(5), FINANCIAL 536. Nuclei in blue, puromycin in submission and management of competitive funding grants, red and IBV in cyan. commercial business development programme and anti-fraud policy. Brexit is a significant risk as EU funding of the reference Factored into business planning through planned increases in income laboratories has ended, EU sources of research funding from competitive funding sources, provision of support for staff who are no longer be available, collaborations with EU are EU nationals, and political and strategic mitigations. BREXIT partners may be jeopardised, EU nationals on staff may leave, and the UK economic situation may be adversely affected. Inflation is another significant risk as core funding Factored into business planning including planned increases in 2018-2022 does not include an allowance for inflation. income from competitive funding sources, and savings from improved Brexit, UK trade deal negotiations and the COVID-19 procurement and ‘spend-to-save’ capital works. INFLATION pandemic are all a threat to economic conditions and the funding landscape, including potential extension of the 2017-2022 funding period.

36 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK | 37 TRUSTEES’ REPORT THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 TRUSTEES’ REPORT

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

MEMBERS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ITS TRUSTEES’ INDEMNITY INSURANCE TRAINING OF TRUSTEES Employee Engagement Action plan as a result TRADES UNION ENGAGEMENT Members of the Institute are as follows: INTERESTS The Institute maintains liability insurance for its The Institute continually reviews its of those focus groups, including a section The Institute has formal trade union The directors of the Trustee Board during the Trustee Board, with an annual aggregate cover practices for induction and ongoing Trustee dedicated to ED&I and Wellbeing. A new recognition for employees on BBSRC terms, Chair of the Trustee Board year were: limit for all claims against them in training. Trustees are encouraged to attend Mentoring Scheme is supporting our aims which is c25% of our employees. Quarterly Chair of the Science Advisory Board BBSRC Professor John Stephenson – Chair that capacity. The Trustees have also been appropriate external training events where to encourage more women into higher level meetings are held to discuss key matters with UKRI granted a qualifying third party provision these will facilitate the undertaking of their roles at the Institute. the lead negotiator and interim meetings are Professor Vince Emery National Farmers’ Union under section 233 of Companies Act 2006. role. We continue to support equality through held with the on-site union representative. Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Ian Bateman Neither the Institute’s indemnity nor insurance fairness of pay, benefits and opportunities There is union representation on key Ian Black provides cover in the event that a Trustee SENIOR LEADERSHIP BOARD and are confident that men and women are Committees, including Health & Safety, ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE Jon Coles Director is proved to have acted fraudulently The Trustee Board consider that the Senior paid equally for doing the same job at the ED&I, Pay & Policy and Redeployment. The The Pirbright Institute is a company limited or dishonestly. The premium and related costs Leadership Board (SLB) is accountable Institute. However, the reality is that a greater relationship is viewed as constructive and Roger Louth by guarantee and a registered charity. The in respect of this policy were £14,924, (2019: for Institute strategy, risk mitigation and proportion of men than women in senior positive. Annual Report provides information for legal Dr Vanessa Mayatt OBE £8,288). The Trustees are satisfied they have governance of day-to-day operational roles creates a gender pay gap across our purposes of the charity, its business activities Dr Sandy Primrose complied with their duty in section 4 of the delivery, comprising the Institute Director and Institute and we are working hard to address RELATED PARTIES and its main achievements. The financial Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public this imbalance. In 2019 there was a reduction The Institute’s subsidiary undertaking, Avrico Sir Bertie Ross the Directorate heads; namely Director of Risk statements have been prepared in accordance benefit guidance published by the Charities and Assurance, Director of Capability and in the mean pay gap from 16.5 percent in Limited, last traded in 2003 and is currently with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Professor David Rowlands Commission. Based on this guidance, and as Director of Finance and Company Secretary. 2018 to 14.2 percent. The mean pay gap is dormant. Avrico Limited was formed as part of Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of (resigned 30 March 2020) described in the Trustees’ Report, the Trustees The remuneration and benefits of the SLB the difference between the average hourly the Institute’s role in the 2001 UK foot- Association and Accounting and Reporting Jane Tirard believe the activities of The Pirbright Institute is based on the agreed and recognised earnings of men and women. In addition, the and-mouth disease outbreak and provided by Charities: Statement of the Recommended to be charitable in nature. salary banding for the Institute and reviewed median pay gap, i.e. the difference between diagnostic and testing services to Defra. Practice applicable to charities preparing Trustee Directors are appointed by the annually. the midpoints of hourly earnings of men and Genomia Management Limited was formed their accounts in accordance with Financial existing Trustee Directors for a period of up women, has reduced from 16.1 percent in on 16 April 2004 and is also a company limited Reporting Standards applicable to the UK to three years, when they are eligible for re- EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND 2018 to 8.1 percent. by guarantee. The company was established and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), effective 1 appointment. INCLUSION (EDI) The Institute has delivered a range of by way of grants from the Department of January 2015. The Trustee Board has established three Pirbright’s success is built on the foundations wellbeing initiatives during the year to Innovation, Universities and Skills and the committees to support it in its work: the of world-class scientists who are experts in support both the physical and mental European Regional Development Fund. Finance and Audit Committee, the Risk and their field and our unique high containment wellbeing of our staff and students. This The company manages the Genomia Assurance Committee and the Nomination research facilities require specialised supplements a vibrant schedule for sports Fund the objective of which is to assist in and Governance Committee. engineering, health and safety and biosafety and social activities, including the annual the development of research output from The Trustee Board and its committee expertise, as well as professional services. rounders event, regular running clubs, yoga, the members into commercially realisable structure work closely with the Director and Our community of staff, students and visiting pilates, gardening club and quiz nights. opportunities. The Institute has equal senior management of the Institute and are scientists are drawn from across the world and During the COVID-19 crisis, we put staff membership in this company with The Roslin responsible for corporate governance and for bring a richness of diversity which enhances and student safety and wellbeing at the Foundation, Moredun Research Institute, the Institute’s scientific strategy and strategic the Institute. centre of all our decisions. We ensured Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and plans. those with underlying health conditions left Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). The Trustee Board has appointed a Pirbright currently holds bronze status under site immediately and continue to monitor Scientific Advisory Board, to provide advice the Advance HE Athena Swan Charter and the wellbeing of staff, including using and recommendations to the Trustee Board we are working on our next application in occupational health professionals for advice. and the Director regarding the scientific 2021. We have recently reformed our ED&I We provided guidance to managers on strategy and activities of the Institute. Committee, with representation from all levels how to manage teams remotely, additional and functions, with increased diversity in its support for staff on looking after themselves membership, and a renewed focus on creating and their mental health, provided a dedicated a fully inclusive culture. Our staff survey in 2019 mailbox for staff to raise queries, which produced an overall positive score of 70% was responded to daily, undertook regular across ED&I indicators, with 8% negative. We staff briefings through virtual media and undertook a series of focus groups to identify introduced a weekly newsletter. underlying issues and have implemented an

38 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK | 39 TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

The Trustees who are also Directors of the In preparing these financial statements, the The Trustee Board confirms that: OPINION CONCLUSIONS RELATED TO GOING OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS charitable company for the purposes of Trustee Board is required to: We have audited the financial statements of CONCERN PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT company law are responsible for preparing the • so far as each Trustee Director is aware, there The Pirbright Institute for the year ended 31 We have nothing to report in respect of the 2006 Trustees’ Report incorporating the Strategic • select suitable accounting policies and then is no relevant audit information of which the March 2020 which comprises the principal following matters in relation to which the ISAs In our opinion, based on the work undertaken Report in accordance with applicable law and apply them consistently; charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and accounting policies, the statement of (UK) require us to report to you where: in the course of the audit: regulations. • observe the methods and principles in the • the Trustees have taken all steps that they financial activities, the balance sheet, the Company law requires the Trustee Board Charities SORP (FRS102); ought to have taken to make themselves cash flow statement and notes to the financial • the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis • the information given in the Trustees’ Report, to prepare financial statements for each • make judgments and accounting estimates aware of any relevant audit information and statements, including a summary of significant of accounting in the preparation of the which includes the Directors’ Report and the financial year. Under that law the Trustee that are reasonable and prudent; to establish that the auditor is aware of that accounting policies. The financial reporting financial statements is not appropriate; or Strategic report prepared for the purposes Board has elected to prepare the financial • state whether applicable UK Accounting information. framework that has been applied in their • the Trustees have not disclosed in the of Company Law, for the financial year for statements in accordance with United Standards have been followed, subject preparation is applicable law and United financial statements any identified material which the financial statements are prepared Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting to any material departures disclosed and During 2018 the Trustees undertook Kingdom Accounting Standards, including uncertainties that may cast significant doubt is consistent with the financial statements; Practice (United Kingdom Accounting explained in the financial statements; an retendering of the appointment of the Financial Reporting Standard 102, the about the Charitable Company’s ability to and Standards and applicable laws), including • pr epare the financial statements on the external auditor and as a result BDO were Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the continue to adopt the going concern basis • the Strategic Report and the Directors’ FRS102 (the Financial Reporting Standard going concern basis unless it is inappropriate successful and appointed in January 2019. UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom of accounting for a period of at least twelve Report, which are included in the Trustees’ applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland). to presume that the charitable company will Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). months from the date when the financial report, have been prepared in accordance Under company law the Trustee Board must continue in business. The Report of the Trustees incorporating statements are authorised for issue. with applicable legal requirements. not approve the financial statements unless the Strategic Report was approved and In our opinion, the financial statements: they are satisfied that they give a true and fair The Trustee Board is responsible for signed on behalf of the Trustee Board. OTHER INFORMATION MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE view of the state of affairs of the charitable keeping adequate accounting records • give a true and fair view of the state of the The other information comprises the REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION company and the incoming resources and that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitable Company’s affairs as at 31 March information included in the Annual Report and In the light of the knowledge and application of resources, including the income charitable company’s transactions and 2020 and of its incoming resources and Accounts, other than the financial statements understanding of the Charitable Company and expenditure, of the charitable company disclose with reasonable accuracy at any application of resources for the year then and our auditor’s report thereon. The other and its environment obtained in the course for that period. time the financial position of the company ended; information comprises the Trustees’ Report. of the audit, we have not identified material and enable them to ensure that the financial • have been properly prepared in accordance The Trustees are responsible for the other misstatement in the Strategic Report or the statements comply with the Companies Act with United Kingdom Generally Accepted information. Trustees’ Report. 2006. It is also responsible for safeguarding Accounting Practice; and Our opinion on the financial statements We have nothing to report in respect of the assets of the charitable company and • have been prepared in accordance with the does not cover the other information and, the following matters in relation to which the hence for taking reasonable steps for the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. except to the extent otherwise explicitly Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to prevention and detection of fraud and other stated in our report, we do not express any you if, in our opinion: irregularities. BASIS FOR OPINION form of assurance conclusion thereon. We conducted our audit in accordance with In connection with our audit of the financial • adequate accounting records have not been International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs statements, our responsibility is to read the kept, or returns adequate for our audit have (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities other information and, in doing so, consider not been received from branches not visited under those standards are further described whether the other information is materially by us; or in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit inconsistent with the financial statements • the financial statements are not in of the financial statements section of our or our knowledge obtained in the audit or agreement with the accounting records and report. We are independent of the Charitable otherwise appears to be materially misstated. returns; or Company in accordance with the ethical If we identify such material inconsistencies • certain disclosures of Directors’ requirements relevant to our audit of the or apparent material misstatements, we remuneration specified by law are not made; financial statements in the UK, including the are required to determine whether there or FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled is a material misstatement in the financial • we have not received all the information and our other ethical responsibilities in accordance statements or a material misstatement of explanations we require for our audit. with these requirements. We believe that the the other information. If, based on the work audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient we have performed, we conclude that there and appropriate to provide a basis for our is a material misstatement of this other opinion. information, we are required to report that Professor John Stephenson Trustee Director fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 22 July 2020

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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been of the resource. Costs relating to a particular RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR USE OF OUR REPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS applied consistently in dealing with items The Institute is exempt from the requirement activity are allocated directly. Support costs, As explained more fully in the Trustees’ THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL This report is made solely to the Charitable which are considered material in relation to the to prepare consolidated financial statements representing the staffing and associated costs of responsibilities statement, the Trustees STATEMENTS Company’s members, as a body, in accordance (who are also the directors of the charitable We have been appointed as auditor under the with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Institute’s financial statements. by virtue of section 405(2) of the Companies finance, personnel and general administration company for the purposes of company law) Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken Act 2006 as the result of its dormant subsidiary in supporting the operations of the Institute, are are responsible for the preparation of the with the Act and relevant regulations made or so that we might state to the Charitable BASIS OF ACCOUNTING undertaking, Avrico Limited, is not material for apportioned on an appropriate basis (see note 5). financial statements and for being satisfied having effect thereunder. Company’s members those matters we The financial statements have been prepared in the purposes of providing a true and fair view. that they give a true and fair view, and for such Our objectives are to obtain reasonable are required to state to them in an auditor’s accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Accordingly, these financial statements present RESTRICTED NON-ENDOWMENT internal control as the Trustees determines assurance about whether the financial report and for no other purpose. To the fullest Charities: information about the Institute as an individual FUNDS is necessary to enable the preparation of statements as a whole are free from material extent permitted by law, we do not accept or Statement of Recommended Practice entity and not its group. Income received by way of grants, sponsorship, financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, assume responsibility to anyone other than applicable to charities preparing their accounts The associated company, as detailed in note 10, donation or legacy which is directed by the misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditor’s report that includes the Charitable Company and the Charitable in accordance with the Financial Reporting has also been excluded from the consolidation provider as to be applied for specific purposes is In preparing the financial statements, the our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high Company’s members as a body, for our audit Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of on the grounds of this being immaterial to the accounted for within restricted income. Trustees are responsible for assessing the level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that work, for this report, or for the opinions we Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) Institute’s financial statements. Awards applied within the terms dictated by Charitable Company’s ability to continue as an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs have formed. – (Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial the awarding authority on the acquisition or a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, (UK) will always detect a material misstatement Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and INCOME improvement of tangible fixed assets are also matters related to going concern and using when it exists. Misstatements can arise from Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Income comprises unencumbered grants accounted for within restricted non endowment the going concern basis of accounting unless fraud or error and are considered material if, Act 2006. received from research councils; grant income funds in full. The balance of the restricted fixed the Trustees either intend to liquidate the individually or in the aggregate, they could The Institute meets the definition of a public from collaborative, commissioned and asset fund is reduced by the depreciation or Charitable Company or to cease operations, reasonably be expected to influence the benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities competitively awarded research projects; amortisation charges over the expected useful or have no realistic alternative but to do so. economic decisions of users taken on the basis are initially recognised at historical cost or income from miscellaneous charitable life of the asset. This treatment has been applied of these financial statements. transaction value unless otherwise stated in the activities; commercial and residential rents to reflect the assets being on land owned by A further description of our responsibilities relevant accounting policy note(s). from the letting of Institute controlled a third party, therefore at the end of the lease for the audit of the financial statements is property; and interest earned on the they will revert to that third party (see further located at the Financial Reporting Council’s GOING CONCERN temporary investment of surplus funds. explanation below regarding the ownership of (“FRC’s”) website at: The Trustees have reviewed whether it is Income is recognised when the Institute land and buildings). In addition, as detailed in www.frc.org./ukauditorsresponsibilities. appropriate for the financial statements to be becomes legally entitled to the income and note 19, there is a contingent liability to account This description forms part of our auditor’s prepared on a going concern basis. The Institute the amount can be quantified with reasonable to BBSRC UKRl for the net proceeds of disposal report. has in principle received its five-year strategic accuracy. of fixed assets acquired with grant assistance grant funding from BBSRC UKRI, £15m per All core BBSRC UKRI grants are recognised and for recurrent grant in excess of the financing annum. This is split in two; the value of the first as revenue in the year they are received. Grant requirements. part of the award started on 5 April 2017 and income including research grants received in ran to March 2020, there is a further provisional advance of conditions being met is deferred DESIGNATED FUNDS award for the subsequent two years to March until those conditions are fully satisfied. Rental Unrestricted designated funds comprise sums 2022, the first year of which has now been and interest income is recognised based on set aside by the Trustees for specific purposes agreed. The Institute has now been advised the period to which it relates. including the acquisition and improvement by BBSRC UKRI that the grant period will be Capital grants are recognised in the of tangible fixed assets, the presentation of extended for a sixth year to March 2023. statement of financial activities when scientific conferences, and contributions towards This source of confirmed funding, the consistent entitlement passes, and once the criteria of capital to be replaced using the fully economic performance of attracting income from other certainty and measurement are met. costing policy adopted by the Institute. funding bodies, the successful occupation of James Aston new laboratory facilities and the development of EXPENDITURE UNRESTRICTED FUNDS (Senior Statutory Auditor) a business plan that is built on an income stream Costs of charitable activities comprises costs Income received which is not directed by the that is very likely to be achievable, provides a high incurred directly or in support of scientific provider to be applied for specific purposes to For and on behalf of BDO LLP, degree of confidence of future financial security. research whether carried out in the Institute’s own an extent which exceeds the constraints of the Statutory Auditor Gatwick Having considered the risks in respect facilities or in other laboratories. Raising funds Institute’s constitution is accounted for within Date: 27th July 2020 of future funding, financial forecasts for represents the costs associated with trading and unrestricted general funds. the period to March 2023 and the level of raising income including the Institute’s rental BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership reserves, the Trustees have concluded that it activities and tenant services and investments. FIXED ASSETS registered in England and Wales (with remains appropriate to prepare the financial All costs are allocated between the expenditure Fixed assets with a cost of £10,000 or more are registered number OC305127). statements on a going concern basis. categories of the Statement of Financial capitalised and depreciated to their estimated Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use residual values basis as set out below. Plant and

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machinery and fixtures and fittings with a cost carried at the lower of cost and net realisable by the Government Actuary’s Department on of less than £10,000 are expensed in year of value. The policy of the Institute is to write down a periodic basis. The cost of providing pension STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES purchase. investments where a permanent diminution in and related benefits is charged to the statement For the year ended 31 March 2020 Land – 99 years being the length of the lease value is deemed to have occurred. of financial activities. Some payments are to a from BBSRC UKRI defined benefit scheme as explained above and Buildings – on a component basis, between 15 STOCK in Note 8 but there are no separately identifiable and 50 years Laboratory supplies are valued at the lower of assets and the actuarial cost to the Institute is Plant and machinery – 5 years on a straight line cost and net realisable value. not known. Consequently, it is not possible to Unrestricted Restricted 2020 2019 basis supply the information referred to in Financial Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment – 5 years DEBTORS Reporting Standard 102, Section 28 and the Note £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 on a straight line basis Trade and other debtors are recognised at Institute has accounted for the scheme as Income from Donations No depreciation is provided on assets in the the settlement amount due after any trade though it were a defined contribution scheme. course of construction. discount offered. Prepayments are valued at Core strategic grant 1 - 15,449 15,449 15,451 the amount prepaid. TAXATION Charitable activities The Institute includes in its financial statements The Pirbright Institute is a registered charity leasehold land and buildings owned by third CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS within the meaning of the UK Taxes Acts and Grants and contracts 2 16,361 25,171 41,532 29,622 parties, that it occupies and enjoys through Creditors and provisions are recognised is, therefore, eligible to claim exemptions to Other charitable income 2 2,053 - 2,053 1,797 peppercorn leases, at their full value. The current where the Institute has a present obligation income tax and capital gains tax. lease for the Pirbright North site ended in May resulting from a past event that will probably 2016 and the lease for the Pirbright South site result in the transfer of funds to a third party JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING Investment income 3 1,045 - 1,045 975 ended in March 2015. The South site lease for the and the amount due to settle the obligation ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND main campus has been renewed for a term of 99 can be measured or estimated reliably. KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION Total 19,459 40,620 60,079 47,845 years. Currently the Institute is negotiating the Creditors and provisions are normally UNCERTAINTY terms for the North site lease and expects it to recognised at their settlement amount. Preparation of the financial statements requires be concluded soon. The Trustees consider that management to make significant judgements Expenditure on in substance the risks and rewards of ownership FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS and estimates. The items in the financial of the assets have passed to the Institute, and The Institute only has financial assets and statements where these judgements and Raising funds as such follow a policy of recognising the assets financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as estimates have been made include: Rental income and tenant services 307 321 628 682 on the balance sheet to reflect the continuing basic financial instruments. Basic financial • Depreciation, which has been charged in line occupancy of these assets for the foreseeable instruments are initially recognised at with the accounting policy above. Investment management costs 20 - 20 16 future. The only circumstance under which the transaction value and subsequently measured • The amount of depreciation charged and Charitable activities Institute could be asked to vacate the site is due at their settlement value. net book value of the assets is included in to a failure to deliver the required programme, Note 9. Scientific research 33,158 9,424 42,582 42,991 which in the Trustees’ view is highly unlikely. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION • The Institute includes in its financial Rental income and tenant services 960 874 1,834 2,011 Individual freehold and leasehold properties Monetary assets and liabilities denominated statements leasehold land and buildings at the Pirbright site were revalued to fair value in foreign currencies are translated into owned by third parties because the Other charitable activities 462 53 515 493 upon transition to FRS 102 (1 April 2014) with sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the Trustees consider that in substance the Total 4 34,907 10,672 45,579 46,193 the surplus on book value being transferred balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign risks and rewards of ownership of the to the revaluation reserve, except that a deficit currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the assets have passed to the Institute, and which is in excess of any previously recognised date of the transaction. as such follow a policy of recognising the Net gains on investments - - - 9 surplus over depreciated cost relating to the assets on the balance sheet to reflect the same property, or the reversal of such a deficit, STAFF AND PENSION COSTS continuing occupancy of these assets for the is charged (or credited) to the Statement of Staff engaged at the Institute prior to April 2015 foreseeable future. These assets are held at Net (expenditure)/income before tax (15,448) 29,948 14,500 1,661 Financial Activities. The fair value at the transition were previously employed by BBSRC UKRI their deemed cost, being their fair value at date was recognised as the deemed cost of the and deployed back to the Institute. Following the transition date. assets. the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of The judgements applied and the revaluation Employment) exercise as of 1 January 2017, all adjustments and net book value of the assets is included in Note 9. LEASED ASSETS BBSRC UKRI employees are now covered under Transfers between funds 15 14,449 (14,449) - - Rentals payable under operating leases are the Institute’s position as a separate legal entity. charged to the Statement of Financial Activities The Institute therefore retains responsibility Net movement in funds (999) 15,499 14,500 1,661 on a straight line basis over the lease term. for paying employment costs in relation to all Balances brought forward 9,127 274,336 283,463 281,802 Assets acquired under finance leases are employees, including basic pay and allowances, capitalised as tangible fixed assets and contractual payments, tax, national insurance Balances carried forward 16 8,128 289,835 297,963 283,463 depreciated over their useful lives. Finance and pension contributions. Employees engaged charges and interest are taken to the income prior to April 2015 remain members of the and expenditure account in proportion to the Research Councils’ Pension Scheme (RCPS), a remaining balance of capital repayments or net defined benefit scheme for multiple employers. obligations outstanding. The BBSRC Employment Code remains applicable and frozen at the date of TUPE INVESTMENTS transfer. The Institute does not have any liability Quoted investments are valued at market value. for pensions other than for monthly employer All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. Investments in subsidiary undertakings are contributions, the rate of which is determined The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

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BALANCE SHEET STATEMENT OF At 31 March 2020. Company Number 00559784 CASH FLOWS For the year ended 31 March 2020

Note 2020 2019 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Fixed assets Net cash provided by operating activities Tangible fixed assets 9 267,984 256,731 Net movement in funds 14,500 1,661 Investments 10 - 160 Interest and rent receivable (1,045) (975) 267,984 256,891 Depreciation charged 10,191 10,753

Current assets Revaluation gain on investments - (9) Stocks 11 306 158 Profit on disposal of plant & equipment (2) - Debtors 12 6,704 8,851 Realised gain on disposal of investments (14) - Cash at bank and in hand 40,698 30,474 Increase in stocks (148) (5) Decrease in debtors 2,147 832 47,708 39,483 Increase in creditors 2,044 788 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (17,729) (12,911)

Net cash provided by operating activities 27,673 13,045 Net current assets 29,979 26,572

Cash flows from investing activities: Total assets less current liabilities 297,963 283,463 Proceeds of sale of plant & equipment 2 - Proceeds of sale of investments 173 - Net assets 297,963 283,463 Interest and rents received 1,045 975

Financed by Increase in cash deposits > 3 months (562) (2,545) Unrestricted funds 16 8,128 9,127 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (18,669) (11,474)

Restricted Net cash used in investment activities (18,011) (13,044) Fixed asset fund (including revaluation reserve of 15 284,798 266,596 £16,135k (2019: £16,917k)) Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 9,662 1 Other restricted reserve 16 5,037 7,740 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 9,867 9,866

Total funds 16 297,963 283,463 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 19,529 9,867

The Institute includes in its financial statements leasehold land and buildings owned by third parties, these are detailed further in Note 9. Cash and cash equivalents as above 19,529 9,867

Cash placed on term deposits longer than 3 months 21,169 20,607

Approved by the Board of Trustees on Professor John Stephenson Cash at bank and in hand per the balance sheet 40,698 30,474 22 July 2020 and signed on their behalf Trustee Director on 22 July 2020. The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements. The accompanying accounting policies Roger Louth and notes form an integral part of these Trustee Director financial statements.

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NOTES TO THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES (CONT) 2020 2019 AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Unrestricted Restricted Total Total For the year ended 31 March 2020 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Analysis of grant income

1 INCOME FROM DONATIONS BBSRC UKRI 2020 2019 - Competitive Project Grant – research grants 2,854 - 2,854 3,646 £’000 £’000 - Other grants 291 25,171 25,462 14,016 BBSRC UKRI – core strategic grant 15,449 15,451 Total BBSRC UKRI 3,145 25,171 28,316 17,662 All income from donations in the current and prior year was restricted. Defra “Umbrella” commission projects 2,472 - 2,472 2,493 Defra Surveillance 2,648 - 2,648 2,018

2 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Other government departments, public sector 166 - 166 - 2020 2019 European Union 703 - 703 979 £’000 £’000 Industry, levy boards 513 - 513 874 Grant income Trusts, foundations, charities 2,892 - 2,892 3,429 BBSRC UKRI – research grants 2,854 3,646 Other research grant income 3,822 - 3,822 2,167 BBSRC UKRI – other grants 25,462 14,016 Total incoming resources – grants including research 16,361 25,171 41,532 29,622 Other research grants 13,216 11,960

41,532 29,622 Ancillary trades and activities Other charitable income consists of trades and activities which are ancillary to the charitable activities of the Institute:

Other charitable activities 2,053 1,797 2020 2019 43,585 31,419 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Royalties 361 - 361 357 Diagnostic kits 141 - 141 29 Income from charitable activities includes restricted income from grants and contracts of £25,171k (2019: £12,620k) All other income from charitable activities in the current and prior year was unrestricted. Other 1,551 - 1,551 1,411 The analysis by region is set out below: 2,053 - 2,053 1,797

2020 2019 3 INVESTMENT INCOME £’000 £’000 United Kingdom 35,158 27,049 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Europe 704 979 Rental income and tenant services 755 767 North America 3,822 2,283 Bank interest 290 208 Others 3,901 1,108 1,045 975 43,585 31,419 All investment income in the current and prior year was unrestricted.

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4 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE 6 OPERATING COSTS

Other Allocated 2020 2019 2020 2019 Staff costs direct costs support costs Total Total £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Operating costs stated after charging: Unrestricted funds Auditor’s remuneration Costs of raising funds - audit services 44 43 Rental income and tenant services - - 307 307 345 - non-audit services 8 - Investment management costs - 11 9 20 16 Depreciation 10,191 10,753 Loss/(profit) on foreign exchange translations 93 (35) Charitable expenditure Hire of plant and machinery 28 32 Grants for scientific research 12,549 8,768 11,841 33,158 33,254 Rental of land and buildings 59 440 Rental income and tenant services - (21) 981 960 1,100 Other charitable activities - 255 207 462 437 Operating costs are stated net of laboratory supplies carried forward in stock amounting to £305,937 (2019: £158,158). Total unrestricted resources expended 12,549 9,013 13,345 34,907 35,152

7 REMUNERATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TRUSTEE BOARD Restricted funds  Cost of raising funds - - 321 321 337 None (2019: none) of the members of the Trustee Board received any remuneration from the Institute during the year. Eleven members (2019: five members) of the Trustee Board had travel expenses of £7,917 (2019: £3,934) reimbursed during the year. Charitable expenditure - -10,351 10,351 10,704 Total restricted resources expended - - 10,672 10,672 11,041 8 STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS

Total resources expended 12,549 9,013 24,017 45,579 46,193 The average number of persons employed by the Institute (including members of the Governing Council) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows: Total resources expended – 2019 12,015 8,316 25,862 46,193

Included in allocated support costs are normal staff costs of £4,946,242 (2019: £3,429,887). Number of employees 2020 2019 Office, management and estate support 122 116 5 ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS Scientific 241 228 363 344 Rental Grants and Science income Investment contracts rental income Staff Other and tenant management for scientific and tenant restaurant charitable services costs research services and nursery activities Total 2020 Total 2019 Basis of £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 allocation The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: Unrestricted % of floor area Premises 177 - 7,630 886 67 - 8 , 7 6 0 10,061 2020 2019 time spent Financial costs 25 9 545 42 24 24 669 6 5 4 £’000 £’000 time spent Management 36 - 882 15 17 10 9 6 0 1,077 Wages and salaries 13,275 12,547 time spent Human resources 53 - 388 - 16 - 457 504 Social security costs 1,297 1,276 time spent Information technology 10 - 1,941 21 10 22 2,004 1,943 Other pension costs 2,520 2,456 time spent Purchasing and 5 - 420 16 11 5 457 504 17,092 16,279 procurement Governance 1 - 35 1 1 - 38 78 time spent 307 9 11,841 981 146 6 1 1 3 , 3 4 5 14,821 Restricted Depreciation 318 - 8.971 849 53 - 10,191 10,753 Repairs / compliance 3 - 453 25 - - 481 288 321 - 9,424 874 53 - 1 0 , 6 7 2 11,041 628 9 21,265 1,855 1 9 9 61 2 4 , 0 1 7 25,862

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STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS pensionable pay and emoluments assessed a separate legal entity. The Institute therefore 9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED) by the Government Actuary’s Department retains responsibility for paying employment (GAD) on a periodical basis. The rate for costs in relation Payments Some employees of the Institute are members the year was 26.0%, which was established to all employees, including basic pay and Fixtures, on account of the Research Councils’ Pension Schemes, following GAD’s most recent assessment. The allowances, contractual payments, tax, fittings, and assets which are funded principally through pension costs represent contributions payable national insurance and pension contributions. Land and Plant and tools and in course of employer and employee contributions. by the Institute to the scheme and amount to Employees engaged prior to April 2015 buildings machinery equipment construction Total The pension schemes are analogous to £1,129,452, (2019: £1,287,414). remain members of the Research Councils’ £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme Since April 2015, all new staff (including Pension Scheme (RCPS), a defined benefit Cost/revaluation (PCSPS), except that while the schemes that promoted staff) are employed directly by the scheme for multiple employers. The BBSRC are defined benefit schemes and provide Institute, rather than BBSRC UKRI under the Employment Code remains applicable and At 1 April 2019 244,321 19,253 1,283 46,663 311,520 retirement and related benefits on final Institute’s own terms and conditions. frozen at the date of TUPE transfer. Additions - 4 - 21,440 21,444 emoluments, redundancy and capability These staff are members of The Pirbright The Institute does not have any liability for Disposals - (19) - - (19) ill health are administered and funded Company Pension, a defined contribution pensions other than for monthly employer by the council, the pension schemes are scheme administered by Aviva on behalf of contributions, the rate of which is determined administered by the Research Councils’ Joint the Institute. The Institute contributes 10% by the GAD on a periodic basis. At 31 March 2020 244,321 19,238 1,283 68,103 332,945 Superannuation Services and the schemes’ of scheme members’ pensionable pay and The key management personnel of the finances are administered by BBSRC UKRI. emoluments. The pension costs represent Institute comprise the Senior Leadership It is an unfunded scheme, and there are contributions payable by the Institute to the Board and the Trustees (Note 7). The total Depreciation no separately identifiable assets and the scheme and amount to £1,315,851 (2019: employee benefits (including wages and At 1 April 2019 37,972 15,534 1,283 - 54,789 actuarial cost to the Institute is not known. £1,105,958). salaries, employer’s national insurance and Charge for year historic 8,164 1,245 - - 9,409 Consequently, it is not possible to supply the Staff engaged at the Institute prior to April pension costs) of the key management information referred to in Financial Reporting 2015 were previously employed by BBSRC personnel of the Institute were £574,405 Charge for year revaluation 782 - - - 782 Standard 102, Section 28 and the Institute has UKRI and deployed back to the Institute. (2019: £544,440). Disposals - (19) - - (19) accounted for the scheme as though it were a Following the Transfer of Undertakings At 31 March 2020 46,918 16,760 1,283 - 64,961 defined contribution scheme. (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) exercise The Institute pays employers’ contributions, as of 1 January 2017, all BBSRC employees are Net book value at 31 March 2020 197,403 2,478 - 68,103 267,984 at a percentage of scheme members’ now covered under the Institute’s position as Net book value at 31 March 2019 206,349 3,719 - 46,663 256,731

Land and buildings include land with a book value of £13,603k. The number of staff with emoluments greater than £60,000, (excluding pension costs), was: The Institute includes in its financial statements leasehold land and buildings owned by third parties, that it occupies and enjoys through peppercorn leases, at their full value. The current lease for the Pirbright North site ended in May 2016 and the lease for 2020 2019 the Pirbright South site ended in March 2015. The South site lease for the main campus has been renewed for a term of 99 years. Number Number Currently, we are negotiating the terms for the North site lease and expect it to be concluded in the next period. The Trustees £60,000 – £69,999 11 7 consider that in substance the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets have passed to the Institute, and as such follow a policy of £70,000 – £79,999 5 7 recognising the assets on the balance sheet to reflect the continuing occupancy of these assets for the foreseeable future. The only circumstance under which the Institute could be asked to vacate the site is due to a failure to deliver the required programme, £80,000 – £89,999 3 4 which in the Trustees’ view is highly unlikely. The Institute derives a rental income from some of the buildings included in its financial £90,000 – £99,999 2 1 statements which it does not classify as investment properties as the cost of doing so exceeds the benefits. £100,000 – £109,999 - 1 The Institute used the option in FRS102 to use fair value at the date of transition to FRS102, (1 April 2014), as deemed cost on £110,000 - £119,999 1 - transition. GVA Grimley Limited, Chartered Surveyors, and an independent valuer derived these values from a professional valuation. £130,000 – £139,999 - 1 £140,000 – £149,999 1 - Part of the site is leased to Boehringer Animal Health UK Ltd. The lease is currently in the process of being renegotiated. If this process is successfuly completed then this part of the site will be reclassified as an investment property. The number of staff earning over £60,000 for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined benefit schemes amounted to 12 (2019: 12) and the amounts paid in the year were £232,785 (2019: £233,970).

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10 INVESTMENTS 11 STOCKS

2020 2019 £’000 £’000 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Laboratory supplies 306 158 UK listed investments held as fixed assets The Institute’s stock consists of laboratory supplies for research purposes. Market value at 1 April 2019 160 151 Disposals (160) - Unrealised profit - 9 12 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Market value at 31 March 2020 - 160 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Trade debtors 2,967 1,219 Represented by: Prepayments 1,375 1,333 - 86 Accrued income 1,836 3,968 Dairy Crest - 74 Other debtors 526 2,331 Total - 160 6,704 8,851

Investment in subsidiary undertaking 13 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Avrico Limited, which is incorporated in England and Wales, previously undertook foot-and-mouth disease testing on behalf of the Institute, was dormant during the current and previous year. The Institute 2020 2019 owns the entire share capital of 100 ordinary shares of £1 each. £’000 £’000 Trade creditors 1,451 2,219 The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary were: Taxation and social security 563 555 Other creditors 110 194 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Accruals 5,715 3,259 Current assets Deferred income 9,276 6,170 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (8) (8) Short-term compensated absences 614 514 Net liabilities (8) (8) 17,729 12,911 Aggregate share capital and reserves (8) (8)

14 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN ACCRUED AND DEFERRED GRANT INCOME

The Institute has provided for the deficit shown by the subsidiary undertaking by writing off the amount owed to it by Avrico Limited. 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Investment in associated undertaking Genomia Management Limited was formed on 16 April 2004 and is a company limited by guarantee. The company was established Accrued income 1,836 3,968 by way of grants from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills and the European Regional Development Fund. The Deferred income (9,276) (6,170) company manages the Genomia Fund the objective of which is to assist in the development of research output from the members (7,440) (2,202) into commercially realisable opportunities. The Institute has equal membership in this company with Roslin Foundation, Moredun Research Institute, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). The company’s turnover for the year ended 31 March 2020 was £229,000 (2019: £185,000) and its net assets as at 31 March 2020 were £114,000 (2019: £170,000). Net deferred research grant income at the beginning of the year (2,202) (402) Research grant income received during the year (21,600) (18,802) Research grant money released to SOFA during the year 16,362 17,002 (7,440) (2,202)

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15 FUNDS FUNDS (CONTINUED)

Net Restricted non-endowment funds Balance incoming/ Transfer Balance Restricted non-endowment funds comprise grants received from funders specifically to be applied in the acquisition or 1 April (outgoing) between 31 March improvement of tangible fixed assets or otherwise applied for such purposes as specified by the grants provided. 2019 resources funds 2020 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Unrestricted funds: 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 General 4,527 (14,874) 15,449 5,102 Fixed Asset Fund Designated 4,600 (574) (1,000) 3,026 Balance brought forward 266,596 264,926 Restricted non-endowment funds: Grants received 25,171 12,607 Fixed Asset Fund 266,596 14,599 3,603 284,798 Depreciation/impairment (Note 6) (10,191) (10,753) Other restricted funds: Revenue spend (381) (184) Fixed Asset Project Support Costs 3,343 - - 3,343 Transfers 3,603 - DP2 phase 2 occupation 4,315 (92) (2,603) 1,620 Balance carried forward 284,798 266,596 IS4L Interim Insectary 6 - - 6

BBSRC UKRI core grant funding - 15,449 (15,449) - The Fixed Asset Fund is not an endowment fund, but represents funding received, principally from BBSRC UKRI, for the past and Other 76 (8) - 68 future acquisition of tangible fixed assets. These assets are built on land that is not owned by The Pirbright Institute. The capital fund has been set up to assist in identifying those funds that are not free funds and it represents the net book value of tangible fixed 283,463 14,500 - 297,963 assets held by the charity and amounts received for capital but not yet spent. The unexpended balance of unrestricted designated funds and restricted funds is invested in temporary deposits and appears in Unrestricted designated funds the balance sheet under current assets. Unrestricted designated funds comprise sums set aside for specific purposes including the acquisition and improvement of tangible fixed assets, the presentation of scientific conferences, and contributions towards capital to be replaced using the fully economic costing policy Other restricted funds adopted by the Institute. This includes £2,167k for occupation costs relating to capital projects (2019: £2,750k), £15k to maintain scientific Fixed Asset Project Support Cost grants have been received from BBSRC UKRI to provide funding towards support costs and equipment capacity and capability (2019: £400k), £153k for IT resilience (2019: £306k), £nil for additional car parking at the Pirbright campus overrun costs relating to the DP1 capital projects. (2019: £143k), £624k for group leaders (2019: £862k) and £67k for other projects (2019: £139k). The Capital Rebuild Grant, Additional Construction Support has on approval from BBSRC UKRI been transferred to development phase 2 occupation fund. As part of the ongoing development, project funds from these reserves have been transferred to the Fixed Asset Fund. The BBSRC UKRI core grant funding is received from BBSRC UKRI to ensure that the Institute’s facilities are maintained at the necessary cutting-edge high containment level that is essential to provide a national capability.

Transfers between funds Unrestricted Unrestricted general designated Restricted funds funds funds £’000 £’000 £’000 Transfer of funds to general reserves 15,449 (1,000) (14,449)

The transfers during the year are as follows: The BBSRC UKRI core grant funding restricted fund transfer of £15,449k has been made to set overhead expenditure incurred in the year against the restricted grant received for this purpose. £1,000k has been transferred from the unrestricted designated reserve for occupation costs relating to capital projects to the restricted fixed asset fund in respect of additional costs incurred in construction of The Brooksby Building that are not being funded by BBSRC UKRI. £2,603k has been transferred from the restricted reserve for DP2 phase 2 occupation costs to the restricted fixed asset fund in respect of savings in occupation costs being reallocated to meet additional costs incurred in the construction of The Brooksby Building.

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16 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS 18 COMMITMENTS

Fixed Net current (a) Capital commitments at the end of the financial year for which no provision has been made: assets assets Total £’000 £’000 £’000 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Unrestricted funds - 8,128 8,128 Authorised but not contracted for 8,923 5,639 Restricted funds Capital fund 251,849 16,814 268,663 The capital commitments of £8,923k (2019: £5,639k) will be significantly funded by BBSRC UKRI. Revaluation reserve 16,135 - 16,135 (b) Operating lease commitments Other restricted funds - 5,037 5,037 The Institute is committed to the following charges in respect of: 267,984 29,979 297,963 2020 2019 Fixed Net current assets assets Total £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Land and buildings Prior year Within one year 52 57 Unrestricted funds 160 8,967 9,127 In two to five years 207 235 Restricted funds In over five years 340 445 Capital fund 239,814 9,865 249,679 Plant and Machinery Revaluation reserve 16,917 - 16,917 Within one year - 39 Other restricted funds - 7,740 7,740 19 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 256,891 26,572 283,463 There is a contingent liability to account to BBSRC UKRI for the net proceeds of disposal of fixed assets acquired with grant assistance and for recurrent and capital grants in excess of the financing requirements. No such liabilities existed at either 31 March 2020 or 31 March 2019. 17 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

20 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 2020 2019 £’000 £’000 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council part of UK Research and Innovation (BBSRC UKRI) Financial assets measured at amortised cost 3,493 3,550 (BBSRC UKRI) provides substantial funding to the Institute. The Institute is affiliated with BBSRC UKRI along with seven other Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (2,124) (2,968) institutes. Details of grants received from BBSRC UKRI are detailed in Notes 1 and 2. During the year, BBSRC UKRI charged the Institute £3,983 (2019: £35,957) for other costs. 1,369 582

Genomia Management Limited Financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise trade debtors, amounts owed by related parties and other debtors. Financial During last year our associated undertaking in Genomia Management Ltd (Note 10) provided the Institute with £71,831 of liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors, other tax and social security and other creditors. grant income (2019: £nil).

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Trustees: Professor John Stephenson: Chair Professor Vince Emery: Deputy Chair Ian Bateman Ian Black Jon Coles Roger Louth Dr Vanessa Mayatt OBE Dr Sandy Primrose Sir Bertie Ross Professor David Rowlands Jane Tirard

Director of the Institute: Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS

Company Secretary: Helen Watts

Registered office: Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Road, Pirbright, , Surrey, GU24 0NF

Auditor: BDO LLP, 2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA

Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc, 5 High Street, Swindon, SN1 3EN

Solicitors: Charles Russell LLP, 1 London Square, Cross Lanes, Guildford, GU1 1UN

Penningtons Manches LLP, An internal shot of The BBSRC National Vaccinology 9400 Garsington Road, Centre: The Jenner Building, Oxford Business Park, which houses Pirbright’s low Oxford, OX4 2HN containment laboratories Photography: © James Brittain 60 | WWW.PIRBRIGHT.AC.UK A cross section of chicken gut stained with phalloidin (red) to highlight the tissue architecture and DAPI (blue) for the cell nuclei.

Photography: © Jennifer Simpson

The Pirbright Institute Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF Telephone: +44 1483 232441 Email: [email protected]

The Pirbright Institute www.pirbright.ac.uk @Pirbright_Inst @ThePirbrightInstitute The Pirbright Institute