Authors: Cait MacPhee -The University of Edinburgh, Aiduan Borridon - University College London, Lorna Dawson - The James Hutton Institute, Stijn Van Ewijk - University College London, Rupert Hough - The James Hutton Institute, Gavin Melaugh - The University of Edinburgh, Frances Sandison - The James Hutton Institute, Camilla Thomson - The University of Edinburgh
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Report by the James Hutton Institute and SEFARI Gateway
Author: Rupert Hough
Mandatory End of Project report for RI-B7-01. Approved by RESAS on 09 March 2026
Dr. Thomas Tzelos is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for translating research into practical solutions for animal health. Currently serving as a Deputy Head of the Bioservices department at the Moredun Research Institute, he plays a key role in supporting the strategic and operational delivery of the Bioservices department, ensuring Moredun's teams, infrastructure, and animal resources enable world-class, welfare-led research. Thomas also comprehensive veterinary medical and surgical support to the Moredun Group. His work ensures the highest standards of animal health, welfare, and regulatory compliance.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, an MSc in applied animal behaviour and animal welfare, and a Ph.D. in molecular parasitology from the University of Edinburgh.
Throughout his career, Thomas has contributed significantly to veterinary science and has a remarkable track record in research and innovation. Notably, he was part of the team at Moredun Research Institute that developed and validated a diagnostic test detecting encysted cyathostomins in horses, commercially available since 2017. Subsequently, he moved to the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, as a Research Fellow. He focused on veterinary developmental biology and immunology, working on projects funded by the BBSRC. His expertise extends to vaccine development in livestock and innovative approaches like reverse vaccinology.
In addition to his research expertise, Thomas is a skilled communicator, evidenced by his appearance as a parasitology expert on the “Vet Essentials – Worming” program for Horse and Country TV. He has also demonstrated his creativity by serving as the script editor and director of the short animated film “War of the Worms.”
To meet climate change targets, countries including Scotland are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture contributes around 10% of UK emissions, of which methane from ruminant livestock contributes around half. Across sectors, mitigation methods are being explored. The feed additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP, Bovaer) can reduce cattle methane emissions by up to 30% by inhibiting the final enzyme in methane synthesis in the rumen microbiome. Although now licensed for use in various jurisdictions including the UK and EU (for dairy and suckler cows), the possible impact of 3-NOP use on cattle welfare has not been fully investigated.
Author: Professor Rick D’Eath
Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) are recruiting for up to eight members and three associate members.
The SSAC provides independent advice, through its Chair, to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, to inform policy development and delivery across all areas of the Scottish Government’s work.
We are looking to appoint up to eight Members and up to three Associate Members to work alongside the existing Chair and members. Neither membership category is remunerated but reasonable expenses involved in attending meetings will be paid.
Member applications are sought from suitably qualified individuals who are experts and leaders in their own area, able to demonstrate a broad understanding of how science (including engineering and technology) can inform policy and/or practice. All applicants should be able to demonstrate connectivity to relevant networks in Scotland and further afield. Members are expected to be leaders in their fields of expertise, most likely in academia, business or industry. Experience in a similar advisory or policy environment is desirable. Member appointments will be for three years initially, with the possibility of a one year extension.
Associate Member applications are sought from early career researchers with relevant expertise and experience of cross-disciplinary working. Associate Member appointments will be for one year initially, with the possibility of up to two one-year extensions.
We particularly seek applications from individuals with experience relevant to Scottish Government priorities, for example in the transition to Net Zero and economic growth, and to broaden our membership by encouraging applications from individuals with relevant experience in engineering and technology, and from industry and business. Applications would be particularly welcome from those with a background in social sciences, biotechnologies and the life sciences, in climate change and the environment, and in marine sciences, to complement the strong academic backgrounds of the remaining current members
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed.
Please see application pack for full details and relevant application forms attached.
Closing date: Friday 20 March 2026, 23:59
Interviews will be held in person in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh in late April/early May 2026.
For any further enquiries please email scottishscience@gov.scot.
SSAC welcomes applications from eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds and actively encourages applications from disabled people. Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.
The Brexit ‘Trade and Co-operation Agreement’ of 2020 increased trade friction, red tape and costs for trade in animals and animal products between UK and EU. The ‘reset’ announced in May 2025 included immediate agreements on energy and fishing, and identified further areas to negotiate, including an Animal and Plant Health or ‘Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Agreement’ (SPS). Issues for the ongoing negotiations include the extent of the ‘short list’ of exceptions in UK alignment with EU rules (and ‘dynamic alignment’ with future rules) and the fee the UK must pay. Animal welfare could be impacted by a SPS and by alignment with/ exceptions to EU rules.