Scotland is home to the largest cluster of animal bioscience and aquaculture researchers in Europe with over 1000 active researchers, the ideal environment to carry out research and development.

Scotland is a country with a global reputation for discovery, invention, research and innovation. In Scotland we have a vibrant, international academic community, with research teams pioneering new ideas at the forefront of their subject areas. This makes Scotland an ideal place to hold international business events – international delegates can connect with passionate local experts, they can visit research facilities, project sites and innovation centres and see first-hand the world leading work being done in Scotland.

Our Sector Experts are here to introduce you to some of Scotland’s bright minds, to give you an insight into their work, to find out their motivations and to learn more about what makes Scotland the perfect destination for business events.

Meet Dr Lawrence Brown, Consultant & Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Lawrence John Brown is Director at LJB Veterinary Services Ltd., working with private and public sector clients. Lawrence is a qualified veterinary surgeon and commercial consultant, motivated by the use of investment and innovation to optimise animal health, welfare, food security and sustainable agriculture & aquaculture.

Animal biosciences research was born out of necessity in Scotland where nearly 70 per cent of land area is suited for grassland and rough grazing only. This dependence on livestock was one of the main driving forces behind the early foundation of Veterinary Schools in Edinburgh (1823, the first in Scotland and the third oldest in Europe) and in Glasgow (in 1862). Since these early beginnings, Scotland’s animal health research community has developed a world class reputation for excellence and continues to carry out pioneering research that has significant impact on animal health and welfare globally.

"I am a qualified veterinary surgeon and commercial consultant working with private and public sector clients, based out of the Roslin Innovation Centre in the heart of one of the largest animal science clusters in Europe. I have worked in clinical practice and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry across three continents and am motivated by the use of investment and innovation to optimise animal health, welfare and sustainable food production. I’m an elected member of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) Scottish Council and studying part-time for an Executive MBA student at the University of Edinburgh".

"The majority of my time is working as the Sector Specialist (Animal Sciences & Aquaculture) with the Department for International Trade, engaging with potential R&D and inward investors to better understand the UK offering. As an external contractor I bring commercial acumen, in-depth understanding and significant sector experience in animal sciences, to a combined civil servant and specialist Agri-tech team. The Government is dedicated to positioning the UK as a world leader in agricultural technology, exploiting opportunities to develop and adopt new technologies that increase productivity on farm and contributing to global food security and international development".

Pasion and Drive

"As a youngster growing up in East Lothian, I had enjoyed sciences at school and spent my summers working on farms, it was a logical decision to apply to study veterinary medicine. It became clear early on at University that I was interested in the real-world applications of science, which has led me down an unorthodox path for a veterinary surgeon. I worked in clinical practice throughout England, Australia and a short spell in Qatar before returning to the UK to pursue a career in veterinary pharmaceuticals. During that time, I learnt about stagnating productivity on farm, the rapidly growing global population and a rising middle class demanding more protein in their diet. The FAO estimates that total demand for agricultural products in 2030 will be about 60 percent higher than today. Compounding issues arise as a consequence of these global challenges such antibiotic resistance and environmental pressures. I recognised that investment, collaboration and innovation could overcome these obstacles by optimising animal health, welfare and sustainable food production".

"‘Dolly the Sheep’, the World’s first mammalian clone, born at the Roslin Institute (part of the University of Edinburgh) is one of Scotland’s most well-known innovations in animal health. The institute continues to be a pioneer in genetics research to optimise animal health and welfare. Some of the most exciting developments in recent years include harnessing the power of CRISPR technology to create disease resistance to deadly viruses".

Local relationships, local networks

"Scotland has a very diverse agricultural industry, producing everything from soft fruits and vegetables to grain for malting and feed markets and milk, beef and lamb from intensive and extensive grassland systems. 80% of Scotland’s land mass is under agricultural production and there are over 66,000 people working in the agriculture industry in Scotland producing output worth around £2.9bn annually. Scottish Agritech companies employ around 2600 people and generate around £1bn in turnover. Scotland produces the UK’s most valuable food and drink exports; whisky is worth £5.5bn and Salmon £2bn to the Scottish economy. The UK’s animal medicines industry is a skills based sector that employs over 4000 people and is valued at approximately £725m. We are a nation of pet lovers, spending £6bn on their welfare every year which generates £2.2bn tax revenue".

Scotland as a destination for bioscience and Aquaculture events

"Scotland is home to the largest cluster of animal bioscience/aquaculture researchers in Europe with over 1000 active researchers, the ideal environment to carry out research and development in the area of domestic livestock, companion animals, aquaculture and plant science. Scotland produces the highest number of research papers in veterinary sciences as a function of GDP and a number of multinational companies situated here benefit from collaboration with theses academic experts. Also, following the success of business unicorns such as Skyscanner, we are seeing an influx of budding entrepreneurs to these sectors. With support from local and central Government, they are creating products and services to improve animal health and sustainable food production".

Scotland’s newest Animal Health Conference

A3 Scotland, 26 - 27 April 2022, Edinburgh, Scotland.

A3 Scotland is set to be Scotland’s premier event for Animal Health, Aquaculture and Agritech.  Following the Scottish Government’s commitment to becoming a ‘Net Zero Society’, the timing of this not-for-profit, inaugural conference is ideal. Investment, innovation and collaboration across these sectors will be vital in achieving this ambitious vision. This event will celebrate Scotland’s contribution to the development of these emerging sectors and explore its role in future growth as we transition to Net Zero. It will provide a platform to showcase the latest technologies and encourage new strategic partnerships, we welcome international delegates to take advantage of the opportunity. There will be optional tours either side of the conference to Easter Bush Campus and the Highlands, and a Gala Dinner to experience Scottish hospitality and network into the wee hours.