PROFESSOR Eleanor Riley has been appointed as the new director of Edinburgh University's Roslin Institute.

Taking over from Professor David Hume, Professor Riley will begin her role later on this year, at which point she will leave her role as Professor of Infectious Disease Immunology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Her background is in veterinary medicine, human infectious diseases and global health, with more than 30 years' experience of research in the UK and Africa. Professor Riley said: "Roslin is one of the world’s most respected veterinary research organisations with a longstanding, global reputation for excellence in improving animal health, welfare and production. I look forward to guiding the Institute to continued success and to strengthening research collaborations at home and abroad.”

Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir John Savill, said: “Professor Riley is an outstanding, internationally-respected scientist. She brings an impressive track record in leading major multi-partner projects in the UK and abroad. We are confident that her visionary leadership will cement The Roslin Institute as a global research leader in human and animal health.”