The Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility (LARIF) was established in 2021. The Large Animal Research and Innovation Facility (LARIF) was established in 2021 with a £24 million joint investment from Innovate UK and the University of Edinburgh.The facility forms a key node within two national Agri-Tech centres: the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL)* and the Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre (Agri-EPI)*.The creation of LARIF has significantly expanded on the capabilities of the existing Dryden Farm and its large animal unit.With the capacity to support research across all major terrestrial farmed animal species, LARIF is designated as a BBSRC National Bioscience Research Infrastructure, reflecting its importance as a national asset within the UK's bioscience, research and innovation landscape. The facility plays a central role in delivering the Roslin Institute's Institute Strategic Programmes (ISPs) and advancing BBSRC strategic objectives. LARIF directly supports the Institute's strategic themes of Capability, Connectivity, and Culture, enabling world-leading research, collaboration and innovation.In a commitment to maintaining and improving capability and in recognition of our dedication to animal welfare, the building of LARIF Two has begun. The addition of a second building will allow us to comfortably accommodate more animals.*now AgriTech UK This article was published on Monday 4 May 2026
