IAPGR / Edinburgh Research Station’s first Head – Roger Burton Land (1940-1988)

Geneticist, Roger Burton Land’s tenure as the first Head of the Edinburgh Research Station of IAPGR from 1986 to 1988 lasted for only a brief two years owing to his early death. He began his career in 1962 when he began his studies in animal genetics at the University of Edinburgh and continued on to do his PhD. His research project focussed on the selection of mice for natural and for induced ovulation rate and his findings were reported in his thesis and in subsequent publications. In 1966 he joined the staff of the Animal Breeding Research Organisation (ABRO) and continued to pursue his research interest in the genetics of reproduction. Over the course of his employment, he was involved in many significant contributions in improving reproduction rate in sheep; physiological and metabolic issues relating to milk yield and in the ‘development of immunization against ovarian feedback hormones in order to increase reproductive rate of sheep.’ In 1983, Land was appointed acting Director of ABRO, and according to his obituary by W. G. Hill, given a ‘remit to revamp the research programme and lead it towards more basic science.’ And so his focus shifted towards molecular biology, but his main interest was still in genetics. When the AFRC was reorganised in 1986, Land was appointed Deputy Director of The Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics (IAPGR) and Head of the Edinburgh Research Station (ERS) and also took over much of the Poultry Research Centre (PRC) where he continued his work until his passed away.

8 thoughts on “IAPGR / Edinburgh Research Station’s first Head – Roger Burton Land (1940-1988)

  1. I am Eli parsa, a doctor of veterinary medicin. student of doctor of veterinary medicin.in
    Razi university of IRAN.
    I use the articles you want Seminar and
    I Dont Acess to Your Article About
    Avian blood leucocyte responses to stress Can you help
    and send me if possible for you.
    Thanks a lot.

    • Hi Eli, our catalogues list the articles but we don’t have digitised copies I’m afraid. Hopefully you can access any articles you need from your own institution’s journal subscription service.

  2. I was a sandwich student at ABRO and have many great memories of working there in 1981-1982. I did estradiol assays, but also had the chance to help with hands on animal work with sheep, pigs and cattle. I worked for Bob Webb and helped Chris Price in a very small way harvesting fluid from ovaries for his Ph.D work. Marjorie Fordyce taught me lots about surgery, as did Ian Wilmut’s team, Cameron, Douglas and Bruce were the entertainment, Gerry taught me the assays and Mrs Mac ruled us all with a rod of iron. Bruce and Roger Land both took my cat’s kittens that year as pets for thier families and there were future champion Border collie puppies to play with too. Probably no one is still around from that time, but it would be great to hear from them, if they remember me.

    • Dear Dr Dawson,
      Many thanks for your message – I was very interested to hear about your time at ABRO and am pleased you have such happy memories. As part of this archive project, we are currently recording a number of oral histories with individuals who have long careers in Edinburgh genetics (including Bill Hill, Gerald Wiener, Alan Archibald and Grahame Bulfield), which we hope to make available online in the future. More info about the work we have already done here: http://www.archives.lib.ed.ac.uk/towardsdolly/
      Thanks and all the best,

      Clare Button
      Project Archivist

  3. As a young, overtly-confident MSc student in 1985, Roger Land invited me to tea in his ABRO office to discuss future directions. He asked me to what I aspired. I, probably somewhat flippently, replied his position. He listened gracefully and offered interested enthusiasm. I’m honoured to have been given time and consideration by him, John King, Bill Hill and John Webb over that period. His death was untimely but his (and their) encouragement is still fondly remembered.

    • Hi John,
      Thanks very much for your message – it was very interesting to hear about your time at ABRO with Roger Land & co, and I am pleased you have such happy memories. We are currently recording a number of oral histories with individuals who have long careers in Edinburgh genetics (including Bill Hill), which we hope to make available online in the future. More info about the work we have already done here: http://www.archives.lib.ed.ac.uk/towardsdolly/
      Thanks and all the best,
      Clare Button
      Project Archivist

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