This marks a new phase in the 100-year history of the organisation, which is a world leading centre for surveillance and research in virus diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans. The Institute receives strategic funding from BBSRC.

Professor John Fazakerley, Director, The Pirbright Institute said: "We are undergoing major redevelopment to create a state-of-the-art Institute at Pirbright. Work is well under way and today marks the beginning of a new era for us. The Pirbright Institute will continue the excellent work of the Institute for Animal Health to deliver better understanding and control of virus diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans.

"Our vision remains that, in the context of changing environments and an increasing human population, the knowledge generated from our work, and practical applications of our science, will promote global health and wellbeing and economic and food security."

The Pirbright Institute has a proud history dating back to the end of the nineteenth century and has operated under various guises and on several sites. In 2009 it was announced that the Institute would consolidate on its Pirbright site. This site has been in constant use for farm animal health surveillance and research since 1913. The Institute's avian research at the Compton Laboratory will continue until the necessary infrastructure is in place at the Pirbright campus.

Professor Joe Brownlie, chair of The Pirbright Institute Trustee Board said: "Working on emerging and exotic diseases both nationally and internationally, it is in the nature of our Institute to be constantly evolving. At present we are undergoing a radical change to focus on viral infections and deliver world class research on a new single campus at Pirbright.. The new name, The Pirbright Institute, is a timely and exciting way to mark this transition and we can now look forward to the completion of major changes at the Institute over the next few years."

The Pirbright Institute has a new logo and visual identity and the registered head office is now:

The Pirbright Institute
Ash Road
Pirbright
Woking
GU24 0NF
UK

Tel: 01483 232441
Fax: 01483 232448
Email: [email protected]

Users will notice changes to the Institute's website, which is now at www.pirbright.ac.uk.

Those wishing to contact staff at the Institute should also now replace @iah.ac.uk with @pirbright.ac.uk in email addresses.