Institute life

Both the Pirbright and Compton campuses of the Institute have rural locations, the former being a couple of miles from the village of Pirbright, whilst the Compton campus is within the village of the same name. Pirbright is adjacent to sandy heathland, whilst Compton nestles within the chalk Berkshire downs.

Social clubs exist on both campuses, organising a wide variety of events, which include BBQs, barn dances, May ball, quiz and cooking nights, fireworks, and a joint sports day. There is a licensed bar on each campus, run by volunteers. These are the venue for some of the activities, plus TV and pool. Participatory sports, on one or other campus, include cross-country running, golf, cricket and football. A monthly newsletter keeps everyone up to date with both professional and social activities within the Institute.

The Institute?s own accommodation is provided for both Laboratories, principally for research students, key workers e.g. in Animal Services and our farm, and visiting scientists.

Further afield, Pirbright is not far from Guildford and Woking. In addition to amenities these, plus Brookwood, have rail links to London and the south coast. Compton is a simple drive to Oxford and Newbury. These, plus Didcot, have, between them, rail links to London, the west and north.