PROFESSOR Ian Wilmut, the scentist who created Dolly the sheep, has been accused of racial discrimination by an Asian colleague who claims that he was forced from his job because of his colour.

Dr Prim Singh, former head of nuclear reprogramming at the Roslin Institute in Midlothian, claims that he was passed over for promotion and given second-rate laboratory equipment.

Singh also alleged that when he lodged a complaint of racial discrimination against Wilmut, the head of Roslin’s department of gene expression and development, he was forced out of his job.

Singh is now suing the institute for compensation, claiming racial discrimination. His case is due to be heard by an employment tribunal in Edinburgh later this year.

Another case of discrimination is being brought by Dr Jeremy Brown, a British scientist now working at Harvard University, who claims he was forced out after backing Singh.

Since his team created Dolly in 1997, the first animal cloned from an adult cell, Wilmut has become one of the world’s most renowned academics. Last year he was granted a licence to clone human embryos for medical research.

At the tribunal Singh will allege that he was denied access to the equipment necessary to do his job. He will claim that he had to ask in writing for permission to use a Bunsen burner.

Singh, who graduated with a first-class honours degree in physiology biochemistry from Reading University, was awarded a PhD from Cambridge University for his research in genetics. He worked for the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for 18 years, five of which were at Roslin.

Lawrence Davies, the lawyer representing Singh and Brown, said: “Dr Prim Singh brought a complaint of race discrimination against Professor Ian Wilmut. Dr Singh was later dismissed, he says, as a result of race victimisation by Professor Wilmut.

“Dr Jeremy Brown, currently at Harvard University, says that he was dismissed by Roslin because of his support for Dr Singh.

“Dr Singh’s case is listed for a CMD (pre-tribunal hearing) on May 10, 2005 on which the final trial date would be agreed. Dr Jeremy Brown’s case is currently awaiting a trial date.”

Wilmut refused to comment.

The allegations follow claims by Roberta Wallace, another former employee at Roslin, that she was the victim of sexual discrimination at the institute.

Times Recommends

• Sarah Brown says 'no thanks' to veal at G8 - twice
• Stockton-on-Tees is obesity capital of Britain
• Stores blame poor sales on Murray factor