Biological Sciences

Research that changes the world: Excellence with Impact

Research carried out at Edinburgh has had dramatic impacts on health, welfare and the environment, and on economic success in the UK and internationally. The breadth of our research means we make a difference in lots of ways.

Research carried out at Edinburgh has had dramatic impacts on health, welfare and the environment, and on economic success in the UK and internationally. The breadth of our research means we make a difference in lots of ways.

  • Our research has led to development of new drugs and therapeutic approaches to treat some of the world’s most widespread infectious diseases, and has delivered insights into the causes of cancer which informs development of new treatments for patients.
  • Recent developments in stem cell research have led to creation of the first functioning lab-grown organ, paving the way for new treatments which will dramatically affect human and animal health.
  • Our understanding of the fundamental controls affecting plant growth will lead to more effective choices of crops in a changing climate, helping to ensure food security.
  • Evolutionary studies have informed global responses to pandemic disease by elucidating how such diseases spread and evolve drug resistance.
  • Creation of new biologically-based companies using the results of our research and the expertise of our researchers has generated jobs, new products and economic value.
  • Outreach programmes tell schools and members of the public about our research, and can help policy makers, environmental and community groups and patients to engage with the issues which affect them.

Through our ‘Excellence with Impact’ programme, run jointly by the School of Biological Sciences and the Roslin Institute, we are working to support all of our researchers to make an impact: to help solve more of the world’s challenges.

For further information, please visit thewebsite.

Excellence with Impact