Edinburgh Impact

Our shared world

How the University is using its influence for the benefit of Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

The ties that bind us

Alexis Grohmann looks to camera with McEwan Hall in the background
As the University launches a unique international collaboration with the Cervantes Institute to bring its Spanish language and cultural offering to Scotland for the first time, the man in the chair, Professor of Contemporary Spanish Literature, Alexis Grohmann, reflects on its impact on Edinburgh and Scotland, language learning's myriad mental and physical wellbeing benefits, and our place in Europe.

A sign of change

Staff members converse in BSL
University of Edinburgh experts are identifying and breaking down barriers that deaf staff and students often face in their journey through higher education.

Why are we afraid to talk about our ageing workforce?

Large crowd of people walking to work dressed mainly in suits
Working into later life is now a reality for most of us. But a longer working life doesn’t necessarily mean a healthier one. Professor Wendy Loretto wants to improve job quality and options for workers over 50.

Learning from the student of light

Robert Blomfield's photos of post-war Edinburgh capture a city filled with light and life. Now housed at the University, his rich archive provides a snapshot of a changeable time when the old and the new slipped in and out of the shadows.

Reimagining reparations for African enslavement

A group of women standing next to each other and joining hands
The impact of the slave trade can still be seen today. Redefining what reparatory justice looks like could be the key to begin repairing what was broken.

Life beyond our planet

A Mars space station design by prisoners at HMP Glenochil, winner of a Silver Koestler award in 2018
Could humans live on the Moon and Mars? Professor of Astrobiology Charles Cockell is, with the help of prisoners, on a mission to answer how we might survive the extreme and confined conditions of space settlement.

Get fit without a gym

Four students walking up a grassy Calton Hill, on a sunny day,  with the Edinburgh skyline in the background
University of Edinburgh researchers are combatting physical inactivity across the globe.

Champions of classroom inclusivity

A group of school children indoors in a classroom.
The researchers campaigning for racial and linguistic equality in education.

A playground of Ideas: a new artwork to celebrate the King’s Buildings centenary

The College of Science and Engineering, in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh Art Collection, launched a new artwork by Scottish artist Katie Paterson on the 10 December 2021.

Edinburgh’s sustainability superwomen

Montage image of 4 women.
The University’s primary aim, set out in its Strategy 2030, is for Edinburgh graduates to make the world a better place. When the UN COP26 conference launched in Glasgow, it quickly became apparent that this global event was also a showcase of our graduates doing just that.

You can't be what you can't see

Two school children measure a balloon
University experts are helping school pupils see a future in science by critically engaging with the climate crisis through outreach linked to COP26.

A forest for sharing fears and hopes

Mythical performers dressed in colourful, mystical outfits lead local school children through the woods.
The University of Edinburgh is working with local community groups to tackle one of the biggest issues of the day.

From these gates of learning

Memorial wall at Old College with multiple poppy wreaths laid in front of it.
On the centenary of the publication of ‘The University of Edinburgh Roll of Honour’, Professor Jeremy Crang (Professor of Modern British History) takes a closer look at this remarkable document and the University's main war memorial.

Bringing data into the classroom

Children will inherit a world awash with data. Pioneering hands-on-lessons are showing school pupils how data literacy can boost everything from PE to art and give them a head start in the future economy.

Together we stand

 Armin Ghofrani (left), and Gauthier Collas, Edinburgh graduates and founders of NextChain – an app for professional catering
How data entrepreneurs are getting business back on its feet and on the path to post-Covid recovery with support from the University.

Community at the heart of culture

Large clear gazebo set up and hosting Edinburgh International Festival on campus.
Edinburgh students have a unique opportunity to take part in one of the world's largest arts festival each year. Edinburgh's researchers are able to share their research directly with the public.

Putting the brakes on fast fashion’s waste

Weaving data into how people shop for clothes could help reduce the fashion industry’s environmental damage, according to a student-led project.

Climate watch

A view of Edinburgh on a sunny day
Ahead of COP26, University experts share their views on the importance of the talks, the complex challenges that lie ahead in the fight to tackle climate change and some encouraging signs of progress.

Wild about welfare

A free education programme, sharing the animal welfare expertise of the University and charity partner Wild Welfare, aims to improve standards at thousands of zoos and wildlife facilities worldwide.

The brain boosters

How a unique intelligence test of 11 year olds taken nearly 90 years ago is proving invaluable in helping researchers find ways to keep our minds sharp today.

Top Tips for Leadership Skills in Nursing

Student nurse
Leadership skills are the focus of International Nurses Day 2021. Hear our current nursing students and staff discussing what makes a good leader.

New centre will offer safety for children exposed to crime

a child is sat in a room with an adult who is talking to her
Last year the University began work on an inspiring collaborative project – to improve the experience of child witnesses and their families.

Caring our way through a crisis

NHS thank you sign on Princes Street Edinburgh
A year has passed since the UK first entered a national lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Two medical graduates offer an insight into their work and the impact of Covid-19 on their daily roles.

A key role in the community

A grid showing the faces of University of Edinburgh social workers
Meet the Edinburgh social workers who have been playing a vital part in keeping connected with people in need of support.

Why we are fossil free

iceberg
 To solve the climate crisis, every facet of the economy has to do and think differently. How are the University’s investments helping?

From civic foundations

Gibbs North wall art
Established in 1583 by the then town council, the University has historic roots in community relations.

Nursing the nation back to health

NHS tributes in a tree in Edinburgh
Meet two of our nursing alumni, who continue to study and work with the University, as they share their experiences of working on the frontline.