Data science appointment

Professor Andrew Morris is in post as the newly created Vice-Principal Data Science.

He is working closely with colleagues to create cross-disciplinary opportunities for education, research and innovation in the field of data science.

He advises the Principal and senior management on policy changes and other matters of data science that impact on the work of the University.

Leading authority

Professor Morris, who is Chief Scientist at the Scottish Government’s Health Directorate, is the UK’s leading research authority in medical informatics.

He joined Edinburgh from the University of Dundee.

New initiative

Professor Morris is working closely with Professor Richard Kenway, Vice-Principal High Performance Computing, to establish Edinburgh Data Science.

The umbrella body, to be launched later this year, will aim to accelerate solutions to the global challenge of processing huge amounts of data, and generate new business opportunities.

Professor Morris is also Chair of Medicine in the School of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, where he will lead on the establishment of a new Institute for Population Health Science and Informatics.

I look forward to working with the leadership team, staff and students. There is a terrific opportunity to create an outstanding Institute for Population Health Science and Informatics – this is an exciting time for the University as we create a leading Institute on the global stage.