News 2021

Usher Institute Director recognised for COVID-19 research endeavours.

Smartphone pictures of post-surgical wounds taken by patients and then assessed by clinicians can help with the early identification of infections, a study has found.

Findings from a Scottish study, published in the Lancet Medical Journal, show that people who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are far better protected against death from the virus than those who are unvaccinated, however, there are certain characteristics which can make people more vulnerable.

Evaluation project publish report highlighting success of flagship NHS effort to support hospitals to digitally transform - 29 September 2021

Dr Thanasis Tsanas becomes the Director of Knowledge Exchange and Research Impact at the Usher Institute

Latest QResearch study describes groups who remain at greatest risk from severe COVID-19 among vaccinated adults.

Clearer understanding is needed of the social factors that influence participation rates in Covid-19 testing programmes, research suggests.

NIHR awards £12 million to artificial intelligence research to help understand multiple long-term conditions. Professor Bruce Guthrie will lead one of three new Research Collaborations.

Professor Aziz Sheikh co-authors paper showing largest risk of clotting events comes from COVID-19 itself, not from vaccinations.

A study led by the Universities of Edinburgh and Birmingham has been awarded the Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest scientific collaboration, involving over 140,000 patients in 116 countries.

Congratulations to Professor Linda Bauld, who has been appointed to the role of Interim Chief Social Policy Adviser within the Scottish Government.

One in two people hospitalised with Covid-19 developed at least one complication, research shows.

A diverse array of influential figures have been honoured by the University for their innovation, success and leadership.

Banning in-car smoking when children are present can reduce their exposure to tobacco smoke by more than 30 per cent, research shows.

To date, no serious pregnancy-related adverse events have been reported following vaccination.

DexFEM study provides the first evidence of therapeutic benefit of dexamethasone in heavy menstrual bleeding.

At the end of May genderED, the University’s interdisciplinary hub for the study of gender and sexualities, ran an online information session ‘Gender Sensitive ODA Research: Tips and Tools’ for researchers at the Usher Institute.

The Delta variant of Covid-19 is associated with approximately double the risk of hospitalisation compared with the Alpha variant, according to a new nationwide study.

A condition that affects the blood, known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), may be associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in rare cases, research suggests.

Professor Linda Bauld is awarded an OBE for services to guiding the public health response to, and public understanding of, COVID-19.

The first Covid-19 vaccine study for women who are pregnant has been launched across the UK – with Edinburgh playing a key role in the research.

A milestone study, which points to the success of first dose mass vaccination in reducing COVID-19 hospitalisations across Scotland, is now available from The Lancet.

Professor Nick Mills recognised for contributions to medical research, benefiting patients and wider society.

The University’s 3 Minute Thesis competition final took place on 24 June 2021.

Professors Devi Sridhar and Jim Wilson become Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Professor Jackie Price becomes the new Deputy Director of the Usher Institute, and Harish Nair takes on co-Head of the Centre for Global Health.

In March 2021, two new online masters degrees were launched, with support and funding from the DDI programme.

Vaccination has been linked to a substantial reduction in the risk of Covid-19 admissions to Scotland’s hospitals, landmark research suggests.

New linked health data resource covering over 54 million people in England - over 96% of the English population

Major global achievement for our online Master of Public Health

More people in England at high risk from COVID-19 will get priority access to vaccines thanks to new technology that can identify those who may be most vulnerable to the virus.

Professor Martyn Pickersgill welcomed in to the Academy of Social Sciences.

Opportunities for staff, students and industry partners

Asthma patients living in the most deprived areas of Wales are more likely to suffer from increased asthma attacks, be admitted to hospital and are at a higher risk of death.

Research led by Anne Finucane and Emeritus Professor Scott Murray features in Marie Curie briefing for the Scottish Parliament.

After 35 years with The University of Edinburgh, Professor Amanda Amos OBE, retires.

Patients’ chances of survival after cancer surgery is strongly linked with the standard of post-operation hospital care, a major international study suggests.

A new interactive online course developed by RESPIRE and the International Primary Care Respiratory Group shares the skills and insights to treat respiratory disease in low- and middle-income countries

BREATHE and Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research members contribute key evidence for APPG report on asthma in the UK