2023 - a year in review
This year has been a remarkable one for the University of Edinburgh, with world-leading research discoveries, engaging community initiatives, and inspiring stories stemming from our brilliant students and staff.
It is hard to pick the highlights, but as the year comes to an end, we have gathered a snapshot of some key moments from 2023 showcasing just some of the positive impact the University has been making locally and globally.
One billion billion reasons to celebrate
In a much-anticipated announcement, the UK Government revealed that the University will be the home of the first phase of the UK’s first exascale supercomputer, which will be able to perform one billion billion calculations per second. The computer will be 50 times faster than any other device in the UK and ushers in a new era of supercomputing. The announcement is testament to Edinburgh’s world class data science expertise and infrastructure, and the city’s ambitions to be the data-capital of Europe.
Edinburgh to lead new era of UK supercomputing
The announcement came as the University marked its 60th anniversary of AI and computer science research this year. Building on these historic foundations, we launched the Generative AI Laboratory (GAIL), bringing together the University’s expertise in this vital technology from across disciplines. GAIL aims to benefit society and stimulate the economy through applying generative AI in areas such as robotics, drug discovery, and tackling climate change.
University set to lead new era of generative AI
Our dark materials
The University’s research community continues to attract investment, including a significant sum awarded to the MRC Human Genetics Unit to investigate how our ‘dark’ genetic code can influence health and disease. The £46.3 million funding will include research into the so-called dark genome which makes up 98 per cent of people’s DNA and was once referred to as ‘junk DNA’. Scientists believe the findings from dark DNA will provide new insights into complex diseases.
£46.3m funding boost to shine light on dark genome | The University of Edinburgh
Researchers at the School of Physics and Astronomy are set to explore dark material of a different kind as a European mission soars into space. Edinburgh astronomers played a key role in preparing the satellite – known as Euclid – for a six-year space exploration that could revolutionise understanding of the cosmos. From its final position one million miles from earth, Euclid’s two-tonne telescope will examine around 1.5 billion galaxies, exploring how dark matter shaped the evolution of our Universe.
Satellite explores mysteries of the dark Universe | The University of Edinburgh
Economic impact
The University’s contribution to the wider economy has also been hitting the headlines this year. In June, an independent report on economic impact found that the University generated £7.52 billion to the UK economy each year – more than 10 times the impact of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Every pound spent by the University leads to £6.90 in economic benefit across the UK, generated by research, spin-outs and start-ups.
University’s economic impact worth ten Commonwealth Games
Repatriations
In November, we were proud to host dignitaries from the Mudan community at a ceremony in the University’s St Cecilia’s Hall to mark the repatriation of four warrior skulls to Taiwan. The skulls were thought to have been originally taken as war trophies by Japanese soldiers and were carried to Japan by an un-named US Navy officer who had accompanied the Japanese as a military advisor.The University continues to examine ways to address its colonial legacy and, alongside repatriations, the institution is undertaking a range of activity to review its past associations with the Transatlantic slave trade, colonialism and other aspects of race.
Warrior skulls returned to their ancestral home
Local ties
The University continues to invest in our extraordinary city, supporting vital wellbeing projects through our Community Grant Scheme. Groundswell Surf Therapy, a non-profit organisation that specialises in a unique style of trauma-informed surf therapy, was one recipient in this year’s awards and will use the grant to enhance its unique women’s programme. Since 2017, the Community Grant Scheme has awarded £600,000 to more than 200 community initiatives across the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.
Surf therapy programme boosted by University grant scheme
Once again Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) students dazzled with their incredible artwork this year, including a Performance Costume show of magical costumes inspired by The Wombles, the film Chicken Run and Stephen King. Many ECA graduates have gone on to be designers and costume makers for high profile theatre, film and digital productions.
Stunning costumes revealed at spectacular show
In 2023, our students and staff continued to change the world for the better. We look forward to 2024 and wish all of our community a happy and peaceful festive period.