Harnessing digital, data and AI

We are marshalling cutting edge data, digital and AI technologies to unlock solutions to a range of environmental, social and economic challenges. Our advanced computing capacity and world-leading Informatics enable us to harness data and computational methods across all of our disciplines to address key challenges in a responsible and ethical way. These are some of the projects using digital technologies to make a real world difference.

Turning 30 million old photos into digital gold

Tim PowerFeb 7, 20257 min read
A major supercomputing project is digitising one of the world's largest collections of aerial photos. Builders, the economy and even unsolved crimes could benefit.

Unlocking the power of data 

Professor Kim GrahamJan 28, 20256 min read
Data is vital for shaping our future and driving progress across various fields. The Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) initiative seeks to capitalise on big data to spur economic growth. By focusing on innovation, education, and skill development, we pave the way for a future optimized by data.

AI that mimics human problem solving big advance – but comes…

OpenAI's latest AI models, known as "Strawberry" claim a significant leap in the reasoning capabilities of large language models. Whilst its release has generated excitement, it also raised critical questions about its novelty, efficacy and potential risks.

Astronomers can’t agree on how fast the universe is expanding

Dr Alex HallOct 11, 20249 min read
New approaches are aiming to break the mystery surrounding the expansion of the universe.

Guiding the use of AI towards cultural benefit

A consumer backlash to widespread application of AI in the creative industries shows why we need more judicious use of the technology to enrich our lives.

How data is spinning yarns

Professor Carol M RichardsonJul 9, 20247 min read
A new installation in honour of the UK’s first female medical students combines some of the world's oldest technology with some of the newest

But is it art? – How AI is redrawing creativity

Stephen PhelanMay 23, 202411 min read
The ability to create art is a hallmark of what it means to be human. But with chatbots generating stunning images, video and even poetry, are we facing AI’s artistic triumph?

What video games can teach us about the past

Dr Glaire D AndersonOct 9, 20235 min read
Outside of fun and excitement, video games have the potential to offer relevant history lessons. How much impact can they have on our understanding of the past?

AI’s moment of truth

Stephen PhelanSep 18, 202310 min read
AI is creating increasingly convincing, but fake, versions of reality. What does this mean for professions that pursue veracity, such as the law and journalism?

Looking back to the future of Edinburgh’s AI legacy

Rhona CrawfordApr 3, 20239 min read
Edinburgh is celebrating 60 years of computer science and AI research. Take a closer look at some of the key discoveries, now embedded in everyday life, and the people behind them.

Seeing the Universe in a new light

Corin CampbellOct 13, 20228 min read
How did the first galaxies form? What is it like on distant worlds? The most powerful space telescope ever constructed is helping Edinburgh scientists answer some of the biggest questions in the Universe.

The role of data in ending conflict

Aileen BallantyneOct 13, 20227 min read
When violence and fighting erupt in society, humanity’s attention turns to how to end it and save lives. Gathering data might not seem an obvious pursuit but without it the peace process may never begin.

Humanising artificial intelligence

Sarah LincolnAug 29, 202211 min read
Dr Leonidas Doumas at the University has created a system that transcends current machine learning and could hold the key to making computers learn the way humans do.

Balancing data power with data privacy

Mark BaillieJul 26, 20227 min read
Interweaving sets of public information can reveal powerful patterns and insights. But can it be done without damaging the public's trust that their data is being used appropriately? An Edinburgh team has some ingenious solutions.

Making data count against child abuse

Josh LoweFeb 8, 20227 min read
The battle against child exploitation takes place in dark territory. A new global institute will use data to cast light into the gloom and ensure children are seen and heard in the fight.