Shaping the future of health and care

Our research empowers people to enjoy healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives. We are bringing together world-leading academics from a variety of disciplines to creatively address challenges within disease, ageing, health inequalities and health systems. These are the stories of how we are innovating to shape what health and care will look like for years to come.

Rewiring how neurodiversity is taught in the classroom

Jess ConwaySep 30, 20247 min read
As many as one in five children in the UK are neurodivergent, with the majority attending mainstream education. A major project is improving their experience in school.

Hidden pandemic: study uncovers scale of online child harm

Professor Deborah FryJun 4, 202415 min read
One in eight children around the world have been victims of sexual exploitation and abuse online, new study found.

The Beautiful Game portrays the power of sport to change lives

Dr Grant JarvieMay 22, 20244 min read
A film inspired by the Homeless World Cup football captures the spirit and impact of the tournament.

Insights into the lack of a mind’s eye

Professor Adam ZemanApr 18, 20246 min read
A decade of research into aphantasia – the absence of mental imagery – reveals some fascinating insights.

How AI can help us live better for longer

Jennifer TruelandNov 20, 20239 min read
As populations become older and greyer, the more they rely on over-stretched health services and families. Can AI play a role in helping make our golden years truly golden?

AI finds drugs that could fight ageing

Vanessa Smer-BarretoJul 13, 20234 min read
Drugs that could help stave off the effects of ageing and age-related diseases have been discovered using artificial intelligence (AI).

Deer reveal nature’s secrets across half a century

Marie-Anne RobertsonJun 27, 20239 min read
A 50-year study of red deer on a remote Scottish island is providing new insights into evolution in action and the impact of climate change in the natural world.

Safety in numbers

Guy AtkinsonApr 10, 20238 min read
The pandemic brought a decade-old project out of hibernation, but now EAVE II’s success in using health data to fight Covid-19 could point to the future of combating other diseases.

Tackling global suicide

Ellie RogerApr 6, 20238 min read
As the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates its 75th year, on World Health Day 2023, we explore how researchers at the University are working closely with the organisation to tackle one of the most common causes of global suicide.

A song cycle geared for the long haul

Ronnie KerrApr 5, 20237 min read
A remarkable project that uses opera singing to transform the lives of people affected by long Covid is also creating an inspirational collection of songs.

Beyond the brain

Charlotte StapleyApr 4, 202310 min read
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are challenging how we think about thinking.

Picky eater? It could be in your DNA

Dr Nicola PirastuJan 19, 20235 min read
The largest genetic study of our food likes and dislikes sheds new light on people's diet choices.

Everyday cyborgs

Sarah LincolnJul 5, 20229 min read
The development of implantable devices has been a game changer in the medical profession, giving many patients a new lease of life. However, receiving an implant can also alter a person’s sense of identity and have a lasting impact on their mental health. Social scientist Dr Gill Haddow’s research is empowering people living with these devices to accept their body modification and in turn improve their wellbeing.

Lighting the way

Corin CampbellJul 5, 20225 min read
Pioneering work by researchers from the School of Biological Sciences reveals how invisible triggers orchestrate the earliest-known stages of a key life process, and may help offer clues to improving ways of treating diseases such as cancer.

Pioneering the science of hope

Derek MainMay 20, 20228 min read
Six years ago a revolutionary technique to restore fertility in women rendered infertile by cancer treatments brought the prospect of life into the darkest of times. Its success - decades in the making - is paving the way to even more breakthroughs.