Research with impact
Based on our established excellence in discovery science and ambitions for our research, we have three areas where we aim to make a significant difference. These are our research missions, full of stories of how our extraordinary research advances knowledge, breaks barriers and unlocks innovation.
GPT-5: has AI just plateaued?
Subtle shifts in OpenAI's latest model raise questions about whether AI innovation is still accelerating or reaching its limit.
What is engineering biology? And why is it going to change…
Edinburgh is a world-leader in a discipline that is using biology to upend industrial processes and turning trash into treasure.
Pacific tsunami shows the power of early warning systems
The recent earthquake near Russia highlighted the efficiency of modern tsunami warnings. Their success is built on decades of global research and teamwork - and learning from tragedy.
Can maths help people access aid more quickly?
Remote communities can face long, arduous journeys on foot to access aid. An algorithm that helps agencies plan where to put humanitarian resources could prove life saving.
How the mechanics of our brains could supercharge AI
Professor Themis Prodromakis designs neuromorphic AI hardware that takes cues from the brain. Aside from slashing AI’s energy use, it could also make for smarter spacecraft and brain-computer interfaces.
Fighting fire with ideas: how our fire engineers save lives
The Grenfell Tower disaster was the UK's worst residential fire since the Blitz. Edinburgh experts are working to ensure its like never happens again.
Endometriosis research shows changing diet may help
An international endometriosis study has found that making dietry changes has a positive effect on pain symptoms.
Using data to protect and serve
The Bayes Centre – one of the University’s key innovation hubs for data and AI – has been supporting the work of Police Scotland, with impressive results.
Supercharging AI through innovative data partnership
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way we automate tasks and make data-driven decisions. The success of AI, however, hinges massively on the quality of the data used to train its models.
Turning 30 million old photos into digital gold
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
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.