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.
15-minute cities: separating reality from conspiracy
The idea of neighbourhoods where all services are within a 15 minute walk is being denounced as "Stalinist" by some protesters. How did city planning become the latest conspiracy theory?
Adjusting for humanity’s fingerprints
Six years ago, Professors Gabi Hegerl and Simon Tett’s work to prove human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet underpinned the 2015 Paris Agreement. Today they argue we still aren’t doing enough to adapt to climate change.
Charging up the road
To help the haulage sector meet climate targets the UK's motorways are being electrified. How do you efficiently wire up a complex road network while keeping on trucking?
Seeing the woods
Getting a clear picture of how much living matter is in the world's forests and savannas - key data in managing these vital carbon stores - has always been tricky. Satellite technology is changing that.
Signals from a drowning world
Melting ice sheets and glaciers – and the resulting rising seas - are a startling reminder of the rate of climate change. However, measuring ice loss was an inaccurate science... until Edinburgh experts helped change things.
Picky eater? It could be in your DNA
The largest genetic study of our food likes and dislikes sheds new light on people's diet choices.
The first Challenger
150 years ago an expedition that became a byword for adventure set sail. It forever changed our relationship with the sea. At its heart was the University of Edinburgh.
Seeing the Universe in a new light
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
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
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.
Calling time on greenwashing
If international standards for measuring greenhouse gas emissions are flawed, what does this mean for companies and institutions trying to reduce their footprint?