Top Edinburgh Impact stories of 2025
Stories about how the University has made a difference through its people, actions and ideas in 2025.
Before 2026 begins, we wanted to share a selection of our 2025 stories that made the most impact for our readers, writers, and editors.
Many of our most powerful pieces started with partnership: with communities, employers, public services, and global collaborators. We explored responsible AI and data, challenged accent bias by centring lived experience, and helped widen access to education by backing learners with the support, opportunity and inclusion they need to succeed.
Presented in no particular order, these features celebrate the people and partnerships behind the work, and the real-world change they helped deliver, both locally in Edinburgh and globally throughout 2025.
We hope you enjoy reading and will continue to share in our Edinburgh Impact in 2026 and beyond.
Inspiring futures to shape a continent
A pioneering initiative has empowered hundreds of young scholars from Africa since 2016. Now in its second phase, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is deepening its impact through sustainability.
Focus on what people say, not how they say it
Earlier this month, more than one hundred people attended a symposium focused on accent bias at Edinburgh, across Higher Education and in wider society.
Stories of impact: Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
Marking Global Goals Week, the University has launched its first comprehensive report celebrating the scale and breadth of its contribution to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
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.
More support for neurodivergent children
An online platform co-created by Sinead Rhodes, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology at the University, is offering practical help for children with conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyspraxia.
What is the real cost of cutting international aid?
Slashing aid budgets causes harm in the short and long term. While the UK and elsewhere haggle over fractions of a percentage, lives are already being affected.
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.
Why the Humanities must shape the future of AI
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the social media age, artists and their creative ilk must design AI. And quickly – time is running out.
‘Shedinburgh’: Opening up the Fringe on campus
Producer Francesca Moody reflects on the opening of new Fringe venue ‘Shedinburgh’ on campus at Edinburgh College of Art.
Standing firm in power and pride
During Black History Month 2025, we hear from Dr Omolabake Fakunle on why this year feels different from others, following the publication of the University’s Race Review and why its crucial that we embrace the Race Review Response Group’s recommendations.