As a major, comprehensive university we conduct research of the highest standard across a broad spectrum of disciplines. In the Research Excellence Framework assessment in 2014, we were fourth in the UK by research power and in the top five in most individual subjects. Our discipline-specific research is impressive but we also focus on challenging our researchers to explore the space between traditional disciplines, creating transformational discoveries that enrich society. New interdisciplinary subjects This interdisciplinary focus has enabled Edinburgh to initiate new subjects such as epigenetics. We will continue to challenge our researchers to explore beyond the confines of traditional subjects, facilitated by our highly interactive, creative and collaborative ethos. We are committed to helping our research discoveries to be used, realising the social, cultural, health and wealth benefits of our research, beyond its direct value to global knowledge and other academic researchers. Nurturing environment Our researchers shape and enhance our reputation, creating innovative solutions to the significant challenges of our times. We will nurture the individuals who will become the Nobel and equivalent prize winners of the future. We will build and support interdisciplinary teams. We have a clear focus on early career researchers, for whom we will provide the best support and research environment in which to develop extraordinary careers. To develop the next generation of researchers and innovators we have invested in cohort doctoral programmes: multidisciplinary groupings to provide PhD training with exposure to new ideas, technologies and skills. Undergraduate research We will increasingly offer undergraduate students a real-world research project so that they can experience the excitement and challenges of research. We will ensure our students learn from our researchers and have opportunities to contribute. Research without boundaries Close collaboration between our research teams and colleagues in other institutions and industry is core to creating solutions to major unanswered problems. Our ethos is that research should be conducted without boundaries, whether within or between disciplines. By connecting disciplines within the University and linking with our partners we will effectively transform knowledge and innovation. We will create ever better conditions for national, European and global partnerships so that together our findings can continue to deliver real-world change. Having contemporary infrastructure is crucial to enable great research. We will provide inspiring, interactive environments for research, using imaginatively created spaces and the latest technologies. How we will lead in research We will provide leadership in research through the following means. Supporting early career researchers, we will: mentor our recently recruited early career Chancellor’s Fellows; create further cohort doctoral programmes, including centres jointly hosted with other research-intensive universities and experts from industry and public sectors. Collaborating with other global leaders, and strong interdisciplinary teams, we will: form deep and lasting relationships in research and innovation with other globally leading universities, industry, and public and third sector bodies; encourage research staff and students to gain experiences and share knowledge and skills with global partners; host staff and students from our partners and co-create knowledge; progressively increase collaborative academic research and innovation outputs of the highest quality and value; create new interdisciplinary institutes and centres to find solutions to today’s great challenges, including tackling climate change and public health threats through low carbon technologies, data technology and population health informatics. Providing ideal infrastructure, we will: invest in digital services that are key to discovery, development and sharing; provide optimal-for-purpose and sustainable physical spaces, facilities and services for research and innovation. The University of Edinburgh Research Strategy This article was published on 2023-11-21
