Usher welcomed the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) joined by dignitaries, staff, students and partners at The University of Edinburgh on Thursday 26 June for the Official Opening of the Usher Building at Edinburgh BioQuarter - a world-leading hub for data-driven health and care innovation. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, was among a number of notable guests attending our launch of the Usher Building, which brings together more than 900 researchers, health and care providers, and industry leaders to tackle pressing challenges such as an ageing population, widening health inequalities, and childhood wellbeing, all amidst growing pressures on global services. The opening of the Usher Building is a major step forward for the University of Edinburgh – and wider society – in reimagining how we improve health and social care. By bringing together researchers, clinicians and industry experts, we have created a dynamic hub that will drive innovation for the benefit of all. It is inspiring to shine a light on the outstanding work underway here and, together with the United Nations and many other key partners, we remain committed to advancing these critical efforts to improve lives. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson Principal and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Edinburgh Dr Tedros was joined at the event by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport, alongside senior University leaders and researchers. It was an honour to attend the opening of this fantastic state-of-the-art facility alongside so many eminent guests from the health and social care sectors. Backed by £48.5 million of UK Government funding, the Usher Building provides an inspiring environment where academics, healthcare professionals and industry partners can collaborate on pioneering research and development to tackle challenges faced by our communities and improve well-being. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal. Rt Hon Ian Murray MP Secretary of State for Scotland Celebrating global impact As part of the opening ceremony, Dr Tedros was awarded the University’s inaugural Edinburgh Prize for Global Health Impact, in recognition of the WHO’s work to provide children across the world with access to life-saving vaccinations through its Expanded Programme on Immunization. Innovation in action To celebrate the building’s opening, we held an Opening Showcase Exhibition highlighting the work of our research and teaching community. Dr Tedros and other invited guests toured the building, stopping at various stations to view exhibitions and engage with staff and students about their work. The exhibition featured research projects, public engagement activities, and collaborations, and is now available to view online. The Usher Building supports a wide range of pioneering work, including:The use of artificial intelligence to improve surgical outcomesResearch into the diagnostic potential of routine retina imagingGenetic studies of populations in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides to better understand cancer risksReal-time tracking of population health trends to enhance care and preventionDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, our researchers played a vital role in shaping Scottish, UK and international vaccination policy and wider public health responses.The DataLoch initiative – a partnership between The University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian – also plays a key role in advancing data-driven research. By bringing together de-identified data from everyday health and care services, DataLoch enables approved researchers to explore a wide range of issues, including service improvement and health inequalities.One such project, Healthy Homes, Healthy Kids, is using linked health and energy data to explore, for the first time in the UK, the relationship between underheated homes and children’s health. The study aims to inform policy and improve wellbeing for families across Scotland. Built for impact Designed by Hassell, with engineering from KJ Tait and Woolgar Hunter, and construction led by McLaughlin & Harvey, the Usher Building is a landmark addition to Edinburgh’s growing health innovation ecosystem.The building was highly commended in the European Healthcare Design Awards and is the first new University of Edinburgh building to be heated solely by air-source heat pumps, offering an energy-efficient alternative to gas.In addition to its research and teaching spaces, the building provides flexible workspaces, community areas, and co-location opportunities for partners ranging from early-stage startups to established health organisations. About the City Region deal The Usher Building is one of six hubs at The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University that make up the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.The UK and Scottish Governments have together invested £300m in the Deal, which is worth £1.5b in total and is designed to accelerate productivity and inclusive growth through investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation.Regional partners include six local authorities (Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian, Fife and the Scottish Borders), plus universities and colleges across the region. Further information Watch the live stream recording, access the online Showcase Exhibition, and view photographs from the event, visit Usher Building Opening | Usher Connects | Usher InstituteBuilding opening signals new era in health and care innovation | News | The University of Edinburgh Publication date 27 Jun, 2025
