Teviot reopens!

Edinburgh’s historic student union begins a new chapter

Students’ Association President Ash Scholz, University Associate Principal and Deputy Secretary, Students, Lucy Evans and other student leaders reopen Teviot in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Image credit Edinburgh University Students’ Association / Andrew Perry.

After more than two years behind scaffolding and hoardings, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic University buildings has reopened its doors. Teviot, the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, welcomed students and visitors back on Wednesday 4 March following a major renovation balancing careful restoration with modern upgrades.

First opened in 1889, the building has been central to student life at the University for well over a century. Within its distinctive facade and labyrinth of staircases and rooms, generations of students have socialised, debated politics, hosted events, celebrated milestones and made life-long friends. Following an extensive refurbishment designed to safeguard the building’s heritage while preparing it for the future, Teviot is ready to serve a new generation of students. Read more…

Regenerative Sustainability Strategy launches

Our pathway beyond net zero
Regenerative sustainability seeks to minimise negative environmental impacts while actively restoring natural, biophysical systems, to ensure a net positive environmental and social impact. The University of Edinburgh is leading one of the most ambitious sustainability plans in UK higher education, moving beyond damage limitation to actively repair and regenerate our world. We’ve launched our new regenerative sustainability strategy to guide how we will address the linked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution (known as the polycrisis).  Our strategy goes further than just minimising harm, proactively restoring natural systems to benefit both nature and people. Read more…

Latest research news

New map reveals cancer mutation effects
Scientists created a comprehensive map showing how genetic mutations influence cancer development, helping identify targets for treatment and improving understanding of disease mechanisms. Read more…

Study sheds light on social media and mental health
Research explores links between social media use and mental health outcomes, offering insights for policymakers and clinicians while noting the need for further study. Read more…

Mass killing uncovered at ancient burial site
Archaeologists identified evidence of a mass killing of women and children at an Iron Age burial site, reshaping understanding of violence in ancient societies. Read more…

Sensor gloves could help robots get to grips with human tasks
Researchers developed advanced sensor gloves to improve robotic dexterity, with potential applications in healthcare and manufacturing. Read more…

New test could help pinpoint IBD diagnosis
Researchers developed a diagnostic test aimed at improving identification of inflammatory bowel disease, potentially speeding treatment decisions. Read more…

$3m investment for bio-carbon spinout Carbogenics
University spinout secures funding to scale carbon-reduction technology, highlighting Edinburgh’s role in climate innovation. Read more…

The University community

Health-tech alumni startup – developed at University – has secured £7.7m in a Series A investment round

(L-R) Bioliberty founders: Ross O’Hanlon, Rowan Armstrong, Conan Bradley and Shéa Quinn. Photo: williamsonphotos@mac.com

University of Edinburgh student startup, health tech company Bioliberty, has secured £7.7m in a Series A investment round that includes Old College Capital, the University’s in-house venture investment fund. Bioliberty’s platform combines AI with soft-robotic wearable devices to support physical rehabilitation for people recovering from mobility-limiting conditions or injuries. School of Engineering graduates Rowan Armstrong and Ross O’Hanlon co-founded the company in 2019, alongside Conan Bradley and Shea Quinn, with support from Edinburgh Innovations.  Read more…

Social media mental health study sparks student wellbeing debate
Beyond research findings, the study has implications for student support and campus conversations around digital life and wellbeing. Read more…