THE University of Edinburgh’s Usher Building at the Edinburgh BioQuarter has been officially opened.
Designed by architects Hassell, with key engineering by KJ Tait and Woolgar Hunter, the Usher Building was built by principal contractor McLaughlin & Harvey.
It was recently highly commended in the European Healthcare Design Awards and is the first new University of Edinburgh building to rely solely on efficient air source heat pump heating, avoiding direct use of fossil fuels.
The director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) was among notable guests attending the official opening of the facility, which is tipped to be a major driving force advancing health and social care.
The Usher Building brings together more than 900 researchers, health and care providers, and industry leaders who are harnessing data in addressing urgent challenges – including an ageing population, widening health inequalities, and childhood wellbeing.
The University of Edinburgh received £49.2 million capital funding for the building through the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal, with £48.5 million from the UK Government and £700,000 from the Scottish Government.
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was joined by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, secretary of state for Scotland, and Maree Todd MSP, Scottish Government minister for drug and alcohol policy and sport, alongside university staff and students to mark the opening of this hub.
During the ceremony, Dr Tedros received the university’s inaugural Edinburgh Prize for Global Health Impact in recognition of the WHO’s work to provide children across the world access to life-saving vaccinations.
The building co-locates the Usher Institute alongside other public, private and third-sector partners working together to accelerate innovations in data to benefit the health and care sector. Work taking place within the Usher Building includes researchers leveraging artificial intelligence to improve surgical outcomes and scientists exploring diagnostic potential through routine retina imaging. Genetic studies of populations in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides are also yielding vital insights into cancer genetics, while health data experts track population trends to enhance prevention, diagnosis and care delivery across communities.
Dr Tedros said, “For hundreds of years, the University of Edinburgh has been a revered centre of learning and research. With the Usher Building’s opening, the university is future-proofing that proud heritage by embracing the latest medical innovations, artificial intelligence and data analysis to contribute to making a healthier world.”
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, added, “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.”
The July/August edition of Project Scotland will feature a Q&A with Steve Irvine, operations director at McLaughlin & Harvey, on the build of the Usher Building.
