We have made good progress in opening our estates to communities, designing spaces like the Edinburgh Futures Institute and the Usher Building to enable inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. The University of Edinburgh opens its doors to communities Our commitment Designate a physical front door on each of our campuses all year round, so that members of our community know how to reach us in person. Public-access areas, events, and outreach programmes are making sure the associated resources benefit both the University and the wider public. Edinburgh Futures Institute The story of the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) begins with a building rich in history.Once the Old Royal Infirmary, a cornerstone of healthcare in the heart of the city since 1879, the building has been reimagined as a hub for innovation and inclusivity.The reimagined building is one of six hubs that are part of our Data Driven Innovation (DDI) programme which is the largest part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal funded through both the UK and Scottish Governments.When its doors reopened in June 2024, this revitalised space carried a new mission: to connect Edinburgh’s communities with cutting-edge academic research and opportunities for collaboration. Edinburgh Futures Institute Restoring a historic landmark Over seven years, we've invested in preserving the character of this iconic Victorian structure while introducing new aspects such as glass extensions and walkways, cantilevered stairways, public gardens and open piazzas, with different entry points across the site connecting to the wider Quartermile development.The spaces are designed to be open and welcoming, inviting staff, students and visitors to engage with the site through an exciting programme of events and encouraging people to linger.We’re proud to say that the redevelopment of the former hospital has been recognised in the Prix Versailles’ World’s Most Beautiful Campuses List. Borne by the walls An exhibition of portraits, poems and texts that honours the complex past life of Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the mark it has left on the minds, bodies and life stories of people in Edinburgh and beyond. Public programmes and events A big part of EFI’s offering is its diverse programme of public events. The institute hosts free workshops, panel discussions, and performances that address societal challenges such as education equity, climate change, and artificial intelligence.The "Learning Curves" season in autumn 2024 included interactive workshops and hybrid events, that enabled a global as well as local audience. Themes ranged from the role of AI in education to creative arts workshops, all designed to include local residents and a variety of opinions in meaningful discussions.EFI is also the new home of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, hosting the world-leading annual event for the first time in August 2024. The innovative programme saw thousands of people from across the world welcomed through our doors and cementing the University’s role in the year round festivals Edinburgh enjoys. A hub for life-long education Guided by the motto "Patet Omnibus" (Open to All), EFI prioritises inclusivity.Spaces within the building, including exhibition halls and performance venues, are open to everyone. Public engagement programmes, such as workshops exploring creative arts, collaborative design, and alternative education models, provide platforms for residents to gain new skills and insights. Usher Building The University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute has taken a significant step towards community collaboration and innovation with the unveiling of its state-of-the-art Usher Building.This new facility, the last of the six DDI hubs to be completed, is set to formally open in early 2025 and will apply the University's expertise in data to tomorrow's challenges in health and wellbeing.Set in the south of our health innovation campus at BioQuarter, the new space will integrate public, private, and third-sector partners alongside academic and community stakeholders, as a hub for cooperative problem-solving and learning. It hosts a mix of academic programmes, public spaces, and partnership opportunities, and the hope is that it will become a model of how universities can meaningfully integrate with the communities they serve. Usher Building A space designed for collaboration The Usher Building was designed to support collaboration and innovation. Drawing on feedback from consultation groups, the architects and designers created spaces that encourage interactions among academics, students, partners, and the general public.The Usher Engage room in the building is specifically designed and dedicated to outreach education with schools and community groups.Key features include: Public access: The ground floor is a welcoming, open space featuring a café and hosting regular events and activities that invite community participation. Sustainability: The building’s air-source heat pump system eliminates the need for a gas supply, aligning with Scotland’s goals for a sustainable future. This has been recognised in a Scottish Government case study by Locogen. Community access to rooms Community access to rooms This article was published on 2025-01-23
