Scotland’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Minister has, together with the World Health Organisation’s Director-GeneraI, officially opened the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Building at the Edinburgh BioQuarter.

The new £49.2m Usher Building will bring together academic, NHS, private and third sector partners to accelerate innovations for health and care.

A WHO Collaborating Centre, the hub will see researchers, healthcare providers and industry leaders across the world join forces to harness data for urgent challenges from widening health inequalities, childhood wellbeing and the growing health needs associated with an ageing population.

During the opening ceremony, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus received the inaugural Edinburgh Prize for Global Health Impact in recognition of the organisation’s work to provide children across the world access to life-saving vaccinations.

Dr Tedros was joined by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport, as well as university staff and students.

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport, said the research delivered by the hub will help renew NHS Scotland and “transform healthcare around the globe”:

“The opening of the University of Edinburgh’s new Usher Building marks a significant step forward in health innovation.

“This development will drive growth across the region, which is why the Scottish Government is proud to support it through our Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal investment.

“I warmly welcome Dr Tedros to Scotland and congratulate him on his well-deserved Edinburgh Prize for Global Health Impact, awarded in recognition of the many children whose lives have been saved by the WHO vaccines programme.”

Dr Tedros said he was honoured to accept the award, recognising the life-saving power of vaccination and the commitment of WHO colleagues and partners around the world, adding:

“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.”

The Usher Building is one of six regional hubs hosted by Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, funded by both the UK and Scottish governments.

Pioneering work is already underway, including cancer genetic studies of population in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides.

Scientists in the building are also exploring how routine eye tests could hold untapped diagnostic potential, with data scientists and clinical researchers developing a digital tool to analyse retinal images to detect dementia risk

Meanwhile, Usher Building health data experts are tracking population trends to enhance prevention, diagnosis and care delivery across communities.

University of Edinburgh Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, said:

“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 building itself is also first University of Edinburgh building to rely solely on environmentally-friendly heating, avoiding direct use of fossil fuels by using efficient air source heat pumps.

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