University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh
Coat of arms of the University of Edinburgh
Caption	Coat of arms of the University of Edinburgh
Motto	Latin: Nec temere, nec timide
Established	1582
Type	Public
Principal	Peter Mathieson
City	Edinburgh
State	N/A
Country	Scotland
Campus	Urban
Website	www.ed.ac.uk

The University of Edinburgh is a prestigious public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1582, it is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. The university is a member of the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and the League of European Research Universities.

History

The University of Edinburgh was established by a royal charter granted by King James VI in 1582, making it the sixth oldest university in the United Kingdom. The university played a pivotal role during the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, contributing significantly to the intellectual and scientific advancements of the period.

Campus

The university's main campus is located in the heart of Edinburgh, with additional facilities spread throughout the city. The central area includes the historic Old College, which houses the university's administration and the School of Law. The George Square campus is home to the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, and the School of Social and Political Science.

Academics

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its three colleges: the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is renowned for its research and teaching in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, and biomedical sciences. It is home to the Edinburgh Medical School, which has produced many notable alumni, including Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery, and Sir James Young Simpson, who discovered the anesthetic properties of chloroform.

Research

The University of Edinburgh is a leading research institution, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for research output and impact. It is involved in numerous interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborates with institutions worldwide. The university's research strengths include informatics, neuroscience, climate change, and regenerative medicine.

Notable Alumni

The university has a long list of distinguished alumni, including:

• Charles Darwin, the naturalist known for his theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes series.
• Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Also see

• Scottish Enlightenment
• Russell Group
• League of European Research Universities
• Edinburgh Medical School
• Old College, University of Edinburgh