Revolutionary partnership

The University of Edinburgh has been announced as the home of the UK’s next national supercomputer. The significant investment represents a huge endorsement of the University and its future as a world-leader in supercomputing and AI, recognising the strength and value of Edinburgh’s expertise.

The UK Government has confirmed funding of up to £750 million for this vital piece of national infrastructure, which will be located at the University’s Advanced Computing Facility.

Announced as part of the Chancellor’s Spending Review, the new supercomputer will give scientists across the UK access to compute power on a world-leading scale.

It will enable researchers to undertake large-scale complex modelling, test scientific theories and improve products and public services in areas including medicine, climate change and national security.

It places the University, the city of Edinburgh and wider region at the centre of a nationwide effort to drive technological innovations and support industry using computing and AI.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, said: “This significant investment will have a profoundly positive impact on the UK’s global standing, and we welcome the vast opportunities it will create for research and innovation. Building on the University of Edinburgh’s expertise and experience over decades, this powerful supercomputer will drive economic growth by supporting advancements in medicine, bolstering emerging industries and public services, and unlocking the full potential of AI.”

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Phase Two

In September 2024, 46 on-campus Scholars and over 100 online scholars joined the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This partnership is in its second phase (2023-2030) and now focuses exclusively on sustainability-related studies, preparing the next generation of climate leaders. Phase two was designed to incorporate additional projects focused on capacity building. The program continues to prioritise underrepresented groups, especially women, refugees and people with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team was also awarded the Principal’s Medal in November 2024 for its outstanding work, recognising the team’s delivery of an innovative academic, social, and leadership program that addressed the climate crisis.

Digital Education Practitioner Networks (DEPN)

This initiative aims to enhance digital education in sub-Saharan Africa by building sustainable networks of practitioners to lead inclusive digital transformation in their institutions.

Participants undertake an MSc in Digital Education at the University.  They then use their skills and knowledge to form regional and professional networks that promote peer learning and knowledge exchange across African HEIs. DEPN networks have been established in Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme

This is a collaborative initiative between the University of Edinburgh, the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, and the Mastercard Foundation which advances interdisciplinary sustainability research and builds research capacity among African academics. In November 2024, the first cohort of 50 WESAF Scholars graduated with more than half of that group progressing to doctoral study, co-supervised by Wits and Edinburgh.

IT donation helps rebuild Ukraine partners’ computer centre

In September 2024, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) celebrated the opening of a newly equipped computer centre, made possible by a donation of IT equipment led by Edinburgh Global.

A second donation in June 2025 means that around 215 computers and more than 530 peripherals were donated by the University and shipped to Ukraine with support from a non-governmental organisation. The computer centre replaces a facility destroyed in a missile strike in October 2022 and will now provide essential resources for students, researchers, and academic staff to continue their work despite the ongoing conflict. The KNUÐEdinburgh partnership which launched in 2022, is more than an academic exchangeÑit’s a lifeline for colleagues working under extraordinary circumstances. KNU’s Rector and Library Head expressed heartfelt thanks, recognising the partnership as a symbol of solidarity.