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University of Edinburgh Launches Fellowships in Data-Driven Innovation

University of Edinburgh Launches Fellowships in Data-Driven Innovation

One of the UK's leading universities has announced plans to appoint 30 highly prestigious Chancellor’s Fellowships in Data-Driven Innovation.

The University of Edinburgh is aiming to attract academics across a range of disciplines who will focus on data-enabled research to drive innovation across eight industrial sectors, including:

Digital Technologies Health & Social Care
Space & Satellite Analysis Financial Services & Fintech
‘Agritech’ initiative Public Sector (‘Govtech’)
Robotics & Autonomous Systems Creative Industries, Tourism & Festivals


The broad sectoral scope of the Fellowships within a data innovation theme is believed to be a first for a UK university.

The appointments are part of the University's commitment to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) Programme, a partnership with Heriot-Watt University.

Candidates will already have established a reputation for the high quality of their data-driven research and innovation and will have a commitment to developing their skills in on-line teaching at scale at a University level. Colleagues with translational-industrial, public and third sector linkages, international academics and those interested in interdisciplinary collaboration are particularly welcomed.

Chancellor’s Fellows will initially concentrate on world class research and innovation working closely with the private, public and third sector in a data-enabled theme, with a focus on delivering high impact results. The University will provide a generous start-up package and training in contemporary on-line and blended education and industry engagement skills. Colleagues will be expected to progressively take up more of these core academic activities over time. It is anticipated that following a successful review the majority of Chancellor’s Fellows will transition to an open-ended post at an appropriate grade.

The 15-year DDI Programme aims to establish the region as the data capital of Europe, attracting investment, fuelling entrepreneurship, and contributing to inclusive growth.


Learn more and apply for a Chancellor's Fellowship >


The University of Edinburgh’s achievements in informatics have been ranked as first in Research Power in the UK by the body that assesses the quality of research in higher education institutions. Professor Jonathan Seckl, Vice-Principal for Planning, Resources and Research Policy, commented: “This investment will contribute to a number of state-of-the-art facilities underpinned by the ethos of the ‘porous university’ in which research leaders, innovative educators, students, industry and public sector experts ‘breath the same air’ in interactive facilities to co-create the benefits to derive from our leading position in data sciences and artificial intelligence.”

Announced in 2017, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is a £1.1bn ($1.5bn) investment from the UK and Scottish governments, local authorities, and universities and colleges.

Relocation support and immigration fee assistance is available for colleagues who need to move to take up the Fellowship. This includes practical support for a spouse or partner. For more information about the assistance available, visit the website Relocation Support.


For more information about the Chancellor’s Fellowships and the opportunities available, visit the website Chancellor's Fellowships Opportunities.


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Image credit by Chris Hepburn
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