University of Edinburgh

Institute presentation

The University of Edinburgh (UEDIN) is one of the largest and most successful universities in the UK with an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence. Its international character is reflected in its student population, which comprises of 2,000 European students and 3,442 International students (out of a total population of around 24,500 students) from over 120 different countries worldwide. It can also be found in its truly international staff and in its joint research and other links with overseas universities, institutes, companies and governments.

The University is the leading research university in Scotland and is amongst the top ten in the United Kingdom. Almost all members of staff at the university are research active. Following the announcement of the results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise some 63% of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories (4* and 3*), of which one third is recognised as “world-leading”. A total of 1,684 individuals, more than 90% of the institution’s academic staff, saw their research assessed across 39 subject areas. The results place the University in the top 5 in the UK and number one in Scotland by volume of 4* “world-leading” research. The University is home to 37% of Scotland’s 4* research.

On a European level, traditionally the University has been very successful in participating in European Framework Programmes. The success continued during the Sixth Framework Programme with the University collaborating in some 190 projects, total award value of approximately €74M, and in the Seventh Framework Programme the University participates in some 398 projects with an award value of €222m. This includes a large number of FP7 multi partner collaborative projects where the University takes a lead role as Project Coordinator. This also includes 115 Marie Curie Awards of which we are partner in 26 ITNs and lead 5.

It is the University’s stated aim that it wishes as far as possible to conduct its research and development activities on a trans-national basis. The pooling of research expertise, equipment and database resources contributes to major advances in science, technology and medicine worldwide.

Regarding stroke clinical trials, Edinburgh hosts or hosted a number of pivotal investigator lead trials including IST-1, IST-3, the FOOD Trials, the CLOTS Trials and FOCUS. The Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU) is an accredited trials unit which recently passed inspection by the MHRA. The Edinburgh department was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), providing the first evidence based guidelines for stroke; and Dennis leads the Scottish Stroke Care Audit.

Main tasks attributed in the project:

UEDIN provided (a) national coordination for centres in the United Kingdom; (b) input to the trial steering committee; (c) input to the trial ethical committee; d) monitoring in the UK and recruitment to the trial (WP1, Trial Management).