Construction work is continuing at the new Usher building at Edinburgh BioQuarter.

Due to open in 2024, the world class research and teaching facility will accelerate data-driven innovation within the health and care sector.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, joined representatives from across the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh BioQuarter, alongside principal contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, to celebrate the topping out of the building.

The Usher Institute is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and is supported by £48.5million from the UK Government and £0.7million from the Scottish Government through the £1.4 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal – a 15 year investment programme jointly funded by both governments and regional partners.

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The new building will join a growing health innovation ecosystem across the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region. Once open, it will bring together over 900 researchers, health and care providers, and industry partners focused on transforming the delivery of health and social care.

Building on existing expertise and interdisciplinary research within the Usher Institute, the project will accelerate new public, private and third sector partnerships to discover, develop and deploy data-driven solutions to address the most pressing issues in health and social care.

Development of the building will also bring additional benefits to the local community, with a dedicated open space for community connections, support and inspiration for STEM and innovation life-long learning and employment and by being a good neighbour.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: "It's fantastic that the next milestone has been reached on what will be a world class research and teaching facility in the region.

"The Usher Institute was and continues to be central to Scotland's understanding of, and response to, COVID-19. The importance of using data science to improve and save lives has never been more obvious and I very much look forward to the work that will be undertaken in the finished Usher building.

"The Usher Institute enhances Scotland's world-leading health data assets and is central to our future ambitions for developing an international network of healthcare innovation at Edinburgh BioQuarter to understand and advance global health."