For more than six decades, Edinburgh has been a hub for pioneering research and innovation in what is now known as informatics. The University of Edinburgh defines informatics as "the study of the structure, the behaviour and the interactions of natural and engineered computational systems." Since the early days of the discipline, Edinburgh has played a leading role, particularly in fields such as computer science and artificial intelligence.
On 17 March 2025, we held a special event for alumni in London exploring Edinburgh’s role in the artificial intelligence revolution. It included a panel discussion with Professor Michael Rovatsos (Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the School of Informatics), Professor Shannon Vallor (Baillie Gifford Professor in the Ethics of Data and AI and Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures), and Professor Kenneth Baillie (Professor of Experimental Medicine, Co-director of the Baillie Gifford Pandemic Science Hub).
You can watch a recording of the panel discussion on our alumni YouTube channel below:
Today, the School of Informatics—established as a unified entity in 1998—continues to lead the way. It is the largest research and teaching institution of its kind in the UK and is widely recognised as one of the top informatics centres globally. Our timeline highlights key individuals, breakthroughs, and events that have cemented Edinburgh’s reputation in this field.
1963: The Birth of Computer Science
The study of computer science at the University of Edinburgh began in 1963 with the creation of the Computer Unit, led by Sidney Michaelson (1925–1991). Appointed Director of the Unit, he later became the first Chair of Computer Science in 1967. Despite lacking its own computing hardware initially, the Unit attracted research students from 1963, introduced a postgraduate diploma in 1964, and launched undergraduate classes in 1965. By 1966, it had split into two entities: the Department of Computer Science, under Professor Michaelson’s leadership, and the Edinburgh Regional Computing Centre, headed by Dr Gordon “Tommy” Thomas.
Artificial Intelligence: Donald Michie
During the same period, Donald Michie, a Reader in Surgical Science, formed a small research group at 4 Hope Park Square, which later became the Department of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on his experience at Bletchley Park, where he worked alongside Alan Turing, Michie believed machines capable of thinking and learning were within reach. In 1966, he founded the Department of Machine Intelligence and Perception, laying the groundwork for Edinburgh’s enduring contributions to AI. He remained at the University until 1985 and later returned as an Emeritus Professor.
1966: Edinburgh’s First Computer
In 1966, the University installed its first mainframe computer, an English Electric Leo KDF9, and established the Edinburgh Regional Computing Centre (ERCC), led by Dr Gordon “Tommy” Thomas. This followed the UK government’s Flowers Report recommendations for universities to have computer laboratories and designated Edinburgh as a leader in developing conversational computing systems.
1969–1973: Freddy and Freddy II
Above: an archive video about the Freddy II robot
Freddy (1969–1971) and Freddy II (1973–1976) were groundbreaking robots developed within the Department of Machine Intelligence. Capable of assembling wooden models from a random pile of parts, they represented a major advance in machine vision and automation. Freddy II, featuring a mechanical arm mounted on an overhead gantry with binocular vision, could identify and assemble model parts, a revolutionary achievement at the time.
1969: The World’s First AI Spin-Out
Donald Michie and Jim Howe launched Conversational Software Ltd (CSL) in 1969 to commercialise the POP-2 symbolic programming language, making it one of the world’s first AI spin-out companies. Developed by Robin Popplestone and Rod Burstall, POP-2 enabled complex logic-based programming and was instrumental in AI research across the UK.
1973: Robin Milner Joins Edinburgh
Robin Milner’s arrival at Edinburgh in 1973 marked another milestone. He co-founded the Laboratory for Foundations of Computer Science and developed ML, a functional programming language that influenced later languages. His contributions to computing theory earned him the 1991 ACM Turing Award.
1983–2014: Expansion and Recognition
The School of Informatics grew into a globally recognised centre of excellence. Key milestones included founding the Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute in 1983, establishing the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre in 1990, and achieving consistent top rankings in UK research assessments.
Above: an archive video on the opening of the Informatics Forum in 2008
In 2008, the Informatics Forum opened as the home of the School of Informatics, providing a world-class research environment for over 500 researchers, students, and industry collaborators. Designed as an open and collaborative space, the Forum fosters interdisciplinary innovation, bringing together experts in artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and computational theory under one roof. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, it serves as a hub for academic and industrial partnerships, hosting international conferences, workshops, and public engagement events that shape the future of informatics.
The Edinburgh Supercomputer: ARCHER and Beyond
Edinburgh has long been home to some of the UK’s most powerful computing resources. The ARCHER (Advanced Research Computing High End Resource) supercomputer, hosted by the University’s Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC), played a crucial role in advancing computational science across disciplines, from climate modeling to drug discovery. In 2021, ARCHER was succeeded by ARCHER2, a next-generation system delivering significantly higher performance. These supercomputers enable cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large-scale data analysis, reinforcing Edinburgh’s position as a leader in high-performance computing.
2014: Edinburgh Centre for Robotics
The Edinburgh Centre for Robotics launched in 2014 as a collaboration with Heriot-Watt University, bringing together researchers and industry partners to develop AI-driven robotics for real-world applications. The Centre houses the Robotarium, a national facility for robotics research.
2015–2020: Innovation and Collaboration
In 2015, the School launched the Data Science Technology and Innovation Programme to address the growing demand for data science professionals. The Bayes Centre, established in 2016, became a hub for collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector in data science and AI. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, researchers and students contributed to data analysis and digital tool development to address emerging challenges.
2020: Shannon Vallor and the Ethics of AI
Professor Shannon Vallor joined the University of Edinburgh as the Baillie Gifford Chair in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence in 2020. A leading expert in the philosophy of technology, her research focuses on the ethical challenges posed by AI, automation, and data-driven systems. As the Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, she has been instrumental in shaping global discussions on responsible AI development. Professor Vallor’s work bridges philosophy, informatics, and public policy, ensuring that advancements in AI align with human values and societal well-being.
2022–2025: Ethics, Research, and Recognition
Above: a filmed University panel discussion on 'AI: Past, Present and Future' from 2023.
The School introduced the MSc in Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society in 2022 to explore the ethical, social, and political implications of AI. This marked a growing focus on responsible AI development, ensuring that advances in the field align with societal values and needs. In 2023, the University celebrated 60 years of leadership in computer science and AI, highlighting decades of research breakthroughs and innovation.
In 2024, Informatics researchers developed an AI image analysis tool for climate change, launched the Centre for AI for Assistive Autonomy, and collaborated on an AI-driven investment tool. The year also saw AI-augmented artworks showcased at the 29th International Symposium on Electronic Art and research initiated into how high school students use AI in education. Additionally, Edinburgh researchers made strides in natural language processing and AI-driven medical diagnostics, further solidifying the University’s reputation at the forefront of informatics. Professor Geoffrey Hinton, who earned his PhD in AI from Edinburgh in 1978, and who is often referred to as the "godfather of AI," was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, reflecting the increasing global recognition of AI’s impact.
In addition, the University established the Generative AI Laboratory (GAIL), a centre for excellence dedicated to researching generative AI and its societal impact. GAIL unites expertise across the University in natural language processing, machine learning, and data-driven innovation, with a focus on future health and care, climate sustainability, and economic growth. Through partnerships with global stakeholders, GAIL drives new collaborations and projects across government, industry, and the public sector, reinforcing Edinburgh’s leadership in AI research and application.
Today
Today, the School continues to push the boundaries of informatics, combining world-class research with cutting-edge applications in AI, robotics, and beyond. The legacy of innovation that began in the 1960s remains as strong as ever.
All opinions expressed are those of the individuals being quoted and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Edinburgh.
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Created with an image by Rafay - "Ai robot hand holding lightbulb on isolated transparent background"