Work has started on Edinburgh University's new computer centre

Edinburgh University's new �42m Informatics Forum in Crichton Street will attract top researchers and students from around the world.

It is hoped the new building, set to be completed next year, will generate world class research.

The department was destroyed more than three years ago by the Cowgate fire.

Hub for academia

Researchers from the School of Informatics, who are currently dispersed across the city, will be brought together under one roof.

Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen, visiting the new site, said: "Edinburgh University's reputation in informatics is exceptional, making it a global leader in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence.

The University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics is considered one of Scotland's national assets Professor Timothy O'Shea University of Edinburgh

"This is a highly important project for Scotland, that's why we're backing it with �14m funding through Scottish Enterprise.

"This new facility will act as a hub for academic and commercial developments and significantly advance Scotland's position as a world leader in informatics."

University of Edinburgh's principal, Professor Timothy O'Shea, said: "Scotland is already a world-leader in a number of areas of informatics and, with the vision and support of the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, it will become even stronger.

"The University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics is considered one of Scotland's national assets and one of the top five locations in the world for computing science and information related research.