Throughout 2026, Edinburgh Medical School is marking 300 years of medical education and research at the University of Edinburgh.  This year we are exploring our past and present with as many people as possible to help us shape our future for medicine in Edinburgh.

We invited University of Edinburgh students, staff and alumni to nominate individuals who have made an inspirational contribution to Edinburgh Medical School, to be included in a collection of 300 faces.

The 300 faces represent who we are, where we’ve come from and where we are going. They honour and reflect the people who have shaped our shared 300-year history and highlight those who are powerful advocates for the future of medicine at Edinburgh.

These 300 faces help us tell the often hidden and untold stories of inspirational individuals and unsung heroes, exploring the experiences and achievements of our large, diverse and remarkable community.

In this exhibition you can explore some of these individual stories, through family members who have shared their experiences of uncovering their own histories.

You can see items from our archive collections and hear directly from those involved, and we hope you may also be inspired to explore your own connections to the University of Edinburgh.