Professor Steven Yule
Professor Steven Yule leads cutting-edge research at the University of Edinburgh using AI, video, and sensor technologies to optimize surgical performance, enhance team dynamics, and improve patient safety in the digital operating room.
He is Chair of Behavioural Sciences and lead scientist of the Surgical Sabermetrics Laboratory (SaberLab), a pioneering research group that translates data-driven analytics and performance-enhancing techniques from elite sports to enhance surgical team effectiveness. SaberLab’s work is supported by government agencies, foundations, societies, medical charities, and academic training grants. The lab collaborates with research groups at the intersection of surgery and psychology across Europe and North America and was honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the MacLeod McLaren Medal in Patient Safety, awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in June 2025.
An internationally recognized expert in non-technical skills and human performance, Professor Yule has studied high-stakes teamwork in surgery, spaceflight, and sport for over 25 years. He also directs the MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at University of Edinburgh; an innovative programme that trains healthcare leaders worldwide in systems thinking, non-technical skills, and digital health innovation to advance safer, higher-quality care.
In parallel with academic leadership, he serves as Faculty Director of Non-Technical Skills at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, chairing a steering committee shaping global standards in surgical education, team performance, and faculty development and leading an international faculty of over 125 surgical educators. Prior to joining Edinburgh, Prof Yule held the posts of Lecturer in Psychology (University of Aberdeen, 2007–2011) and Associate Professor of Surgery (Harvard Medical School, 2011–2022).
Through multidisciplinary collaboration, Steve’s mission is to translate scientific innovation into real-world solutions that transform healthcare delivery, improve lives, and benefit society.