Our research

UCL is one of the most successful UK universities at attracting funding, with an income of more than £800 million in 2011, when we received:

  • 3rd highest allocation of Research Council UK funding
  • 3rd highest allocation of European Research Council starting grants 

This success has helped UCL to be independently ranked as the most productive research university in Europe. (SIR)

Image: Caffeine crystals (right). Credit: Annie Cavanagh and David McCarthy (UCL School of Pharmacy)

Progress through partnership

UCL academics are working at the forefront of their disciplines partnering with world-renowned organisations such as Intel, BHP Billiton and NASA and contributing to influential reports for the UN, EU and UK government.

Image: Large Hadron Collider (left). Credit: CERN

Inspired by today's challenges

With dedication and a creative approach, UCL research is helping to address the world's most urgent problems. 

Whether we are designing healthier cities, or grappling with issues such as global health or climate change, the challenges of daily life inspire UCL students and academics. Discover UCL's Grand Challenges.

Explore how UCL Enterprise works to maximise the impact of our research through training, business partnerships and commercialisation. 

Image: GuangMing eco-city (right). Credit: Professor CJ Lim

Interdisciplinary 

UCL brings together world-renowned experts, from across the academic spectrum, to tackle complex problems presented by an increasingly interconnected world. Examples include:

  • The UCL Energy Institute harnesses different perspectives and knowledge in energy research, transcending the boundaries between academic disciplines.
  • The Centre for Intercultural Studies promotes interdisciplinary and international approaches to film, literature, and society.
  • The UCL Cancer Institute unites cancer research at UCL and our partner hospitals. It provides expertise, facilities and services to a large array of research groups housed under one roof.

Find more interdisciplinary research groups in IRIS

Image: Paul O'Gorman building (left), home of the UCL Cancer Institute