Local and global impact
As London’s Global University, UCL works with partners locally, nationally, and across the world, to co-create fair solutions to pressing challenges.
Through research, teaching, and innovation, we are continually making an impact on the world we live in.
An independent report into the university’s economic and social impact, issued in June 2022, found that UCL’s annual impact of £9.9bn across the UK economy is comparable to the trade boost delivered by the London 2012 Olympics.
In the latest Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) assessment, UCL performed strongly again, maintaining its position as a leading university for knowledge exchange. The KEF looks at the wide range of activities that higher education institutions undertake with external partners for the benefit of society and the economy. These activities include partnering with industry, businesses and the public and third sectors, as well as commercialising research through spinout businesses, licensing intellectual property and nurturing student entrepreneurship.
Research and impact
Find out more about our research, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, and explore stories of our impact locally, nationally and globally.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange
Find out how we're transforming lives through knowledge exchange - a two-way exchange of ideas, evidence and expertise between universities and organisations and communities outside of academia.
UCL in London
As London's Global University, UCL is the capital's research powerhouse with the position of number 1 in London for research power (REF 2021). Find out more about UCL's impact in London.
UCL worldwide
As London’s Global University, UCL works with partners across the world to co-create fair solutions to pressing challenges. Find out about UCL's activity in each of our regions around the globe.
News from UCL news desk
Spacecraft lifts off on quest to image Earth’s shield for the first time
A space mission proposed and co-led by UCL researchers, which will image the edge of Earth’s magnetic bubble for the first time, was launched today from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
19 May 2026
UCL East buildings recognised at prestigious RIBA London Awards
The Marshgate and One Pool Street buildings, forming UCL East, have been recognised at this year’s RIBA London Awards, which celebrate excellence in architecture across the capital.
18 May 2026
How childhood maltreatment increases risk of later domestic abuse
Experiencing abuse or neglect as a child can increase the risk of being victimised by a romantic partner in adulthood, by impacting personality and mental health development, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
18 May 2026
