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
UCL staff recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Congratulations to members of UCL’s community who have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions to economics, child health, the history of medicine, addiction care, science outreach on space, and patient safety.
13 Jun 2025
Improved electronic skin gives robots the human touch
A low-cost, durable, highly sensitive robotic ‘skin’ that enables robots to detect information about their surroundings in a way that’s similar to humans has been developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Cambridge.
12 Jun 2025
UCL welcomes EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
UCL hosted Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, and the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom this week, to discuss the vital role universities play in fostering growth.
12 Jun 2025
