Faces of UCL

Kathleen Lonsdale made a discovery that transformed the field of organic chemistry. Just as notable, was her refusal to compromise her pacifist beliefs even when faced with brutal consequences.

Dame Rachel Whiteread is one of Britain’s most renowned artists and the first woman to win a Turner Prize in 1993. Through art and sculpture, she confronts difficult social and political questions.

Sir Ellis Clarke was committed to the cause of freedom and one of the main architects of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1962 Independence constitution.

In 1920s London, Ladipo Solanke, built vital spaces where West African students and future leaders could gather, resist and imagine new futures.

Since she was a child, Kavya has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities through research, activism and policy reform on a global scale.

In 1972, while a UCL student, Jamie Gardiner founded one of the first student societies for gay students in the UK and continues to tirelessly campaign for LGBTQ+ rights.

Isaac Lyon Goldsmid used his wealth and connections to promote educational and social reform. Perhaps less well known is his role as founder of UCL.

Nana works with UCL to create spaces rooted in belonging, courage and possibility, supporting London’s black and global majority communities to thrive.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women, the first institution in the UK where women could train to be doctors.

Ruth Glass was an important figure in recognising and challenging inequalities in 1950s London, and her ideas remains integral to urban research, plannning and policy today.

As a UCL student, F.T. Cheng took on the role of unofficial cultural ambassador for Chinese students - a role he would reprise as last Ambassador to Britain from the Republic of China.

Camden and UCL share the same green spaces, roads, air and buildings. Partners like Georgia work with us to ensure we are supporting our local neigbourhoods through impactful community-led approaches.

At a time when the periodic table seemed complete, William Ramsay’s curiosity uncovered an entire hidden family of elements - the inert or noble gases.

Eleanor Maguire transformed our understanding of human memory and how we approach neuroscience research, inspiring generations of scientists.

Charles Kuen Kao’s bold experiments led to the development of the vast optical fibre networks that power today’s internet.

Matthew brings questions and experiences of slavery and colonialism into public spaces, believing that understanding our shared history is essential to creating real change.

As well as being a critical voice in race equity, Marcia played a key role in the Inquiry into the History of Eugenics at UCL, which led to the renaming of the Pearson and Galton lecture theatres.

Elsa Goveia transformed how we understand slavery and colonial history in the Caribbean, bringing viewpoints of enslaved people and free people of colour to the foreground.

Since Cranktina entered the scene, she has transformed the UCL Drag Society - selling out shows and creating more inclusive arts spaces for students to explore identity, humour, and resilience.

There is little known about Emma Farrow, who worked to support UCL’s early female students in both their academic and social lives for over two decades.

Working with students and staff from over 150 countries, Faraz helps create a campus that is open to all, where everyone feels safe to connect, learn and grow.