UCL at 200: Two Centuries of Insight and Impact
A special commemorative volume, exploring the past, present and future of research, innovation and impact at UCL.
Edited by Professor Virginia Mantouvalou (UCL Faculty of Laws)
Two centuries ago, UCL was founded with a progressive vision: to open the doors of higher education to all, regardless of religion or social background. In its first 200 years, UCL has grown from a single building in Bloomsbury into a global institution, home to world-leading research, pioneering innovation and a vibrant, diverse community of students, staff and alumni.
This commemorative volume is both a celebration of, and reflection on, the university’s past and present. UCL at 200 brings together more than 100 authors from across our community to recognise our achievements and challenges and honour the enduring spirit that has defined UCL’s journey. Through personal recollections, scholarly reflections and striking archival and contemporary visual material, we gain a small insight into the impact and evolution of an institution that has always valued free thinking, dared to challenge the status quo, and gone beyond traditional research boundaries to drive breakthroughs that benefit the world.
As UCL prepares to enter its third century, this timely collection reflects on the values that have shaped the institution’s work since its foundation in 1826: the importance of reasoning over prejudice; the wonder of discovery; the commitment to rigorous and open-minded enquiry; and the open sharing of useful knowledge.
Above all, this book highlights what can happen when academics, partners, and communities come together to ensure research reaches those who need it most - for the benefit of individuals and society.
Book now available to buy in-store. £20 or £15 for staff and students when you purchase a print edition from the Students’ Union shop.
The book is also available for free open access download via UCL Press.
UCL at 200 is now available in-store and online.
Get your copyVirginia Mantouvalou is Lead Editor of the UCL200 Commemorative Volume, Professor of Human Rights and Labour Law at the UCL Faculty of Laws and Co-Director of the UCL Institute for Human Rights. She was selected by a panel after responding to a call for expressions of interest for UCL colleagues with academic editorial experience.
Virginia work on the Volume is supported by the UCL200 Programme Team, particularly Lucy Briggs, Professor Dame Hazel Genn and Sarah Sterlini, Lara Speicher of UCL Press, Faculty Deans and UCL200 Faculty Champions, Project Manager Robert Davies, Tania Trosini P&P Office, and a Multidisciplinary Advisory Group of senior academics, including Professors Lynn Ang, Georgina Brewis, Faye Gishen, Nicola Miller, Geraint Rees, Albert Weale, and Jonathan Wolff.
The late Dr Paul Ayris was a key member of the delivery team for UCL at 200. His insight, leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental to the project’s success, and his contribution will remain a lasting part of its legacy.
Learning about my colleagues’ extraordinary work and its societal impact has been truly inspiring and energising. I’m very much looking forward to sharing this with everyone for our bicentenary celebrations.
