Here, it will happen – which sets out our bold ambitions to deliver a third century of impact at UCL - was launched to UCL’s community in India at The Imperial Hotel in Delhi.
This June, a UCL delegation visited India for a vibrant programme of activity, celebrating and strengthening UCL’s historic ties with India and bringing the UCL200 celebrations to our Indian community.
Included in the programme was a third iteration of the UCL India Summer School hosted at The British School New Delhi, where UCL academics joined talented students from across the country for a week of immersive, interdisciplinary academic sessions designed to give students a taste of studying at a world-leading UK university.
The visit concluded with a special evening at The Imperial Hotel in Delhi, where alumni and supporters were introduced to Here, it will happen and invited to join us in shaping UCL’s third century.
Co-hosted by UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence and Vice-President (Advancement) Angharad Milenkovic, the event welcomed over 140 guests and offered a window into UCL’s work at the cutting edge of technology and infrastructure development to transform the world for the better.
Speaking about the launch, Angharad Milenkovic said:
India is a country shaped by ideas – ancient and modern – and by the belief that knowledge can change lives. That belief sits at the heart of UCL and Here, it will happen, and it is a belief that has connected us to India for two centuries.
The work of our next century begins now, and we are looking forward to strengthening ties and furthering collaboration with our community in India to have transformational impact at UCL, in India and across the world.
“We will continue to drive breakthroughs to help build a healthier planet for healthier people.”
Two of UCL’s leading academics gave guests insight into their trailblazing work towards building a healthier planet for healthier people.
Professor Andrew Nisbet, Executive Dean of UCL’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences and leading expert in medical physics, emphasised the faculty’s commitment to engineering in the service of people. He highlighted how UCL’s academics are driving advances in neuromorphic engineering (a field that emulates the functionality of the human brain to revolutionise computing) to improve the efficiency, responsibility and sustainability of AI and developing quantum technologies for improved disease detection.
Professor Priti Parikh, Vice-Dean International for the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and Director of the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, highlighted her work to ensure the future resilience of the built environment. She said: “As we look ahead to the next 200 years, interdisciplinary research is the way forward to respond to the three Cs: Climate Change, Conflict and Computing. At UCL we are therefore looking at a curriculum that can better shape skills and jobs for the built environment of the future. We are investing in our future generations and future leaders.”
“A community only thrives when we give back to it”
Guests also heard from alum Ishani Behl (UCL Education and International Development MA 2022), Founder and CEO of LYNQ, India’s fastest sales agent activation platform.
Ishani shared news of the recently formalised Lead Volunteer Committee for the UCL Delhi Alumni Group, which will play an important role in shaping and growing the alumni community in Delhi. Ishani will be taking on the role of Events Lead Volunteer, overseeing the yearly schedule of alumni events in Delhi in collaboration with UCL and creating opportunities for alumni connections to flourish. She emphasised the crucial role the alumni community play in driving UCL’s impact, underpinning everything we are setting out to achieve with Here, it will happen. And she made a compelling call to her fellow alumni to get involved to ensure the continued strength of our global community: “A community only thrives when we give back to it. Whether it’s offering mentorship to a recent graduate, giving business advice, or simply showing up to keep these circles strong. Our active support is what makes this network powerful.”
Find out more about the Delhi Alumni Group, one of forty-eight UCL alumni groups around the world.
Following these inspiring talks, guests enjoyed a canapé and drinks reception where they were able to connect with others from the UCL community and learn more about how they could be a part of Here, it will happen.
Browse full event gallery
Alumni receptions in Bangalore and Mumbai
Following the success of our Delhi celebrations, UCL alumni gathered in Bangalore and Mumbai for two networking receptions where they also had the opportunity learn more about Here, it will happen. It was wonderful to see alumni spanning different generations - including a strong contingent of recent graduates - coming together to exchange ideas, discuss projects and collaborations, and make new connections. The events captured the energy and growing momentum of UCL’s alumni community in India, and we are looking forward to offering more opportunities for alumni to reconnect with UCL and each other soon.
Support Here, it will happen
We are inviting alumni around the world to help shape the next chapter of UCL’s history and ensure that Here, it will happen. There are many ways to be involved, whether that is through financial support or as an advocate and champion for UCL’s values.
Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways alumni can give back to and enrich the UCL community. Explore our volunteer programmes to find out more about how you can help maximise our impact.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you can offer support and mentorship to emerging founders at UCL by signing our Founders’ Pledge and “pay it forward”, when the time is right. Get in touch today to find out more.
Here, it will happen international celebrations
Throughout 2026, Dr Michael Spence, UCL’s President & Provost, and Angharad Milenkovic, Vice President (Advancement), will be travelling to further cities across the globe to meet alumni and supporters and share more detail about the Here, it will happen campaign and celebrate UCL’s Bicentenary.
San Francisco - 24 September 2026 - Book now
Singapore - November 2026* - Coming soon
Dubai - tbc 2027* - Coming soon
*Final dates to be confirmed
