We deliver sustainable solutions to real-world cultural heritage problems through ground-breaking, cross-disciplinary research and innovative teaching for future heritage leaders.
The UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage trains future managers, curators and conservators of sustainable heritage. We are home to researchers whose work leads to innovative, sustainable, conservation solutions.
The Institute leads the advance and recognition of the value of cultural heritage in the UK and beyond, putting the discipline on the map by:
- working collaboratively with partners in industry, heritage and policy, as well as across UCL and at other universities
- informing policy at UK and European level and helping to implement it, working with heritage organisations
World-leading teaching and research
UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage is a world-leading centre of research and teaching excellence.
Our Faculty, The Bartlett has been ranked #1 in the world in Architecture and the Built Environment, and remains #1 in the UK for the ninth year running, in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023.
In the latest national research assessment (REF 2021), we are number one for Research Power in the built environment, and 91% of our research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’.
Through its work with the Complex Built Environment Systems Systems group, our School has been awarded an historic three EPSRC Platform Grants, prestigious awards of funding given to what the EPSRC calls ‘well-established, world-leading research groups’.
The Smithsonian Institution has also described UCL ISH as "world-leading". The institute was awarded the Europa Nostra Grand Prix for Research – a highly regarded prize in the field of heritage science research - in 2010.
Our facilities
The work of our staff and students is supported by our outstanding research and teaching facilities.
These include: our state-of-the-art Heritage Science Laboratory with over 100m2 of lab space for studying historic objects and environments, the unique research vehicle Mobile Heritage Lab enabling scientific research and engagement with the public and professionals alike, and most recently our Here East Heritage Science Laboratory located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with three spaces for imaging and other experimental work.
We are The Bartlett. We’re here to build a better future.
We are part of The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources - home to four specialist institutes in energy, environment, resources and heritage in The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment.
The Bartlett is the UK’s largest and most multidisciplinary hub for built environment education and research, drawing students and academics from around the world. Our work is all about human spaces and resources, understanding and influencing how and why they are structured worldwide. This includes physical structures like houses, buildings and cities – but also the resources we use, and the invisible social, political and economic structures that govern how we live together.
Located in the heart of London, The Bartlett is an unparalleled space for collaboration, creativity, innovation and impact. We are formed of 13 schools and institutes spanning a unique variety of disciplines including architecture, urban design, planning, construction, resources, policy and heritage.
We are united by our mission to find bold solutions to the crucial issues facing people, societies and the planet, and to build a better future for everyone.