Queen Square Institute of Neurology

Translating neuroscience to transform lives

The Queen Square Institute of Neurology at UCL is home to one of the world’s largest basic and clinical neuroscience communities. Our mission is to prevent, treat, and cure devastating neurological conditions like dementia. Through our close clinical partnership with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, we are uniquely positioned to deliver truly patient-centred research and education.

Study

Researcher showing students how to use a machine in the lab

Study

We offer some of the strongest and broadest basic and clinical neuroscience programmes internationally, with major capacity in translational neuroscience.

Our research

Our research

We are home to some of the world's most influential researchers and offer a wealth of scientific and clinical expertise, from laboratory benches through to patient care.

Public engagement

Four people at a stall with a microscope. Two of the researchers are talking to people who have come over to find out more.

Public engagement

We communicate our ideas through a range of creative activities across the whole spectrum of our research, and offer lots of opportunities to get involved.

Our research departments

Our research departments

We have eight departments covering clinical and basic research, spanning areas that range from brain rehabilitation to neuromuscular diseases.

About us

About us

We are one of the largest basic and clinical neuroscience communities in the world, with major strength in unmatched clinical cohorts, expertise and biological resources.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our culture is inclusive and we are strongly committed to creating an equitable community where everyone can thrive.

A new centre of excellence in neuroscience

256 Grays Inn Road

256 Grays Inn Road

We are building a new facility which will accelerate the discovery of new treatments, train the next generation of scientists and work in close partnerships with industry, funders and patients.

Research Excellence Framework

UK #1

UCL is ranked first for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience by the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with more than two thirds of our research in these areas rated as world-leading (4*).

Find out more

Course spotlight: Dementia MSc

Dementia: from Neuroscience to Clinical Practice MSc

Dementia: from Neuroscience to Clinical Practice MSc

Receive cutting-edge training in the study of dementia and its scientific basis, delivered by international leaders in the science and practice of dementia.

Discover our featured research

World Alzheimer's Month

World Alzheimer's Month

This World Alzheimer's Month, we explored the incredible dementia research going on at UCL, and learn how our neuroscience experts are working to improve lives globally

Brain Awareness Week 2026

Brain Awareness Week 2026

Read our research stories to discover how we are driving groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

UCL News

UCL hosts international neuroscience symposium

Researchers based in the UK and in China gathered in London last week for the 'UCL200: UCL and Modern Chinese Neuroscience Symposium', celebrating UCL’s leading role in neuroscience and its historical connection with modern Chinese neurobiology and physiology.

21 Apr 2026

Gut microbiome changes may signal Parkinson's disease risk

Analysis of microbes in the gut can reveal whether a person faces an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, before they have developed any symptoms, suggests a new study led by UCL researchers.

20 Apr 2026

Multiple sclerosis doubles in prevalence while survival rates improve

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has more than doubled in recorded prevalence in England from 2000 to 2020, increasing by 6% per year, largely due to improved diagnosis and longer life expectancy, finds a new study by UCL and Imperial College London researchers.

23 Mar 2026

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