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
We offer some of the strongest and broadest basic and clinical neuroscience programmes internationally, with major capacity in translational neuroscience.
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
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
We have eight departments covering clinical and basic research, spanning areas that range from brain rehabilitation to neuromuscular diseases.
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
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
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 moreCourse spotlight: Dementia 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
Exercising throughout life could prevent dementia
People who exercise throughout their lives have a better chance of avoiding dementia – even if they show signs of diseases like Alzheimer’s, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
UCL spinout launches with $101 million funding for motor neurone disease treatments
Trace Neuroscience, a UCL spinout biopharmaceutical company, has received $101m (£78m) in Series A funding, to help develop potential treatments for the most common form of motor neurone disease.
UCL alumnus and AI innovator awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Neuroscientist and artificial intelligence pioneer Sir Demis Hassabis, a UCL alumnus who has retained close connections to the university, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
News
Smartphone tests could accelerate drug development for Huntington’s disease
A series of digital tests, carried out via a smartphone app, could enhance the detection of disease progression in Huntington’s disease and improve the efficiency of clinical trials, finds research led by scientists at UCL and Roche.
10 Jun 2025
First treatment for rare disease approved by UK medicines regulator
The first ever treatment for the rare neurodegenerative disease Friedreich’s ataxia – for which UCL and UCLH led the UK trial – has been approved for use in the UK by the medicines’ regulator.
04 Jun 2025
UCL awarded £5.1m to unlock neurodegenerative secrets with AI
The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology has been gifted more than £5 million by the Reta Lila Weston Trust for Medical Research, in support of initiatives to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of neurodegenerative diseases using artificial intelligence (AI).
29 May 2025