Inaugural Build-a-Lab programme empowers students to drive meaningful change

Over seven transformative weeks, student consultants from 11 diverse disciplines collaborated to design an innovation lab framework – a versatile toolkit that will power a series of student-led innovation labs as part of UCL’s Extended Learning Opportunities Programme. These labs aim to empower students to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges through social innovation and enterprise.

The Build-a-Lab sessions were designed to create interdisciplinary collaborations while equipping participants with essential skills in project management, change management and innovative thinking. Expert-led sessions were delivered by UCL Change Makers on project planning, UCL Students’ Union on amplifying the student voice, and UCL Innovation & Enterprise on equity-centred design. These insights helped shape the foundation of a truly impactful lab framework.

As the project progressed, the student consultants presented their framework to a Student Success Panel, receiving invaluable peer feedback that refined their work into a polished final proposal.

The project culminated in a celebratory finale hosted by Sidara, one of UCL Grand Challenges valued partners. During this event, the consultants pitched their finalised lab framework to a panel of industry experts, alumni, and education leaders. The panel praised the students’ innovative approach while offering constructive insights on ensuring accessibility, impact and accountability.

Reflecting on the experience, student consultant Annus described the project as “one of the most enriching experiences” of their time at UCL. “It’s been an opportunity to grow, not only as a collaborator and innovator, but also as someone deeply passionate about creating meaningful, long-term impact. I’m incredibly grateful to the organisers, my team, and the expert panel for making this journey so rewarding, and I am excited for the future of this UCL Grand Challenges project, which has the potential to make a lasting impact on the world.”

Another of the student consultants, Denise Zheng, UCL Arts and Sciences, wrote a blog about her experience which you can read in full here.  Denise said: "Seeing our ideas come to life and contributing to something impactful is highly rewarding. This experience taught me to embrace the learning curve, highlighted the value of teamwork, emotional intelligence, and equity considerations. Being part of a dynamic team of interdisciplinary yet like-minded individuals was genuinely inspiring."  

Student Consultant, Sara Rashid, UCL Department of History, added: "I am excited to see the implementation of this framework as part of UCL’s “Extended Learning Opportunity.” I believe this has the potential to truly take advantage of the diversity of skills held by UCL students whilst also meaningfully contributing to UCL’s culture of “disruptive thinking.” Read Sara's blog in full here.

The framework will soon be brought to life through a series of innovation labs, empowering students to lead social innovation and enterprise aimed at tackling real-world problems. Find out more about the UCL Grand Challenges education offering on our website.