Virginia Mantouvalou edits UCL’s bicentenary volume celebrating 200 years of research impact

UCL Laws’ Professor Virginia Mantouvalou has edited UCL at 200: Two Centuries of Insight and Impact, a special bicentennial commemorative volume that celebrates and reflects on the outstanding research impact of the university. 

Bringing together personal recollections, scholarly reflections, and striking archival and contemporary visual material, the volume offers a unique insight into the evolution of an institution that has always valued free thinking, dared to challenge the status quo, and gone beyond traditional research boundaries to drive breakthroughs that benefit the world.

Professor Mantouvalou edited contributions by more than 100 colleagues from across the UCL community, and was supported in the production of the book by a university-wide project team (pictured top). 

“Sometimes people think that what we do at university is a mystery. I think this book is really special because it provides an accessible window into our research,” Professor Mantouvalou explained. “It shows people what academic research is about – the impact it has on society and how it changes people’s minds and lives. It also highlights what can happen when academics, partners, and communities come together to ensure research reaches those who need it most.”

The commemorative volume includes contributions from several UCL Faculty of Laws colleagues:

• Dr Tim Causer: Jeremy Bentham’s auto-icon
• Professor Alison Diduck: Women in legal education and the legal profession
• Professors George Letsas, Philip Schofield and Kevin Toh: Jurisprudence
• Professor David Ormerod: Legal Reform

In addition, the book – which is multidisciplinary and thematic in approach – features pieces related to legal research from members of other faculties, including a contribution on free speech from Dr Robert Simpson (UCL Philosophy).

UCL at 200: Two Centuries of Insight and Impact launched at a special event last month, which included speeches from Professor Mantouvalou, UCL President and Provost Dr Michael Spence AC, and former Dean of UCL Faculty of Laws, Professor Dame Hazel Genn (Pro-Provost Bicentennial).

Professor Genn said: “As UCL marks its bicentenary, this commemorative volume stands as a testament to the university’s powerful research impact and intellectual heritage. Under Professor Virginia Mantouvalou’s exceptional editorship, the book engagingly displays the many ways in which our community’s pioneering scholarly legacy and deep‑rooted commitment make a positive difference in the world.”

Find out more 

Explore UCL at 200: Two Centuries of Insight and Impact: 

• Discover the book via free open access download through UCL Press.
• Buy a copy at the Students’ Union shop. All proceeds from the purchase of the book will support UCL200 scholarships.

Images: Top (left to right) – Bobby Birchall (Book Designer), Lara Speicher (Head of Publishing, UCL Press), Professor Dame Hazel Genn (Pro-Provost Bicentennial), Professor Virginia Mantouvalou (Book Editor and Professor of Human Rights and Labour Law), Dr Michael Spence AC (President and Provost), Lucy Briggs (Programme Director Bicentennial), Sarah Sterlini (Project Officer Bicentennial) and Robert Davies (Book Project Manager).