The Faculty of Life Sciences is celebrating outstanding results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, securing its position as one of the world’s leading centres for biological and life sciences research and education.
This year, the Faculty achieved:
- 6th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine
- 9th in the world for Biological Sciences
- 3rd in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology
These results reflect the Faculty’s growing global influence and leadership across health, sustainability, biotechnology, and fundamental biological research. They also highlight the strength of the Faculty’s interdisciplinary approach, bringing together world‑class researchers working across molecular biology, ecology, neuroscience, pharmacology, biodiversity and more.
Professor Gail Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, said:
“This is a tremendous achievement for our Faculty and a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and students. Our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to solving the world’s most pressing challenges - from global health to climate resilience. Being recognised among the top institutions globally reflects not only our scientific excellence but also the impact and ambition that define Life Sciences at UCL.”
The Faculty’s success builds on its strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), where UCL was ranked top in the UK for research power in medicine, health and life sciences.
Professor Taylor added:
“As we celebrate UCL’s bicentenary through UCL200, these rankings highlight the strength of our work and the exciting future ahead. I am incredibly proud of what our Faculty has achieved and what we will continue to achieve together.”
The full QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 are available on the QS website