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Our research and impact
UCL researchers and our collaborative approach
At UCL, we are committed to using our collective expertise to address global problems.
Researchers and faculty research
We are home to over 6,000 research staff across our 11 faculties, ensuring breadth and depth of expertise across the entire range of academic disciplines. Individually, our academics expand our understanding of the world; collectively and collaboratively, they deliver analysis that addresses the major challenges facing humanity.
Find out more about our researchers and faculty research.
Cross-disciplinary initiatives and networks
Real-world impact can only be created through collaboration. We are enabling cross-disciplinary research through collaborative initiatives - including UCL Grand Challenges and the UCL Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiative. We develop lasting, meaningful partnerships with a wide range of partners to create positive change.
Find out more about our cross-disciplinary initiatives and networks.
Where research transforms lives
Research excellence (REF 2021)
2nd in the UK for research power
consolidating our position at the top between Oxford (1st) and Cambridge (3rd)
1st in London for research power
93% of our research is 'world-leading' and 'internationally excellent'
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It is implemented by Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Discover some of our top REF 2021 impact case studies (slideshow below) - in areas such as sustainable cities, technology, health, human wellbeing, cultural understanding, and justice and equality.
Explore some of our top impact case studies
Where research transforms space exploration
Case study: UCL science supports industry supplier of optical sensors to major space missions
Where research transforms climate mitigation
Case study: Keeping fossil fuels in the ground: identifying unburnable fossil fuels
Where research transforms links between nature and health
Case study: Understanding disease spill-over from wildlife to improve public health
Where research transforms children's mental health
Case study: Changing mental health policies and practice to support young people across the UK
Where research transforms sense of touch
Case study: Making the feeling of touch accessible to all
Where research transforms cultural heritage
Case study: Documenting, contextualising and planning for an ancient Assyrian heritage site in post-ISIS Iraq
Where research transforms lifelong learning
Case study: Transforming lifelong learning in the UK and internationally
Where research transforms cancer treatment
Case study: Single-dose radiotherapy transforms breast cancer patient care
UCL research in the news
From UCL newsdesk
Media coverage
Transforming lives through collaboration and knowledge exchange
UCL is one of the top universities in the country for knowledge exchange, as recognised in the annual Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
Through knowledge exchange, our staff and students work with businesses, government, not-for-profits and community groups to apply their expertise beyond our university.
View examples of how we transform lives through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
UCL Innovation & Enterprise
Every thriving business, life-saving medicine and revolutionary technology begins as an idea. UCL Innovation & Enterprise works with UCL staff and students and organisations to turn knowledge and ideas into the solutions that benefit us all.
UCLB
UCL Business Ltd (UCLB), is a wholly owned subsidiary of UCL. Working with UCL’s world-renowned faculties and associated hospitals, it brings together exceptional ideas, innovations and industry to benefit society and the economy.
UCLC
UCL Consultants (UCLC) is one of the UK’s leading providers of academic consultancy services. We connect partners with our academic experts to solve problems, create new opportunities and develop capabilities to better understand complex issues.
More research impact stories
Discover more impact case studies from:
- Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- UCL's Innovation & Enterprise
- UCL Global Engagement
- UCL Grand Challenges
- UCL SDGs Initiative
- UCL Public Policy
- UCL Giving.
