The Constitution Unit conducts timely, rigorous, and independent research into constitutional change and the reform of political institutions. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy-makers and public debate – particularly in the UK, but also around the world.
The Unit was created in 1995 under the leadership of Robert Hazell, and it played a key role in shaping and analysing the major constitutional reforms that took place over the following years. Meg Russell took over as Director in 2015, and further developed the Unit’s role in defending core constitutional principles through the turbulent years of Brexit and Covid. Alan Renwick became Director in May 2026. He leads a vibrant team researching topics such as the protection of checks and balances, parliamentary reform, and the design of electoral institutions.
The Unit is part of the UCL Department of Political Science. We collaborate with scholars and practitioners from the UK and all over the world in seeking to understand how politics and democracy can work as well as possible.