1. Informing policy

UCL academics influence and strengthen UK government policy.

Through our many links and partnerships; our geographical closeness to central government and the Metropolitan police; and as a pre-eminent university with excellent research and teaching across a vast range of subjects, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference. We advise and train London police officers, senior civil servants and leading political figures of all parties, including Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

2. Growing the economy

UCL's research and teaching is as relevant as it is world-leading.

We stimulate collaborations between researchers, business and investors that will drive innovations that benefit society and today’s economy. Such activity is critical if London is to prosper in the modern world. We have enormous potential for innovation and new enterprise here in London, and UCL is helping to ensure that we release it, through our research, our students and our partnerships with business and local government.

3. Addressing tomorrow’s challenges

As a Londoner, I am amazed by the scale of urban change – the Islington of my childhood is utterly transformed – yet, at the same time, many of the elements that make London such an extraordinary city remain remarkably resilient: its cultural institutions, its social diversity and its sense of possibility. Being based at UCL has allowed me to develop new intellectual synergies within the university such as the UCL Urban Laboratory, and to explore ideas outside the university through engagement with artists, writers, practitioners and others passionately interested in the future of cities.

Professor Matthew Gandy - UCL Urban Laboratory, UCL Geography

4. Increasing understanding

London’s diversity and creativity inspires UCL’s research.

London breaks boundaries, making us more aware of our own capacities and limitations, which is the first step to respecting the humanity of others. For me working among this human diversity is essential. In light of this, my lab brings together an eclectic mix of inspired and inspiring people with expertise ranging from biology and computer science to music and architecture. UCL mirrors this larger London ecology – making it one of the most unique and enthralling universities in which to work and learn.

5. Reducing environmental impact

Working on the Low Energy Victorian House has been both enjoyable and rewarding. It demonstrates in a very real, bricks-and-mortar manner how the global challenge of climate change can be addressed on a very practical level, by refurbishing the existing housing stock. It is an example of how as an academic at UCL you can engage with industry and local government, transferring knowledge and experience between partners. Initiatives such as this show that research can directly feed into practical solutions, at the same time as gathering further valuable data, which can then directly feed into teaching activities.