Situated on the outskirts of an industrial estate in Dagenham, 15 miles east of central London, stands a unique structure clad in Corten steel. This is Pearl, the Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory at University College London (UCL), a facility designed to explore the intricacies of human behaviour through controlled, life-sized simulations of real environments. Pearl exemplifies UCL’s commitment to groundbreaking research and innovation. The 4,000 square meter space, renowned for its net-zero-carbon design, allows researchers to conduct a wide array of experiments, providing insights into human interactions and environmental responses.

UCL, a prestigious institution in British higher education, has been fostering “disruptive thinking since 1826.” It continues to set high standards in research and education, contributing to global debates on topics ranging from cancer detection to climate change litigation. Recently, UCL was named University of the Year by The Times, further cementing its status as a leading academic institution.

With approximately 40,000 students based at its Bloomsbury campus, UCL consistently ranks in the top ten of the QS World University Rankings, maintaining this position for 12 years. It ranked fifth in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) for research quality, excelling in law, medicine, and social sciences. UCL also claimed the second spot in the REF research power rankings, just behind Oxford, and leads in research power in medicine, health and life sciences, and social sciences in the UK.

UCL’s researchers have made significant strides in various fields. They developed the CAR T-cell therapy, which reprograms the immune system to target and kill cancer cells. Another breakthrough involved a retinal treatment from stem cells, restoring vision in patients with visual impairments. Additionally, a UCL-led project has successfully restored biodiversity in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest through indigenous partnerships.

The university’s recent expansions include the opening of Marshgate, an eight-floor building featuring high-tech academic spaces, workshops, and the UCL Institute of Making, a cross-disciplinary research club. Designed as a “living lab,” Marshgate aligns with UCL’s goal of achieving net-zero-carbon status by 2030.

UCL’s connected curriculum framework offers every student the chance to participate in research, with past projects ranging from the application of neuroscientific evidence in criminal trials to pioneering glass recycling techniques. This hands-on approach enables students to collaborate with world-leading academics on research that addresses global challenges.

Student life at UCL is vibrant and supportive. Kevin Fang, a psychology graduate from Auckland, New Zealand, thrived during his time at UCL, balancing his studies with his role as president of the university’s tennis club. The university offers a wide array of societies, and Fang’s involvement helped him form a supportive community and gain valuable leadership experience.

Mindfulness and counseling sessions are available to help students manage stress, and initiatives like the Ready-Set-Go exam season campaign bring therapy animals to campus. UCL’s emphasis on student welfare ensures that support is accessible and tailored to student needs.

In terms of admissions, UCL is highly competitive, attracting a record 74,775 applications in the 2022 cycle, with over half coming from international students. The university was the first in England to admit students regardless of religion or social background and the first to admit women. Today, it continues to promote social inclusion, spending £3 million annually on programs to encourage wider participation in higher education and offering contextual offers to students from diverse backgrounds.