UCL Alumni

We just climbed to joint #8 in the world 🌍

UCL has risen to joint 8th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 – our 15th consecutive year in the world's top 10 🏆 We also rank 2nd globally for international research networks and 3rd for sustainability.

As we launch our most ambitious campaign yet – built on our bold commitment to deliver global impact in partnership with our community – this ranking says it all... Here, it will happen 🚀

Full story 👉 https://bit.ly/3SbgpFL

This , we’re spotlighting an alum who made history: Jamie Gardiner, founder of UCL GaySoc 🏳️‍🌈✨

When Jamie arrived at UCL in 1971, he found a community that sparked a lifetime of activism. Driven to create a space for others, he established GaySoc – one of the first student societies for gay students in the UK.

Jamie went on to help pass a historic 1973 NUS motion supporting gay rights, before spearheading the campaign to decriminalise consensual s*x between men in Victoria, Australia. He was later awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Jamie’s activism began right here at UCL – from founding a student society to transforming equality laws in Australia, his work is a testament to how student activism can change the world.

Full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4ejGg5z

Quiz Time: How well do you know UCL's history?

The latest Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science newsletter is out, and it features the ultimate history challenge! 🏛️✨

Can you sort major milestones from UCL’s past into the correct chronological order? From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to historic campus firsts, it’s time to put your trivia skills to the test.

Quick test: Which do you think happened first?
➡️ UCL formally welcomes women to degree study
➡️ UCL acquires the definitive George Orwell archive

Cast your vote in the comments below, then click the link to complete the full timeline challenge and submit your answers!

👇 Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/4eaF4kQ

UCL Connect: How to futureproof your business 📈

How can leaders build resilient companies in a fast-evolving world? Join us at our next UCL Connect event for a thought-provoking double bill exploring two of the most powerful drivers of change today: Finance and Artificial Intelligence.

📅 Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026, 18:00 – 20:30
📍 Location: UCL Laws LG26 Lecture Theatre, Bentham House

Hear from two of your fellow UCL alumni:
👉 Yasmin Greenaway (Founder & CEO, Novara AI) on leveraging AI as a strategic advantage.
👉 Michael Spyrou (Founder, Axcelera) on navigating financial trends for long-term success.

Stay after the Q&A for a relaxed networking reception to connect with professionals across sectors!

Learn more and book now 🔽

UCL Connect: How to futureproof your business This in person event brings together two outstanding UCL alumni for an evening of insight, strategy, and real world experience on navigating the forces transforming modern organisations.

Explore the UCL Institute of Education’s groundbreaking research and history in the new Two Centuries Here exhibition, marking our bicentennial.

From the world’s longest-running birth cohort studies (the 'crown jewels' of social research) to our BA students' successful campaign for free school meal extensions, the exhibition showcases how the IOE community has spent decades shaping policy and fighting for social justice.

Don't miss the interactive Time Telephone in the Student Centre foyer to hear 200 years of student voices, or the iconic miniature PEL classroom furniture in the Octagon Gallery 📞

Are you planning to visit? Let us know what memories these artefacts bring back for you in the comments below.

👇 Read the full story

A Time Telephone, tiny furniture and babies’ beginnings: IOE artefacts feature in UCL200 exhibition Artefacts from IOE’s social research and policy impact feature in UCL’s Two Centuries Here exhibition, exploring UCL’s past, present and future since its founding.

What a week.💙

Celebrating over 700 alumni volunteers and sharing stories of the difference they have made to student lives - Volunteers’ Week shone a light on the incredible impact of our alumni community.

Missed anything? Catch up on the full highlights – and find out how to get involved: https://bit.ly/4x63Xa2

Did you know? Over 250 UCL alumni have volunteered this year to support current students with careers advice. Could you be next? 👇

The power of alumni volunteers shaping students' careers This year, over 250 alumni have volunteered their time to support the UCL Careers Service, speaking on panels, helping students practise their interview skills, and hosting workshops and hackathons.