Impact

Impact

Real-world examples highlighting the positive economic, societal and cultural impacts of Russell Group universities in every region and nation of the UK.

Featured topic: Building opportunity for all

03 June 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
University of Birmingham

Supporting care experienced students in Birmingham

Birmingham campus
03 June 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
Queen's University Belfast

The Pantry at Queen's University Belfast - a service beyond food

Pantry QUB
03 June 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
University of York

Care experienced students prioritised at University of York

A group of students on campus chatting and laughing
03 June 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
King's College London

Parent Power from King's College and Citizens UK

Parent Power participants
Innovation
University of Leeds

Driving innovation for a healthier, greener and inclusive future for Leeds

The University of Leeds is driving regional innovation and economic growth through its place-based approach, leveraging research and innovation expertise, student talent, and collaborative partnerships.

Two members of staff stand chatting inside the Nexus innovation hub at Leeds University
Innovation
University of Edinburgh

Driving investment in innovation in Edinburgh and beyond

The University of Edinburgh has helped deliver innovation-led growth in Scotland and across the UK by helping businesses secure more than £200m of investment over the past five years.

A young woman stands in front of Edinburgh's university building with her back to the camera, wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the word 'Entrepreneur'
Research
University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh researchers using AI to identify breast cancer patients

Edinburgh researchers have used a new AI-powered test to identify breast cancer patients in the earliest stage of the disease.

Innovation
Research
Newcastle University

Atelerix: the Newcastle spinout transforming the storage of biological materials

Newcastle University spinout Atelerix has developed transformative technology that helps researchers and businesses store and transport biological materials safely at ambient temperatures, removing the need for…

Atelerix CSO Steve Swioklo works in the Atelerix lab
Research
Newcastle University

Newcastle University is innovating to support an ageing UK population

Meeting the needs of an ageing population is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing UK health and social care. Developing treatments, new products to support independent living and enhancing care services…

An artist's impression of the future Health Innovation Neighbourhood in Newcastle
Research
Cardiff University

Building the world's first compound semiconductor cluster in Wales

Cardiff University is lead partner in a consortium which created the world's first compound semiconductor cluster in Wales

Innovation
Research
Cardiff University

Broken String Biosciences: the Cardiff spinout speeding up drug development

Cardiff University spinout Broken String Biosciences is building a new technology platform designed to make cell and gene therapies safer, more efficient and more affordable for patients and health services such as…

Education
Cardiff University

The Cardiff students providing dental care to communities in the Cynon Valley

Mountain Ash Primary Care Dental Unit is a modern, purpose-built clinic situated in an area of high dental need in South Wales

Research
University of York

FixOurFood: the University of York initiative providing free meals for thousands of children

The University of York-led FixOurFood research programme has provided 20,000 children from England’s poorest households with free school meals as part of a new trial scheme

Access & participation
University of York

Free skills support and play sessions for families and communities in York

The University of York is spearheading a funding initiative which raised more than £1.5 million to establish a new education and community space, offering children and young people in the Westfield area of York fair…

Innovation
Research
University of York

University of York and Greensphere Capital: commercialising solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss

The University of York has partnered with sustainability investor Greensphere Capital in a £150 million fund designed to invest in and scale market-leading businesses that successfully commercialise solutions to the…

Innovation
Research
UCL

Autolus: the UCL spinout creating life-changing treatments for incurable blood cancer

UCL spin-out Autolus – which since its inception in 2014 has raised $921.6m, now employs over 460 people and has plans to expand its production facility in Stevenage – continues to partner with UCL and NHS hospitals…

Two female researchers work in a laboratory at Autolus
Access & participation
Education
UCL

UCL East: innovative arts and science initiatives on a new campus in Newham

UCL’s creation of a new campus in Newham has brought numerous initiatives to benefit the local community and developed in collaboration with local government

Access & participation
UCL

UCL partnerships are widening access to HE for pupils across London

Through access and widening participation work, UCL reaches around 1,000 schools and colleges each year, working with teachers and pupils from aged seven until 18

A group of students on campus
Education
University of Southampton

Reducing the attainment gap in primary schools in Southampton

A scheme run by the University of Southampton is helping to support primary school pupils make up for the impact felt following the Covid-19 lockdowns

Access & participation
University of Southampton

Turner Sims Southampton: bringing the joy of live music to local communities

In 2022/23, the University of Southampton’s music venue, Turner Sims (TS) Southampton, presented 114 live concerts attracting 18,309 attendees, including 1,560 students and under 18s

Performers dance outside on the grass at a Turner Sims Southampton family day