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 Warwick

Boosting AI safety in Autonomous Vehicles

WMG at the University of Warwick partners with Wayve to boost AI safety in self-driving cars

front wheel of a Jaguar car
Innovation
University of Warwick

Very Light Rail - developing new mass transit

University of Warwick develops new light rail which could deliver £2.3bn in economic impact

Coventry Very Light Rail test tram
Access & participation
University of Bristol

Convening partners in Bristol to improve opportunity

Micro-campuses in Bristol are bringing together the university, FE colleges, businesses and charities to improve learning and career opportunities in local communities

dylan-gillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash
Research
University of Oxford

The Oxford research that led to a coronavirus vaccine

Vital QR funding supported Oxford researchers to pivot and adapt existing work to develop a coronavirus vaccine

Covid vaccine
Access & participation
University of Exeter

University of Exeter's bespoke access pathway for mature students

The Mature Access Pathway (MAP) was launched to support mature students - those over the age of 21 applying to study their first undergraduate degree - in their progression to higher education.

A mature student working in a classroom
Access & participation
University of Leeds

Widening participation and improving outcomes for students at Leeds

Since 2003, the Access to Leeds contextual admissions scheme has enabled over 10,000 UK undergraduates from less-represented backgrounds to study at the University.

A busy pedestrianised street with groups of students on the University of Leeds campus
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 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…

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

Research
University of Sheffield

Building a global Advanced Manufacturing hub in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield transformed the former Orgreave coking plant – the site of violent clashes between pickets and police during the miners’ strike in 1984 - into a global hub for advanced manufacturing…

Research
Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary research is improving health outcomes for South Asian communities

South Asian communities have some of the highest rates of heart disease, diabetes and poor health in the UK. Genes & Health is a Queen Mary University of London research study set up to help fight against these…

Innovation
Research
Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary research is shaping the future of solar energy

Queen Mary Innovation (QMI) is a technology transfer company wholly owned by Queen Mary University of London. QMI has entered into over 400 IP agreements returning over £20 million to Queen Mary from…