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.

Feature: Access & participation

19 February 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
University of Exeter

University of Exeter's bespoke access pathway for mature students

A mature student working in a classroom
20 January 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
UCL

UCL partnerships are widening access to HE for pupils across London

15 February 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
Research
University of Warwick

The Warwick study making life better for care leavers

17 January 2025
Impact story
Access & participation
University of Oxford

Opening new access pathways to Oxford

Research
University of Exeter

Championing business sustainability at Exeter

The University of Exeter's Green Future Solutions initiative is helping businesses reach their sustainability goals

Wind turbines
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
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

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

The Sheffield research helping to decarbonise the aviation sector

The University of Sheffield’s Innovation District is home to the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Innovation Centre, which offers partners from industry such as Boeing and Virgin Atlantic access to the university’s…

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…

Research
University of Nottingham

World-leading R&D facilities in Nottingham delivering net zero transport

In 2024, the University of Nottingham secured more than £70 million to establish new world-leading and open-access research facilities and programmes that will decarbonise future transport, driving economic growth…

Research
University of Nottingham

Nottingham researchers are using AI to predict solar energy output in different climates

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created an AI model that allows them to accurately predict the amount of solar energy that can be created in different climates, making grid integration easier in the…

Access & participation
University of Oxford

Opening new access pathways to Oxford

In 2024 the University of Oxford launched a series of new access initiatives for young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds in regions of the UK where fewer students currently go on to Oxford…

Research
University of Manchester

Ardwick Climate Action: creating green space for residents of Manchester

Ardwick Climate Action, with the support of researchers from the University of Manchester, launched a green route where local people can avoid the excessive pollution caused by motor vehicles.

Two people plant trees to create green space in the Ardwick area of Manchester