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
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'
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
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…

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…

Education
Queen Mary University of London

Supporting the UK skills pipeline with degree apprenticeships at Queen Mary

In 2015, Queen Mary University of London became the first Russell Group university in the UK to deliver degree apprenticeships, and to date has enrolled over 1,000 apprentices across seven programmes

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…

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…

Research
University of Oxford

ILESLA: advancing interdisciplinary, experiential learning for Oxford doctorates

The University of Oxford, in partnership with five leading institutions, has launched the Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Landscape Award (ILESLA).

Innovation
University of Manchester

Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester

The Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) was established in April 2023 with £5m of seed funding secured from the GM Innovation Accelerator scheme, a two-year pilot programme run by Innovate UK to link local R…

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
Research
LSE

LSE's Just Transition Finance Lab: supporting local net zero transitions

Working with the Energy Systems Catapult, London School of Economics Just Transition Finance Lab conducted an applied research project with Westminster City Council and Cumberland Unitary Authority to enhance the…