In 1826, UCL was founded, marking a transformative year for Charles Darwin and Dr. Robert Edmond Grant. Darwin learned from Grant while working on evolutionary biology, leading to his later groundbreaking work. Grant established the Grant Museum, crucial for zoological studies, though he faced academic competition that hindered his recognition during his lifetime.
In 2018, an inquiry into UCL’s role in eugenics led to a public apology and the launch of the Eugenics Legacy Education Project (ELEP) to address its historical impacts. The concerns regarding biased biometric data collection and AI surveillance raise questions about the lessons learned from past scientific discrimination and the need for ethical data regulation.
Huntington’s disease is a severe inherited neurodegenerative disorder lacking effective treatments. A UCL research team has pioneered AMT-130, a gene therapy showing promise in slowing disease progression. Early trials indicate safety and significant clinical benefits, marking a hopeful shift towards potentially transformative therapies for Huntington’s and similar conditions.
Maxime Chautemps explores the life of a spiny dogfish and the remarkable jet propulsion of cephalopods, particularly squids. Highlighting J. Z. Young’s rediscovery of the giant squid axon, the article reflects on its impact on neuroscience and the importance of curiosity in scientific research, emphasizing the need for accessibility and inclusivity in academia.
The Cruciform Teaching Labs at UCL, formerly a children’s hospital, feature Royal Doulton tile paintings tied to historical public health advancements in the UK. The “Sanitary Awakening” led to improved sanitation laws, impacting child health. These tiles symbolize the intersection of art, healing, and the evolution of public health practices.
Cancer treatment has evolved with CAR T-cell therapy, where patients’ immune cells are engineered to target cancer. Developed by UCL’s Professor Waseem Qasim, it has shown promise in reversing aggressive blood cancers, with a patient cancer-free for three years. However, it faces challenges in treating solid tumors and manufacturing costs.
Learn more about UCL’s (auto)iconic Jeremy Bentham and the science behind Mokomokai preservation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming biological academia, exemplified by tools like ImmunoMatch, which predicts antibody assembly and enhances therapeutic design. Developed by UCL’s Fraternali Lab, ImmunoMatch accelerates drug development and personalized medicine. The integration of AI in research promises substantial advancements in immunological therapy, benefiting patient care and pharmaceutical innovation.
Blakeney Point, located along the Norfolk coastline, is a vital field station for UCL’s biodiversity education. Established over a century ago, it hosts hands-on learning experiences for postgraduate students in courses like MRes in Biodiversity and MSc in Global Change. The immersive environment fosters community, practical skills, and a deep appreciation for local ecosystems.
Founded in 1826, UCL has championed inclusivity, notably by admitting women equally alongside men in 1878. This marked a pivotal change in academia. Celebrating its 200th anniversary, UCL continues to empower women in STEM, addressing gender gaps, and fostering communities like the Women in STEM Society. Challenges persist, but progress continues.
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