The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s leading scientific research, carried out across universities, research institutions and innovative companies.
There are over 160 universities in the UK, many of which are internationally recognised for their research excellence. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, 17 UK universities are ranked among the world’s top 100, with four institutions in the global top 10.
According to the International comparison of the UK research base 2025, the UK produced around 6% of the world’s research publications and nearly 9% of global citations in 2022, demonstrating the strong international influence of UK research. More than 60% of UK publications involve international co-authors, one of the highest collaboration rates among major research nations.
Research quality in UK universities is assessed through the Research Excellence Framework (REF). In REF 2021, 41% of submitted research was rated “world-leading” and 47% “internationally excellent”.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a public body dedicated to research and innovation. They invest £8 billion each year into research and innovation, in areas including biodiversity conservation, quantum computing, space telescopes and innovative health care. UKRI activities include funding projects, developing researchers’ skills, strengthening research infrastructure, supporting commercialisation of research and engaging with the public on science. They are sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
University spin-out companies are very important for the UK economy, with investment increasing almost five-fold from 2014 to 2023. The UK Government have recently committed to making the UK the best place in the world to start a spin-out company. As well as investing £500 million investment in AI, to make the UK the best place to begin an AI start-up.
Learn about the different research activity happening across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
England hosts the largest number of universities and research organisations in the UK, with major research hubs located across the country.
Scotland has a long-established research tradition and internationally recognised universities with strong global collaborations.
Welsh universities contribute to the UK research ecosystem through strengths in areas such as advanced manufacturing, environmental science and health research.
Northern Ireland’s research environment is centred around universities and growing partnerships with industry and innovation clusters.
