Queen Mary University of London is one of the UK’s leading research‑intensive universities. Combining world‑class research with deep civic engagement and a strong global reach, the University commits to being the most inclusive university of its kind anywhere in the world by 2030.
With almost 27,000 students, 4,600 staff, and an annual turnover of £473.9 million, Queen Mary is a major global institution spanning humanities and social sciences, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering. It has particular strengths in policy‑focused research on cancer, prevention and neighbourhood health, industrial strategy, and environmental justice. Based in the diverse and dynamic East End of London, the University’s work is shaped by the opportunities and challenges of one of the world’s most complex urban environments.
At the heart of Queen Mary’s engagement with public policy is the Mile End Institute (MEI), the University’s flagship forum for political and policy dialogue. MEI convenes senior politicians, policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and academics to address the major institutional and economic challenges facing London and the UK. Working closely with the University’s Research and Innovation Directorate, MEI strengthens the translation of research into public value, supporting structured dialogue, co‑produced policy engagement, and cross‑disciplinary impact generation. Through high‑level panels, policy roundtables, commissioned analysis, and partnerships with regulators and local government, MEI contributes to debates on democratic resilience, regulatory reform, governance capacity, and inclusive economic growth.
This work complements Queen Mary’s broader innovation and enterprise ecosystem. Its award‑winning qLegal service supports start‑ups, entrepreneurs, and non-profits with free legal advice, while London‑based partnerships drive social‑venture development and medtech innovation.
As an anchor institution in East London, Queen Mary also works closely with civic society, strengthening community partnerships and widening participation in research and learning.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Queen Mary’s distinctive model: combining research excellence, civic responsibility, and institutional engagement to deliver impact locally, nationally, and globally.