In this edition:
The Library of Lost Maps
Rediscovering stories of war, science, empire and climate change
#LoveUCL: A decade in pictures
Celebrating 10 years of the #LoveUCL Instagram competition
Welcome
Welcome to Portico – the magazine for the UCL community.
For almost 200 years, UCL has been a place where extraordinary things happen. This edition of Portico celebrates our remarkable history and showcases the groundbreaking research shaping our future.
I hope this edition fills you with pride and optimism.
Angharad Milenkovic, Vice-President (Advancement)
Features
The Library of Lost Maps
UCL’s long-forgotten archive of maps reveals stories of war, science, empire and climate change, rediscovered through the eyes of a modern cartographer. Professor James Cheshire takes us on a journey through the archive.
#LoveUCL: A decade in pictures
For the past decade, the #LoveUCL Instagram photography competition has captured the essence of life at UCL through the lenses of students. Explore some of the most memorable moments from the last 10 years.
Advancing people and planet
The eyes of the new Mars rover, indigenous methods for exploring environmental justice in South Africa and medical developments that save eyesight and expedite Parkinson's diagnoses. Read some of the newest breakthroughs from each of UCL's faculties.
Designing healthier places
For better or worse, our environments shape us. Researchers from UCL’s The Bartlett are uncovering new ways for our built environment to support – and improve – our health and wellbeing.
People & Ideas
The algorithm will see you now
Dr Kaitlyn Regehr (UCL Information Studies) unpacks her agenda-setting research on the cultural impacts of social media, and why we all need to take greater control over the algorithms that shape our daily lives.
A life in chapters
Inspired By: Achala Moulik
Achala Moulik (UCL Economics BSc 1962) shares the stories and experiences that have shaped her life, from seeing independence come to India in 1947 and studying at UCL in the early 1960s, to working as a government bureaucrat and building a second career as a writer.
Stellar ambitions
Inspired By: Professor Kevin Fong
From a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut to trailblazing work in space medicine, emergency care and science communication, Professor Kevin Fong's (UCL Astrophysics BSc 1993; Medicine MBBS 1998) journey has been unconventional from the start.
Spotlight: The Ceremonial Mace of UCL
UCL’s ceremonial mace, a fixture at every graduation ceremony, quietly tells the story of the university’s radical roots and long-standing tradition of philanthropy.
Students and South Africa: UCL and anti-apartheid campaigns
How UCL student activism in response to South African apartheid left a lasting impact.
Provost's view
Dr Michael Spence reflects on UCL's enduring characteristics – and the occasional stroke of luck.
Portico magazine features stories for and from the UCL community. If you have a story to tell or feedback to share, contact advancement@ucl.ac.uk
Editor: Lauren Cain
Editorial team: Ray Antwi, Rachel Henkels, Harry Latter, Bryony Merritt, Lucy Morrish, Alex Norton
Shorthand presentation: Harpoon Productions
Additional design support: Boyle&Perks
Follow UCL
Built with Shorthand