We were founded in 1907 with a mission ‘To be useful’, but we know that before anyone can usefully change something, they first need to understand it. That’s what we do here: We use science to try to understand more of the universe, and improve the lives of more people in it.
At Imperial, we are deeply engaged in the central forces that are shaping the future. And the research and innovations we produce are right now helping to navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges in global health, climate change, AI, business leadership and more.
As a partner of global industry and a pipeline for extraordinary talent, science at Imperial is more than any single subject – it’s a mindset, and a way of seeing things. It’s a bias for inquiry and action. It’s the pursuit of knowledge and new ideas with grit, humility, creativity and courage.
And it all starts with a question – a curiosity about the world, or some wildly specific corner of it. With wonder, rigour and care, we advance toward its greater understanding.
How ‘to be useful’? At Imperial, our answer is to combine exceptional teaching, world-class facilities and a habit of interdisciplinary practice to unlock scientific imagination in everyone. To nurture a bias for inquiry and action. To pursue knowledge and new ideas with grit, humility, creativity and courage. To chase the truth, then apply it for the good of all.
First to understand, then to transform.
We hope you’ll join us.
Imperial College London.
Science for humanity.