ZSL and UCL: 200 years of partnership for science and conservation

This year marks a remarkable shared milestone for ZSL and University College London (UCL) - 200 years since both institutions were founded in 1826.

For two centuries, ZSL and UCL have worked alongside one another to advance scientific understanding, education and conservation - from pioneering zoological research and training future conservationists, to tackling some of the biggest environmental challenges facing the planet today. Earlier this month, staff and students from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology and UCL came together for a special bicentenary event celebrating this longstanding partnership and looking ahead to the future of conservation science.

The links between the two organisations are numerous and deep-rooted. In the early twentieth century, students from UCL’s Slade School of Fine Art would cross Regent’s Park to sketch animals at London Zoo, while specimens from the Zoo later became part of UCL’s Grant Museum of Zoology, helping advance the teaching of natural sciences. Today, UCL is the Institute of Zoology’s principal academic partner, supporting groundbreaking research projects, postgraduate training and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The event began at ZSL’s Huxley Lecture Theatre at London Zoo - a venue that has hosted some of the most influential names in conservation science and natural history, including Sir David Attenborough, as well as generations of ZSL and UCL researchers and students, among them the late Dame Georgina Mace, whose work transformed global approaches to biodiversity conservation.

Throughout the day, researchers from both organisations shared work spanning behavioural ecology, biodiversity, conservation technology and public engagement - highlighting the breadth of collaboration between ZSL and UCL today.

Talks explored topics ranging from social learning in baboons and amphibian behaviour, to innovative ways of communicating science and engaging communities with conservation. Together, they demonstrated how academic research and practical conservation can work hand in hand to help protect wildlife and ecosystems around the world.

The programme also reflected on the shared history between the two organisations. A panel chaired by UCL’s Professor Seirian Sumner explored major moments in the partnership’s development, including the creation of UCL’s Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, spearheaded by ZSL’s former Director of Science Dame Georgina Mace. 

“Who I am today as a scientist is borne out of my time spent at UCL and ZSL” - ZSL Research Fellow Dr Charlie Outhwaite

A second panel discussion looked ahead to the next century of conservation science, exploring how collaboration across disciplines - from ecology and genetics to storytelling and public engagement - will be vital in addressing the biodiversity crisis. Speakers also discussed the importance of training the next generation of conservation scientists globally and equipping them to tackle increasingly complex environmental challenges.

Alongside the talks, the event created opportunities for students, researchers, alumni and partners to connect and exchange ideas, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and impact.

The celebrations concluded with an evening reception at UCL’s historic North Cloister, where speakers reflected on the enduring relationship between the two institutions and their shared commitment to using science to create a better future for wildlife and people.

As ZSL celebrates its 200th anniversary, partnerships like this continue to play a vital role in helping us restore wildlife, inspire future generations, and deepen our understanding of the natural world. Here’s to the next 200 years together!

“Let us take pride in what we have achieved so far and leave tonight with a renewed commitment to what we can achieve in the future” - Professor Sir Jim Smith