Calling all creative writers!
From February to December 2026, UCL200 will bring our community together for a vibrant programme of events and activities that celebrate our founding values and highlight the excellence and impact of UCL's groundbreaking work and people.
As part of this momentous year, we are excited to announce that the applications for UCL200: 26 Writers, 26 UCL Firsts – a unique collaboration between UCL200 and 26, a creative community dedicated to the craft of writing.
This is your opportunity to develop your writing skills, learn from an experienced mentor, and be part of UCL’s bicentennial celebrations.
What is UCL200: 26 Writers, 26 UCL Firsts?
We’ll pair 26 UCL students with 26 professional writers to explore one of UCL’s “firsts” – from being the first university in London and the first to welcome women to higher education, to revolutionary research breakthroughs such as the first use of anaesthetic in Europe and the first discovery of water on an exoplanet.
Through mentoring and creative collaboration, you’ll:
- Join a kick-off workshop in March
- Work with a professional writer to research and creatively interpret a UCL first
- Contribute to a special showcase at the Bloomsbury Festival in October 2026
The partnership will take place throughout Term 2 and Term 3.
Over the summer, all 26 creative pieces will be pulled together to create a special output that will be showcased as part of the Bloomsbury Festival in October 2026.
Who can apply?
All UCL students are open to apply.
Application
To take part, please complete the 26 Writers, 26 UCL Firsts application form.
As part of the application process, please submit a short piece of prose regarding a “first” in your own life. This must be maximum 200 words.
Applications close at midnight on 1st February 2026 and students will be notified of the outcome by no later than the 2nd March.
Queries
If you have any queries, please contact the ucl200 team directly [email protected].