University of Leicester
United Kingdom
The University of Leicester is a leading public research university and a member of the Russell Group, located in Leicester, England. It is renowned for its world-class research, commitment to widening participation, and discovery of the genetic fingerprinting technique. The university offers a comprehensive range of disciplines with particular strengths in space science, archaeology, medicine, physics, and history.
University Overview
Founded in 1921 as University College, Leicester, following a local legacy to create a living memorial for those who served in World War I. It became a college of the University of London in 1927 and was granted its Royal Charter as an independent university in 1957. A landmark achievement was the 1984 discovery of DNA genetic fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys. It was instrumental in the search for King Richard III, whose remains were discovered and reinterred in Leicester. The university received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for its work in physics and astronomy.
