UCL

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation (IFCF) is proud to partner with University College London (UCL) in a bold initiative to transform dementia research in the UK. In 2016, we pledged £10 million to help establish the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at UCL – a world-leading centre dedicated to tackling one of the greatest medical challenges of our time.

Set to open fully in 2027, the UK DRI will bring together over 500 international researchers under one roof, accelerating progress in understanding, diagnosing, and treating dementia. This cutting-edge facility will foster collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and patients – fast-tracking breakthroughs that could change millions of lives.

Retail coalition

As part of our partnership with UCL, IFCF led the creation of the UCL Dementia Research Retail Coalition – a powerful alliance of high street retailers including Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, WHSmith, Farmfoods, Booths, Poundland, and HSS Hire. Through the sale of 5p carrier bags, our partners raised an additional £10 million, doubling the total contribution to £20 million.

Together, we’ve shown what’s possible when businesses unite behind a shared purpose – putting competition aside to drive meaningful change.

The UK DRI at UCL will be a game-changer in the fight against dementia. It will provide:

  • State-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Seamless collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patients.
  • A fast-track environment for scientific breakthroughs.
  • A central hub for tackling one of society’s most urgent health challenges – with over 1 million people expected to be living with dementia in the UK by 2025.

It’s really great to see what’s happening with the money we’ve been raising in stores. Our store team genuinely feels like a family. The team really get involved.

It makes me feel very proud, my Nan and Grandad both passed away with dementia. It’s going to be fantastic when it’s all completed

Simon Felstead

Store Manager, Iceland Fulham

The Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation and UCL want to make a difference. The contribution that Iceland has made to realising UCL’s new neuroscience facility is incredibly important. This facility represents a whole new way of thinking – a partnership way of thinking – about finding a cure for conditions like dementia.

Dr Michael Spence

President & Provost, UCL

The Lady Walker Garden.

A Space for Reflection and Renewal

As part of our partnership with UCL, we’re proud to support the creation of the Lady Walker Garden – a tranquil, sensory space named in honour of Rhianydd, the late Lady Walker.

Located within the grounds of the UK Dementia Research Institute, the garden has been thoughtfully designed to foster wellbeing and connection. It will offer patients, researchers, and the public a peaceful environment to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with nature.

With its calming layout and sensory features, the Lady Walker Garden will serve as a vital complement to the cutting-edge science happening just steps away – reminding us that healing and hope flourish not only in laboratories, but also in the quiet moments between.