# Research institutes headquartered in England Tamtam tracks 177 research institutes headquartered in England. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by UCL, University of Oxford and King's College London. Their median headcount is 6,280. Half of them were founded in 1904 or later. The most common headquarters are London (9), Birmingham (3) and Brighton (2). These English research institutes are predominantly large universities, with a strong focus on higher education and research services. Several institutions, such as UCL, King's College London, and Imperial College London, are based in the capital, while others like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are located in historic university cities. The University of Manchester is known for teaching excellence and research innovation, and the University of Birmingham for its impactful research. A notable pattern is the concentration of these large research institutions in major English cities. Many were founded in the late 19th or early 20th century, with the exception of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, established in the 11th and 13th centuries respectively. This indicates a long-standing tradition of academic research across the country. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ England Β· 50 companies Β· Updated Nov 12, 2026 | # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | [UCL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ucl) (ucl.ac.uk)
Leading multidisciplinary university in London, promoting academic excellence, inclusive education, and impactful research addressing real-world challenges. | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 24,678 | | | 2 | [University of Oxford](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-oxford) (ox.ac.uk)
A leading university in various academic disciplines, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and social support while upholding respect and banning hate speech | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Oxford | 23,103 | 1096 | | 3 | [King's College London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-s-college-london) (kcl.ac.uk)
Top-ranked university offering world-class education and research, fostering innovation and positive societal impact globally and locally. | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 20,705 | | | 4 | [University of Cambridge](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-cambridge) (cam.ac.uk)
A leading research university with 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, and schools, focused on excellence in education and research | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Cambridge | 20,304 | | | 5 | [The University of Manchester](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-university-of-manchester) (manchester.ac.uk)
A prestigious university known for teaching excellence, research innovation, and a history of world firsts, with a large global alumni community | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Manchester | 20,294 | 1824 | | 6 | [Imperial College London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/imperial-college-london) (imperial.ac.uk)
Leading university specializing in science, medicine, engineering, and business, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance knowledge and improve health. | Research Services | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 18,233 | 1907 | | 7 | [University of Birmingham](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-birmingham) (birmingham.ac.uk)
A prestigious university with a century-long tradition of innovation and impactful research, shaping great minds and pushing boundaries of knowledge | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Birmingham | 14,952 | 1900 | | 8 | [University of Leeds](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-leeds) (leeds.ac.uk)
A top research university in the UK with a focus on creating knowledge, educating students, and making a positive impact through research and innovation | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Leeds | 14,683 | 1904 | | 9 | [University of Nottingham](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-nottingham) (nottingham.ac.uk)
A pioneering university with campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia that aims to transform the lives of its 45,000 students | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Nottingham | 12,740 | 1948 | | 10 | [The University of Sheffield](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-university-of-sheffield) (sheffield.ac.uk)
A leading Russell Group university with a diverse community of students and staff, advancing research, partnerships, and global impact in various industries | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Sheffield | 11,417 | 1905 | | 11 | [University of Liverpool](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-liverpool) (liverpool.ac.uk)
A renowned research and innovation center that attracts global students, experts, and partners, shaping lives and the world through collaborations | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Liverpool | 10,897 | | | 12 | [University of Southampton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-southampton) (southampton.ac.uk)
A prestigious university in southern England, ranked among the top 100 worldwide and a founding member of the Russell Group | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Southampton | 10,786 | 1862 | | 13 | [University of Exeter](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-exeter) (exeter.ac.uk)
A leading research-intensive university in the South West of England, offering a diverse range of subjects in a welcoming international environment | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Exeter | 10,489 | 1955 | | 14 | [Newcastle University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/newcastle-university) (ncl.ac.uk)
Research-intensive university, world-class reputation in medicine, science, engineering, social sciences, humanities; providing excellent research-led teaching for high graduate employment rates. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Newcastle upon Tyne | 10,332 | | | 15 | [University of Warwick](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-warwick) (warwick.ac.uk)
Leading university with high academic and research standards, consistently making a global impact through its students, alumni, and staff. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Coventry | 10,327 | 1965 | | 16 | [The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-london-school-of-economics-and-political-science-lse) (lse.ac.uk)
A leading university specializing in the social sciences, committed to excellence and innovation in research and education | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 9,613 | 1895 | | 17 | [The Manchester Metropolitan University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-manchester-metropolitan-university) (mmu.ac.uk)
Provides diverse academic programs, excels in research, promotes social mobility, sustainability, and supports community and business partnerships. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Manchester | 8,837 | 1970 | | 18 | [Queen Mary University of London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/queen-mary-university-of-london) (qmul.ac.uk)
A world-leading research university with over 32,000 students from 170+ nationalities, offering 240+ degree programs and recognized for excellent teaching | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 8,803 | 1785 | | 19 | [University of York](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-york) (york.ac.uk)
A dynamic university conducting groundbreaking research to develop life-saving discoveries and innovative technologies, while inspiring students to think critically and create change | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ York | 6,993 | 1963 | | 20 | [University of Bath](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-bath) (bath.ac.uk)
A leading UK research university dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through innovation, collaboration with industry, and quality education Located in Bath, UK | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Bath | 6,784 | 1966 | | 21 | [University of Leicester](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-leicester) (linktr.ee)
A leading company focused on discovery, innovation, and research-inspired education, ranked 22nd in the UK, with a commitment to fostering change #CitizensOfChange | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Leicester | 6,635 | 1921 | | 22 | [Durham University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/durham-university) (durham.ac.uk)
A UK university providing inspiration and opportunities for a successful community, serving as a key hub regionally and nationally Visit website for career opportunities | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Durham | 6,609 | 1832 | | 23 | [University of East Anglia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-east-anglia) (uea.ac.uk)
Providing diverse undergraduate and postgraduate education, extensive research facilities, cultural events, and top-quality sports and social amenities on campus. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Norwich | 6,316 | 1963 | | 24 | [Loughborough University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/loughborough-university) (lboro.ac.uk)
University providing world-class research, excellent student experience, sporting achievements, and enterprise opportunities across campuses in Leicestershire and London. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Loughborough | 6,315 | 1909 | | 25 | [Northumbria University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/northumbria-university) (northumbria.ac.uk)
Research-intensive university fostering innovation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange to empower students and staff for global impact and societal change. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Newcastle upon Tyne | 6,280 | | | 26 | [Birmingham City University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/birmingham-city-university) (bcu.ac.uk)
Higher education institution offering practice-led courses, industry partnerships, professional accreditations, real-world experience, and impactful research shaping various sectors. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Birmingham | 6,064 | | | 27 | [The University of Salford](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-university-of-salford) (salford.ac.uk)
Ambitious university with 20,000 students driving local economy and transforming individuals through teaching, research, innovation, and engagement in various fields | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Salford | 5,864 | 1967 | | 28 | [University of Plymouth](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-plymouth) (plymouth.ac.uk)
Modern university with dynamic culture, high student satisfaction, impactful research, innovation, and commitment to global societal and educational advancement. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Plymouth | 5,745 | 1862 | | 29 | [University of Portsmouth](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-portsmouth) (linktr.ee)
Progressive university with a global impact, partnering with industry and government to create a better future through education and innovation | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Portsmouth | 5,717 | 1869 | | 30 | [University of Reading](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-reading) (reading.ac.uk)
A leading research university in the UK with a focus on sustainability, climate research, and a diverse community of alumni and students | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Reading | 5,661 | 1892 | | 31 | [Anglia Ruskin University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/anglia-ruskin-university) (aru.ac.uk)
Innovative global university with campuses in UK cities, offering top-ranked courses, industry partnerships, and world-leading research opportunities for students | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Cambridge | 5,648 | 1858 | | 32 | [University of Surrey](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-surrey) (surrey.ac.uk)
Provides diverse undergraduate courses, student support, clubs, and safe accommodation in a vibrant campus environment near London. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Guildford | 5,511 | 1891 | | 33 | [Cancer Research UK (CRUK)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cancer-research-uk-cruk) (cancerresearchuk.org)
Dedicated to cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, funded by public donations to improve survival and quality of life. | Non-profit Organizations | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 5,433 | | | 34 | [University of Sussex](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-sussex) (sussex.ac.uk)
University offering diverse, research-informed teaching and learning programs with a focus on creativity, intellectual challenge, and inclusivity. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Brighton | 5,299 | 1961 | | 35 | [Liverpool John Moores University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/liverpool-john-moores-university) (ljmu.ac.uk)
A dynamic university in the UK with over 28,000 students from 100 countries offering 250 degree courses, committed to equality and inclusion | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Liverpool | 5,262 | 1823 | | 36 | [City St George’s, University of London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/city-st-george-s-university-of-london) (city.ac.uk)
An innovative university in London, transforming lives through education, research, and global impact, with strong ties to business and sustainability | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 5,160 | | | 37 | [Leeds Beckett University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leeds-beckett-university) (leedsbeckett.ac.uk)
A modern professional university in Leeds, focused on student success, innovation, and global impact, with a rich history dating back to 1824 | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Leeds | 4,958 | 1824 | | 38 | [University of Central Lancashire](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-central-lancashire) (uclan.ac.uk)
A university founded in 1828 with a motto of helping individuals reach their full potential, offering state-of-the-art facilities and world-class education | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Preston | 4,879 | 1828 | | 39 | [Oxford Brookes University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/oxford-brookes-university) (brookes.ac.uk)
Leading UK university in Oxford offering diverse courses, research, and services to businesses with strong industry links and a focus on innovation and excellence | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Oxford | 4,862 | 1865 | | 40 | [De Montfort University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/de-montfort-university) (dmu.ac.uk)
University providing inclusive education, career support, sustainability initiatives, and community empowerment to help students achieve professional and personal success. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Leicester | 4,814 | | | 41 | [University of Kent](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-kent) (kent.ac.uk)
A highly-regarded institution focused on academic programs and research support Learn more at their website | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Canterbury | 4,342 | 1965 | | 42 | [London Business School](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/london-business-school) (london.edu)
Top-ranked business school offering MBA and executive education with global presence, diverse faculty, and extensive alumni network. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 4,266 | 1964 | | 43 | [University of Essex](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-essex) (essex.ac.uk)
Promoting excellence in education and research, offering research-led teaching and outstanding campus experience Inviting alumni to professional networking opportunities | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Essex | 4,158 | 1964 | | 44 | [Aston University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aston-university) (aston.ac.uk)
UK leading university business professions; world-class teaching, research, industry partnerships; founded 1895, university since 1966, internationally recognized | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Birmingham | 3,925 | 1895 | | 45 | [University of Brighton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-brighton) (brighton.ac.uk)
A coastal university in Brighton and Eastbourne offering professional courses, apprenticeships, and impactful research for individuals and communities worldwide | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Brighton | 3,912 | 1859 | | 46 | [University of Wolverhampton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-wolverhampton) (wlv.ac.uk)
A university with a long history of providing opportunities for students through a wide range of accredited programs and innovative research | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Wolverhampton | 3,635 | | | 47 | [University of Lincoln](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lincoln) (lincoln.ac.uk)
Higher education institution offering top-ranked teaching, impactful research, strong industry partnerships, and a supportive, modern campus environment for students. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Lincoln | 3,631 | | | 48 | [Royal Holloway, University of London](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/royal-holloway-university-of-london) (royalholloway.ac.uk)
Research-intensive university with a distinctive history, committed to social purpose, offering news, research, and student life insights. | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Egham | 3,477 | 1886 | | 49 | [University of Hull](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-hull) (hull.ac.uk)
A progressive university in a vibrant city, offering academic excellence and opportunities to tackle the big issues facing humanity Always shaping the future together | Higher Education | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Kingston upon Hull | 3,458 | 1927 | | 50 | [UK Health Security Agency](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uk-health-security-agency) (www.gov.uk)
The company is an executive agency responsible for planning, preventing, and responding to external health threats at national and global levels | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ London | 3,430 | 2021 | ## How this list is built Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026. ## More company lists in England - [The largest companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-england) (32,641) - [Retail chains in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-england) (2,917) - [Manufacturers in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-england) (1,794) - [Companies with in-house R&D in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-england) (1,703) - [Retail companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-companies-england) (1,415) - [Hotel and hospitality groups in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-england) (1,273) - [Education providers in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-england) (1,081) - [Hardware manufacturers in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-england) (1,067) - [Wellness and Fitness Services companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/wellness-and-fitness-services-companies-england) (1,032) - [Critical infrastructure operators in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-england) (1,029) - [Hospitality companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-companies-england) (1,025) - [Family-owned companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-england) (1,014) - [Distributors and wholesalers in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-england) (938) - [Healthcare providers in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-england) (810) - [Insurance companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/insurance-companies-england) (699) - [Consumer goods companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-england) (671) - [Construction companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/construction-companies-england) (667) - [Hospitals and Health Care companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-england) (649) - [Public sector organisations in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-england) (638) - [Food and beverage companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-england) (635) - [Food and Beverage Services companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-services-companies-england) (606) - [Food and Beverage Manufacturing companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-manufacturing-companies-england) (582) - [Corporate groups and holding companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-england) (578) - [Restaurants companies in England](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/restaurants-companies-england) (506) ## The same list elsewhere in United Kingdom - [Research institutes in the United Kingdom](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-united-kingdom) (216) - [Research institutes in London](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-london) (51) ## The same list elsewhere - [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686) - [Research institutes in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-europe) (2,713) --- Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-england