The Centre for Urban Science and Progress London (CUSP London) was established as a partnership involving King’s College London, the University of Warwick and New York University, with plans announced for a centre at King’s Bush House from 2017. Its original remit was to bring urban researchers together with businesses, local authorities and government agencies to use city data to address issues including public health and wellbeing. 2
CUSP London is hosted by King’s College London’s Department of Informatics and works across disciplines, applying data science and visual analytics to challenges in and for London. Its work combines research and education, including training postgraduate and PhD-level urban scientists. 32 The centre’s geographic focus is London, while its university partnerships and student activities connect it to institutions beyond the UK. 6
A recurring project is the CUSP London Data Dive, where students and partner organisations examine urban datasets and develop recommendations. In 2024, participants worked with Transport for London on traffic, cycling, air quality, health and road-safety data. 4 Earlier work with Westminster City Council and UCL’s Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis formed an Urban Lab partnership; more than 20 MSc and PhD research projects contributed evidence and perspectives for local policymaking. 13 CUSP London has also worked with London bodies on data projects involving transport, crime, healthcare and digital exclusion. 12
King’s named Professor Nick Holliman director in December 2021, with his appointment due to begin in January 2022. 11 The available sources describe the centre’s establishment and activities but do not specify a formal founding date or identify a separate registered headquarters. 23