London Firmly Open for Scientific Research and Innovation

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has vowed that the city will continue to thrive as a powerhouse for life science research and innovation during a visit to what will be Europe’s largest biological research facility.

The new £700 million Francis Crick Institute in Camden, due to open officially in November, welcomes scientists and medical researchers from Europe and around the world to progress understanding of disease development, new  treatments and diagnosis and prevention of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections and neurodegenerative conditions.

With leading institutions such as the Francis Crick, University College London and Imperial College, as well as world-class Universities on its doorstep, London is a hub for scientific companies, boosted by entrepreneurship and commercialisation organisation MedCity.

During April 2015 researchers at the MRC's National Institute for Medical Research and CRUK's London Research Institute also became part of the Francis Crick Institute, which is set to house1,250 of the world’s best scientists from 70 different countries.

The Mayor met with Sir Paul Nurse, a world-renowned geneticist and cell biologist and Director of the Francis Crick Institute, to discuss the opportunities for life sciences following the European referendum result.

“London remains one of the most attractive places for life science companies to do business in the world and our great city will continue to lead the way in medical research and innovation. London thrives by being open: to talent, to ideas and to people. I am absolutely determined that this will continue, and that we not only retain the world’s best scientists but continue to attract them to our world-leading cluster of medical research institutions,”said Sadiq Khan.

“It is critical the life sciences sector is given the voice it needs through the Brexit negotiation period, and I have made clear to Government that London needs its own seat at the negotiating table, given the city’s importance both to the UK and to Europe. London is a global as well as a European city, and we will continue to forge new and deeper relationships with other countries around the world.”

Sir Paul Nurse said: “The Francis Crick Institute is truly international, with scientists and collaborators from all over the world, and we are proud of our open and diverse values, which underpin our globally leading science.

“We have a distinctive role to play within London, which is why we were so pleased to welcome the Mayor today. As well as contributing to the city’s world-leading strength in the life sciences, we will be open to the public: welcoming people into our new building for exhibitions and events; working with local schools to inspire the next generation about science; and working in close partnership with the local Somers Town community.”