Nearly 20 years ago, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and university partners committed to creating an entirely new type of institute: the Francis Crick Institute.
A shared vision and investment
Our shared vision was to create a world-leading home for discovery research.
We wanted to bring together cross-disciplinary scientific teams to tackle some of the biggest challenges in human health.
It was an ambitious commitment that required long-term investment and the confidence to create something entirely different, building on the legacy of the institutions that formed the Crick.
A vision realised
The Crick’s impact can already be seen across many of the scientific areas shaping the future of healthcare.
Teams are using genomics and artificial intelligence to spot the warning signs of lung cancer before it develops.
Their work could help identify people with the highest risk and create new solutions to prevent the disease before a tumour forms.
Crick teams are also uncovering how the immune system influences mental health.
By revealing the biological differences underlying mental illness, their research could pave the way for more precise diagnosis and treatment.
Celebrating the Crick community
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of MRC said:
The Crick was funded through a continuing partnership between MRC, Wellcome and Cancer Research UK, built around a shared vision for discovery research.
Crick teams have made remarkable advances, from helping identify people at risk of lung cancer before the disease develops to uncovering the biological differences underlying mental illness.
Their work has also led to spin-out companies that have attracted £2.3 billion in follow-on investment, demonstrating how discovery research can improve lives and drive economic growth.
Ten years on, its success belongs to the people whose talent, dedication and curiosity have brought that vision to life.
Boosting the economy
The Crick’s success also demonstrates how discovery research can drive innovation and economic growth.
Over the past decade, Crick teams have produced more than 6,500 publications and secured £353 million in competitive funding.
They have also helped create 15 spin-out companies that have attracted £2.3 billion in follow-on investment.
Companies such as Myricx Bio and ALTx Therapeutics are building on Crick discoveries to develop new approaches to treating disease.
As well as helping translate scientific breakthroughs into new medicines, they are supporting skilled jobs and investment in the UK’s life sciences sector.
Research funding invested in the Crick so far is expected to generate long-term benefits worth around £13 billion in present value.
Lasting impact
The impact of the Crick extends far beyond its walls.
It has strengthened London’s position as a global life sciences hub and reinforced the UK’s leadership in biomedical research.
The Crick’s 10-year impact report highlights the discoveries, partnerships and innovations that have shaped its first decade, and the people behind them.
Read the report to explore the full story.
Chief Executive of CRUK, Michelle Mitchell, said:
Ten years ago, we joined together with the Medical Research Council, Wellcome and our philanthropic supporters to back a bold vision: to create a world-leading environment where exceptional people, disciplines and technologies could come together to advance discovery science.
We believed then, as we do now, that progress against cancer and other complex diseases starts with a deep understanding of the biology that underpins them.
Today, the Crick stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through long-term partnership, shared ambition and sustained investment.
As scientific opportunities continue to grow, accelerating progress for people affected by cancer and upholding the UK’s leadership in research will depend on our continued commitment to discovery science and the partnerships that make it possible.
Collaboration and investment
Rachel McKendry, Executive Director of Discovery at Wellcome, said:
The Francis Crick Institute shows what collaboration and investment in discovery research can make possible. Its first decade is a testament to the Crick community and the shared vision of its founding partners.
Together, we have helped create an environment in which researchers can cross boundaries, use advanced technologies and pursue fundamental questions about life and disease.
We are proud of what this partnership has enabled. As the Crick begins its next decade, we look forward to seeing how the research community continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and open new possibilities for improving health.
MRC, Wellcome and CRUK congratulate everyone who has contributed to its success.
Nearly 20 years after the vision for the Crick was conceived, its achievements demonstrate what is possible when exceptional people are given the freedom, support and time to explore their curiosity.
