Computer-generated image of the interior of the proposed building.
© PLP Architecture

The Francis Crick Institute will champion an approach in which teams working in different disciplines collaborate to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms relevant to human health.

More than 1200 scientists will work in the building. Groups spanning the biological, clinical and physical sciences will share insight and techniques to capture a more complete understanding of life's processes. In addition, special interest groups will be set up to enable scientists to share ideas and plan activities.

Creating an effective multidisciplinary environment requires a critical mass of researchers to ensure that multiple skills are represented and core facilities are established to support research programmes.

The scale of The Francis Crick Institute is key to its vision, as is its ability to tap into high-quality research fields outside traditional biomedicine, such as the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics and computing through its links to research-led universities and other institutions.

The design of the building reinforces the importance placed on interaction. To promote mixing and exposure to alternative ways of thinking there will be many informal meeting areas and, except when they need access to shared equipment, research teams will not be grouped according to areas of interest.