Researchers will continue to work together after Brexit

A joint letter from the Directors of the Francis Crick Institute, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the Wellcome Sanger Institute outlines the continued collaborations between researchers in the UK, Europe and beyond.  

Today marks the next chapter in the UK’s relationship with Europe. While we wait to see what a future relationship brings, researchers will continue to work across borders to tackle society’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, ageing and disease.

Whatever the outcome of Brexit, we will remain open and welcoming to scientists and students from around the world.

Science thrives when it has no boundaries and the Francis Crick Institute, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Wellcome Sanger Institute are defined by our diversity and international nature.

One of EMBL’s six sites – the European Bioinformatics Institute - is located in the UK at the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside the Sanger Institute.

All three institutions bring people together from diverse backgrounds, often across borders. This enhances science and will drive the continued success of research in the UK and Europe.

Whatever the outcome of Brexit, we will remain open and welcoming to scientists and students from around the world.

In 2019, the Crick and EMBL signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen our pan-European scientific cooperation and advance life science for the benefit of European society.

As we continue to work together across Europe, we can deliver greater benefits for people around the world.

This is already stimulating cooperation between leading life science researchers working at both institutes, supporting existing collaborations and encouraging new ones.

This collaboration will also bring together early-career scientists from both institutes in order to share knowledge and ideas through shared projects and joint conferences.

We all benefit from these collaborations, not just scientists. As we continue to work together across Europe, we can deliver greater benefits for people around the world.

Professor Sir Paul Nurse
Director
The Francis Crick Institute

Professor Edith Heard
Director General
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Professor Sir Mike Stratton
Director
Wellcome Sanger Institute

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