The Francis Crick Institute is delighted to announce that Ali Bailey will be its new director of communications and public engagement.
Ali, who will take over from outgoing director Jane Hughes at the end of April 2022, brings with her a wealth of experience of working with researchers, academics, scientists and clinicians driving creative and inspiring communications and engagement programmes.
She also has a strong foundation in science communication from her time producing science and health programmes at the BBC and has held a number of senior leadership roles tackling some of the biggest and most complex issues in research and health.
Ali, who joins the Crick having spent over three years running the communications and engagement function at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I’m hugely proud to be joining the Crick as it continues in its mission to discover how life works. The dedication of its brilliant scientists and its innovative vision of how research can be delivered without boundaries is inspirational. Helping the Crick to tell this story and engage the public in science that really matters to all of us is a challenge, and a privilege, that I’m very much looking forward to.”
Dr Sam Barrell, chief operating officer of the Crick said:
“I would like to thank Jane Hughes for all her work over the last four years. She has played a pivotal role in positioning the Crick as an internationally renowned research institute, providing leadership and creativity. We will miss her and wish her well for the future.
I look forward to welcoming and working with Ali Bailey as we look to consolidate our reputation, strengthen our partnerships and expand our support for the wider UK biomedical research endeavour. Ali’s experience and expertise from her time with the BBC and NHS will be a big asset as we not only continue to deliver on our mission to conduct world-class discovery research but engage and inspire the public."