Applying our research

The research carried out at the Crick has the potential to drive important improvements in human health.

The process of using knowledge from research to solve human healthcare challenges, for example in the development of safe and effective treatments for patients, is known as ‘translation’.

However, turning new scientific understanding into an effective new treatment is often difficult, complex, and takes time and investment.

We think that bringing people with complementary skills and expertise together is necessary to take discoveries forward faster and with more chance of success.

Our approach

Crick researchers benefit from being able to get advice and input from industrial scientists, clinicians and entrepreneurs with track records in translation and who are embedded at the Crick.

This helps shape projects from the start, know what experiments are needed to gain confidence in a concept and understand the opportunities for a new technology, treatment or diagnostic. It gives added confidence in building a path towards a new product or clinical application, one with fewer dead ends and pauses as it is already benefitting from insights from industry and clinicians.

Our funding means that ideas can be supported from early concept stages and supported with a long term view.

We believe this is the fastest way to realise the benefits of new discoveries.

Our Translation team

We have a specialist in-house team to support Crick scientists in taking their advances forward. They have a pivotal role in building translational science projects, entrepreneurship, IP and licensing, and ensure that translational research is embedded in the Crick’s science.

The Translation team get involved with ideas from the start and can support projects with key expertise and funding for researchers to develop and test their ideas. The team is able to bring in additional advice from industry, clinicians, drug discovery experts, technology experts, entrepreneurs and investors. Each project will have its own plan for developing the treatment or technology.

The aim is to accelerate the development of ideas to the point where they become an adoptable proposition by partners who can then take forward products and technologies to reach patients sooner .

Translation training

We provide a range of training opportunities in translation and entrepreneurship for Crick researchers at different stages in their career.

Regular seminars and events provide information about different aspects of translation and also offer networking opportunities.