Two senior appointments within the new leadership structure at the Francis Crick Institute will help strengthen its strategic partnership with UCL, reinforcing collaboration across discovery science, clinical research and innovation.
Professor Francesco Saverio Tedesco has been appointed as one of the Crick’s new Associate Research Directors (ARDs). Alongside his broader scientific leadership responsibilities, he will work closely with the Crick’s Clinical Director Professor Charlie Swanton, Clinical Deputy Research Director Professor Sonia Gandhi, and fellow ARD Dr Katharina Schmack, to advance the Crick’s clinical academic mission. His role will support clinical academic training and development, strengthen the integration of clinical expertise with discovery science, and foster closer links between the Crick and London’s vibrant biomedical research ecosystem, helping to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into better outcomes for patients.
In addition, Professor Steve Wilson has the role of University and Academic Partnerships Director within the new Crick leadership structure. In this role, he leads the Institute’s strategic engagement with its university partners, including UCL, helping to develop new opportunities for collaboration in research, education, innovation and talent development. His role is critical at a time when partnerships between universities and research institutes are playing an increasingly important role in addressing major health challenges through interdisciplinary science.
As one of the Crick’s founding partner organisations, UCL has played a central role in the Institute since its inception. Researchers across the two organisations collaborate on some of the world’s most pressing biomedical challenges, spanning cancer, neuroscience, infection, immunology, genetics and regenerative medicine. The partnership also supports joint appointments, shared facilities and the training of the next generation of scientists and clinical academics.
Steve Wilson said: “The partnership between the Crick, UCL and the other founding universities is one of the most successful and productive in biomedical research. I’m delighted to be working closely with colleagues across the partnership to deepen our collaboration, create new opportunities for researchers and strengthen our shared commitment to scientific excellence and impact.”
Professor Francesco Saverio Tedesco said: “UCL and the Crick share a common ambition to translate outstanding discovery science into better outcomes for patients. As Associate Research Director, I look forward to strengthening the links between clinicians and researchers, supporting clinical academics and helping to foster an environment where interdisciplinary science can thrive.”
These appointments reflect the shared commitment of UCL and the Crick to advancing discovery science, supporting clinical academia and accelerating research that improves human health.
Links
Prof Francesco Saverio Tedesco UCL Profile