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A new partnership between UCL and British Land has been launched to support life science in our locality in London.
On Wednesday 1st November 2023 UCL and British Land celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting growth in tech and life sciences at Regent’s Place, part of London’s knowledge quarter based in the London Borough of Camden.
Led by Professor Alan Thompson, Pro-Provost (London), UCL London Office, the MoU signifies UCL’s commitment to drive growth in London. This strategic partnership will play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation and life sciences, reinforcing our dedication to supporting science within our community. By doing so, our shared ambition is to support Regent’s Place to become an inclusive and dynamic environment where science-driven health and technology innovation can flourish.
Attended by over 85 guests from UCL, British Land, businesses based at Regent’s place and other partners including UCLC and UCLB, the presentation at the event hosted at the Good Company, Regent’s Place, highlighted the enthusiasm and opportunities for supporting London as a centre for global excellence in life sciences. Delegates heard from panellists Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost, UCL; Simon Carter, CEO, British Land; Professor Alan Thompson, Pro-Provost (London) and Dean of Brain Science, UCL; Professor Geraint Rees, Vice-President RIGE, UCL; Rosie Rodriguez, SVP Growth - Head of People, Place and Projects, Relation Therapeutics; and Michael Wiseman, Head of Workspace Leasing and Innovation & Life Science, British Land, who candidly discussed opportunities the partnership present for London and the life science sector.
At the event, Dr Michael Spence, President & Provost, UCL said:
“At UCL and in Bloomsbury, we have an extraordinary colocation of expertise, and so with an extraordinary developer like British Land, we have the opportunity to think about the potential of this place. I’m confident that this partnership has the capacity to grow into something really very special indeed, and I’m grateful to the team at British Land that they share that vision".
Simon Carter, CEO, British Land said of the partnership:
“British Land sees our partnership with UCL as a critical step in our life science and innovation plans at Regent’s Place and across the wider knowledge quarter. At the heart of the Memorandum, is collaboration - working together to explore growth opportunities. We are delighted to sign this agreement.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone for UCL’s London Office, who is tasked with leading UCL’s core institutional partnerships in London. The MoU strengthens the breadth of partnership opportunities for UCL’s research capabilities, collaboration opportunities and commitments to our place in London under the leadership of the London Office.
Professor Alan Thompson, Pro-Provost (London), UCL said:
“In our 200 years in London we have come to recognise the value of our place, here in Bloomsbury and now in East London on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at UCL East. UCL is very much in, of and for London. Our partnership with British Land is a testament to our commitment to London. We’re not just neighbours; we are collaborators, place-makers, supporters of our local community, and supporters of science”.
UCL sees its role as transforming place as a key part of its story and forges strong partnerships with its neighbours, including through existing MoU’s with Camden Council and Newham Council, and this partnership will assist in positively supporting the knowledge quarter to become a world-leading global home for tech and entrepreneurship.
UCL leverages these strengths by conducting world-class research, training the next generation of scientists and leaders, and engaging with stakeholders and communities to address health challenges. By working together with our neighbours, we can make London a place where life sciences thrive and make a difference.
The London Office will now work with colleagues at British Land to evolve the partnership. Working with our students - the next generation of leaders, to facilitating connections between our organisations to exchanging resources, all based on our proximity to each other.
The event marked the first step in the partnership and opportunities to connect will be shared via the London Office with the UCL community. If you are interested in connecting with British Land or Regent’s Place, please contact Amy Lightstone, Head of Engagement and Operations (London), UCL London Office.
Photo credits: James Tye Photography