Crick Skylab opens as MSD commence new research programmes

The Francis Crick Institute and MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)), have opened a new Skylab facility, extending the footprint of the Crick and expanding opportunities for collaboration between the two organisations.

Crick Skylab tour. Image credit: Francis Crick Institute. — A tour of the Skylab given during its opening. Image credit: Francis Crick Institute.

The new 11,800 square foot specialised life sciences laboratory is located on the roof space of the Crick and took 16 months to complete.

Opened today by Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Skylab will provide additional laboratory space to further expand partnership opportunities within the Crick, increasing the permeability of discovery science to the outside world and strengthening the life sciences capabilities in the UK.

Lord Patrick Vallance performing the ribbon cutting at the opening of the Skylab. Image credit: Francis Crick Institute.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “The opening of Skylab represents a fantastic opportunity to advance UK science and is a vote of confidence in the UK as an investment destination. This state-of-the-art facility not only expands laboratory space in the heart of London and strengthens collaboration between the Crick Institute and MSD, but it also creates an environment where pioneering research can thrive, driving both economic growth and transformative advances in healthcare.

We’re committed to renewing the UK’s leadership in life sciences – a cornerstone of the UK's success – deepening ties between the public, private and third sector to ensure growth across every region of the country.

- Minister for Science, Lord Patrick Vallance

As science begins within the Skylab this week, MSD are expanding their UK research capacity ahead of the 2027 opening of their MSD Research Laboratories, London and UK Headquarters in Kings Cross. The new space will enable MSD researchers to grow their expertise that spans chemistry, pharmacology and neuroscience and also start up immunology research in the UK for the first time, including antibody development.

Speaking at the opening of the Skylab, George Addona, Senior vice president and head, discovery, preclinical development and translational medicine at MSD, said: “Discovery science is the engine that drives scientific progress and innovation. MSD is proud to be the first occupants of this new laboratory facility at the Crick as we expand our research presence in London’s Knowledge Quarter.”

Sir Paul Nurse, George Addona, and Lord Patrick Vallance at the opening of the Crick Skylab. Image credit: Francis Crick Institute. — Paul Nurse, George Addona, and Lord Patrick Vallance at the opening of the Skylab. Image credit: Francis Crick Institute.

Paul Nurse, director of the Crick, said: “Permeability across the life sciences sector is key for encouraging innovation and driving translation of discoveries for societal benefit. Our partnership with MSD highlights the great potential for growth from within the UK’s strengths in discovery research.

“Thank you to the teams from both organisations who made this possible. It takes real creativity and vision to reimagine an empty space and fulfil the complex needs of world-leading research groups.”

- Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute

The construction of the Skylab was supported by a generous gift of £17m from the Chris Banton Foundation. This donation follows a £50m donation in 2022 to support translational science at the Crick.

A representative from the foundation said: “We are delighted to support the construction of the new Skylab at The Francis Crick Institute. We look forward to seeing how the space will allow for new scientific areas to be explored, as well as maximising opportunities for the translation of discoveries, expanding capacity for partnerships and collaboration.”

More research, less cancer

The Francis Crick Institute, which was established through the collaboration of six founding partners including Cancer Research UK, is purpose-built for discovery without boundaries. A place where more than 1,500 scientists from different disciplines work together to understand more about human health and disease.

Cancer Research UK’s recently launched More Research, Less Cancer campaign will raise £400 million for 4 key areas of cancer research, one of which is powering life-changing discovery science at the Francis Crick Institute.

Find out more on our website.