EU-LIFE welcomes two new members
By welcoming the Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) in London, UK, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) in Zagreb, Croatia, EU-LIFE expands to 17 members in 16 countries across Europe. EU-LIFE is an alliance of independent research institutes in the life sciences that includes the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin.
“We are delighted to welcome the Francis Crick Institute and the Ruđer Bošković Institute to EU-LIFE. Sharing best practices among leading research institutes is fundamental to fostering excellence and innovation,” said Giulio Superti-Furga, Chair of EU-LIFE. “By bringing together institutions that thrive on pushing the boundaries of knowledge, we strengthen the entire research ecosystem, ensuring that science continues to drive progress and address societal challenges across Europe.”
Addressing the scientific challenges of our time
The Francis Crick Institute
Sir Paul Nurse, Director of the Crick, said: “We are very pleased to join EU-LIFE and deepen our engagement with leading research institutes across Europe. At the Crick, we believe that collaboration and knowledge sharing are the cornerstones of scientific progress. By working together, we can strengthen European cohesion and ensure that independent research institutes continue to play a pivotal role in addressing the scientific challenges of our time for the benefit of all.”
David Smith, Director of RBI, said: “Joining EU-LIFE is a significant milestone for the Ruđer Bošković Institute. As Croatia's largest multidisciplinary research institution, we deeply value the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded institutes across Europe. Being part of this network not only amplifies our ability to contribute to cutting-edge science but also reinforces our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in the European research ecosystem.”
The Crick is an independent, world-leading biomedical research center dedicated to discovery without boundaries. Its mission focuses on understanding biological mechanisms at all scales to drive advancements in human health. It integrates academic, clinical and industrial expertise, and promotes strong international ties, proactive public engagement and open science.
A bronze statue of Ruđer Bošković in front of the institute which bears his name.
RBI is dedicated to advancing society through scientific knowledge by conducting cutting-edge research in natural, biomedical, biotechnical, and technical sciences while contributing to education and fostering partnerships with societal and economic sectors. In addition, RBI has a strong track record in securing competitive funding from national and European sources.
Shared values
“We welcome the Crick and RBI to the EU-LIFE alliance and look forward to working together. It is really important for us to expand EU-LIFE with institutes that share our values and commitment to scientific excellence,” said Marta Agostinho, Executive Director of EU-LIFE.
The EU-LIFE Board of Directors ratified the decision to welcome both institutes into the alliance during the 2024 EU-LIFE Strategy Meeting, which was held on 21-22 November in Copenhagen. With this strategic decision, EU-LIFE aims to strengthen the voice of leading, independent research institutes in the life sciences in Europe, and ensure a critical mass for promoting an optimal environment for research across Europe.
