UCL part of new £100 million Rosalind Franklin Institute

UCL is involved in the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI) - a major new £100 million investment by the government into the development of an innovative multi-disciplinary science and technology research centre. The new Institute, announced today by Business Secretary Greg Clark, is named in honour of the pioneering scientist, Dr Rosalind Franklin, whose use of X-rays to study biological structures played a crucial role in the discovery of DNA's 'double helix' structure by Francis Crick and James Watson. It will bring together UK strengths in the physical sciences, engineering and life sciences to create a national centre of excellence in technology development and innovation. Delivered and managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the RFI will gather academic and industry researchers from across the UK to develop disruptive new technologies designed to tackle major challenges in health and life sciences, accelerate the discovery of new treatments for chronic diseases affecting millions of people around the world (such as dementia), and deliver new jobs and long-term growth to the local and UK economies. Chair of the Research Councils and EPSRC Chief Executive, Professor Philip Nelson, said: 'The UK is currently in a world leading position when it comes to developing new medical treatments and technologies in the life sciences. However, other countries are alive to the potential and are already investing heavily. The Rosalind Franklin Institute will help secure the country as one of the best places in the world to research, discover, and innovate.' The central hub at Harwell will link to partner sites at the universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford, Imperial College, King's College London, and UCL.