EU-LIFE welcomes the Francis Crick Institute and the Ruđer Bošković Institute into the alliance
28 January 2025, Barcelona, London and Zagreb - The Francis Crick Institute in London (the Crick, UK) and the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb (RBI, Croatia) officially joined EU-LIFE in January 2025. This new membership is part of a process of expansion that broadens the representativeness of EU-LIFE and builds on the open and collaborative spirit that drives the alliance.
EU-LIFE is the alliance of independent research institutes in the life sciences across Europe. The Crick and RBI are leading research performance institutions in their countries and play a significant role in the European research ecosystem, fostering collaborations, innovation and cutting-edge discoveries. By welcoming these institutes, the alliance expands to 17 members in 16 countries across the European continent.
"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. 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," said Giulio Superti-Furga, Chair of EU-LIFE.
Welcoming the decision, 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 centre 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.
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.
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 strong critical mass for promoting an optimal environment for research across Europe.
“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.
Find the press release in PDF here.
