Translating discovery science

The Crick’s Innovation and Business team works closely with researchers to ensure that discoveries with translational potential are progressed. We build robust plans to establish translational hypotheses and enable an efficient route to further development.

This might include:

• providing investment for further development within a group leader’s laboratory or with external partners (including clinical)
• identifying external funding and development partners
• supporting creation of new ventures
   

We have established a dedicated Translation Fund including a generous £50m philanthropic donation from the Chris Banton Foundation along with funding from other organisations including MRC and LifeArc.

We operate two translational funding schemes.

Idea to innovation (i2i)

Provides funding and support for early-stage translation projects. To build confidence in a concept and deliver preliminary data. Funding of up to £150k over 12 to 24 months.

Innovation to development (i2d)

Provides funding and support for projects which have established early proof of concept. To validate translational hypotheses and demonstrate clinical and/or commercial application. Milestone-driven funding: no funding or duration limit, but milestones are typically up to £500k. 
 

We ensure that translation project applications receive appropriate due diligence and are supported by thorough freedom to operate and commercial landscape reviews.

Funding applications and milestone reviews are conducted by the Crick’s Translation Science Advisory Committee (TSAC) and Translation Advisory Board (TAB).

Once funded, the Innovation and Business team provide ongoing support to ensure goals and milestones are met.