The Wellcome Genome Campus is already a European powerhouse for genomic science and biodata at scale. As the continent’s largest and most concentrated hub of talent across genomics and computational biology, the Campus combines research with translation, commercial spin-offs and conferencing. The new Health Data Research Service (HDRS) joins the Campus shortly and will add new, flagship national health data infrastructure. 

The Campus is now expanding from 125 to 440 acres – funded by one of the UK’s largest contemporary investments in life sciences and technology infrastructure. The expansion is designed to attract some 250 companies, big and small, undertaking research, translational development and other commercial activity, embracing and enhancing new data and digital advances.  The first phase of the expansion – set to be complete by 2028 – is being funded by Wellcome, the charitable foundation, as part of its investment portfolio. 

The STAG includes leaders from research and innovation, translation and commercial life sciences, health and technology sectors. The Group will be developing a bold strategy for an AI-native district, with deep expertise in omics – the large-scale study of biological molecules – biodata and AI-driven health and care translation.  

The STAG has been assembled to develop a forward-looking science and technology strategy to support the progress of this thriving, connected community which will grow to 9,000 people or more. Chaired by Dr Nicole Mather, the STAG comprises independent industry experts together with leaders from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), HDRS, the Wellcome Trust and the Wellcome Genome Campus.   

Science and Technology Advisory Group Members: 

• Dr Nicole Mather, Chair of the Wellcome Genome Campus Science & Technology Advisory Group, and UKI & EMEA Lead for Life Sciences, IBM Consulting. 

• Dr Andy Richards, CBE, independent member of STAG and entrepreneur and investor across the life sciences sector. 

• Dr Avi Spier, independent member of STAG and an Executive Director at Novartis, with over 20 years’ experience in corporate and business development. 

• Professor Ewan Birney, CBE, FRS, Director of EMBL-EBI and a world-leading computational biologist. 

• Dr John Marioni, independent member of STAG and Senior Vice President and Head of Computation at Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED).  

• Professor Matt Hurles, FMedSci FRS, Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, leading internationally renowned research in human genetics and rare diseases. 

• Dr Melanie Ivarsson, OBE, CEO of the Health Data Research Service, with deep experience across the pharmaceutical industry and health research. 

• Neelam Patel, independent member of STAG and experienced strategy advisor and non-executive director in health and life sciences. 

• Professor Rachel McKendry, Executive Director, Discovery at Wellcome, responsible for identifying, enabling and investing in potential breakthrough research. 

They join the team from the Campus: 

• Robert Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Wellcome Genome Campus Ltd, with over 24 years of leadership in real estate and placemaking including the transformation of King’s Cross. 

• Phil Clark, Chair of Wellcome Genome Campus Ltd, with over 30 years of international investment, property and governance experience. 

• Robert Holl, Principal in the Investment Division at the Wellcome Trust, with extensive experience of long-term investing across private and public markets. 

Robert Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Wellcome Genome Campus, said:  

“Our expansion is about creating the right conditions for our science and technology community to thrive. The Science & Technology Advisory Group is helping us to set a clear direction for our future, foster collaboration, commerciality, talent attraction and retention and ensure we continue to grow as a world-class destination.”  

Dr Nicole Mather, Chair of the Science & Technology Advisory Group, said:  

“The Wellcome Genome Campus is uniquely positioned to shape the future of a key frontier field: how we combine omics, data and AI to transform health and care for people globally. The Science & Technology Advisory Group will create a strategy that builds on the Campus’ pedigree and strengths to grasp the many opportunities now emerging.”   

The STAG will advise on the Campus’ scientific focus, emerging opportunities, infrastructure requirements and its offer to incoming occupiers. The STAG will meet regularly in an advisory capacity and act as ambassadors for the Campus, nationally and internationally.  

The expansion of the Campus is one of Europe’s most significant expansions of life science infrastructure. And one of the most influential projects globally for omics, biodata, and AI-driven health and care translation.   

The Campus is part of the world-leading science and technology cluster in Greater Cambridge and the expansion further strengthens this top-tier global ecosystem.