Cambridge and AstraZeneca
The University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca have a long history of scientific collaboration. In 2013, AstraZeneca’s decision to move its global headquarters and new strategic R&D centre to Cambridge started a new chapter of partnership.
AstraZeneca chose Cambridge – the largest life science cluster in Europe – for its access to world-leading academic, industry and healthcare organisations, including the University of Cambridge.
Over the last decade, our partnership has gone from strength-to-strength, based on a shared ambition to drive progress for patients and society.
"Through our partnerships, we are:
Accelerating scientific discoveries into meaningful progress for patients.
Nurturing the next generation of talent that will lead the breakthroughs of the future.
And supporting initiatives to unlock the full potential of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem."
Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK
"Our collaboration benefits from our close proximity, enabling a seamless transfer of people, materials and ideas between the two organisations."
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge
A decade of partnership in numbers
Grants from AstraZeneca to the University
Senior University researchers
University departments
Cambridge PhD students
Driving breakthroughs in science and innovation
"Why Cambridge? Because science advances through collaboration. Moving to this world-renowned bioscience hotspot means we have leading-edge academic and industry networks and scientific talent on our doorstep. We can see how sharing expertise and resources is driving progress for patients."
Steve Rees, Senior Vice-President, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca
Nurturing the talent of the future
"At the heart of our partnership is a commitment to equipping researchers with a unique skillset which combines basic science with drug discovery expertise.
We have supported more than 160 PhD candidates since 2015, with every student gaining industrial as well as academic experience and many spending time at both AstraZeneca and University laboratories.
These individuals are uniquely positioned to accelerate ground-breaking research that ultimately leads to solutions that can enhance patient care."
Jacqui Hall, Head of Early Careers, BioPharma R&D at AstraZeneca
Building a world-leading life sciences cluster
"Cambridge’s life sciences cluster is demonstrably successful, home to hundreds of start-ups and attracting global companies in increasing numbers.
As anchor institutions, the University and AstraZeneca are critical to the ecosystem as a whole, helping to attract new investment and create new jobs."
Diarmuid O'Brien, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, University of Cambridge
"We are looking ahead to the next decade as we build on our partnership to continue driving positive change through science to help create a healthier future for people, society and the planet."
Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK
For more information, contact:
Nicola White, Strategic Partnerships Office, University of Cambridge
Jacqueline Hall, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca
Images
Banner: Two scientists in lab: credit: StillVision
Shaun Grady, AstraZeneca: credit: AstraZeneca
Deborah Prentice, University of Cambridge: credit University of Cambridge
Science & innovation
CRISPR functional genomics sections: credit: AstraZeneca
Mark O'Connor, AstraZeneca: credit AstraZeneca
Two scientists in a lab wearing protective glasses: credit: AstraZeneca
Talent
Sarah Folliet, AstraZeneca: credit AstraZeneca
Three scientists in a lab looking at a computer screen: credit AstraZeneca
Hannah Comfort: credit AstraZeneca
Cluster
Cambridge Biomedical Campus: credit AstraZeneca
Business people at a table: credit GettyImages/ 10'000 Hours
A child holding Medicine Makers sign: credit Cambridge Festival/Domininkas Zalys
Veeva ID: GB-68343
Date of preparation: July 2025