Industry partnerships are mutually beneficial collaborations between academic or public sector researchers and private organisations. These partnerships enable a unique combination of sector-specific knowledge and expertise, from deep understanding of fundamental science to ability to translate this knowledge outside the laboratory environment and apply it to real-world problems.
Benefits of industry partnerships
Some of the benefits of working with industry partners are:
- sharing and exchange of knowledge and skills
- access to different technologies and equipment
- ability for researchers to work with and be exposed to different scientific environments
- potential to support the development of innovative scientific ideas towards commercialisation
- potential to leverage additional funding
MRC role in industry partnerships
MRC works with industry through funding academic research, in universities and other research organisations, and through conducting research in our own research establishments.
MRC as a funder of research
Funding collaborative research between academia and industry
We do not provide funds directly to industry partners. We fund academic-industry research collaborations, when funding is available the details and assessment criteria will be on the UKRI funding finder.
MRC Industry Collaboration Framework (ICF) was developed to support industry and academic researchers entering cross-sector collaborations when applying for MRC funding. It clearly defines our expectations on the purpose and goals of the collaboration, as well as specific arrangements for the collaboration (for example, responsibilities, intellectual property, financial contributions, access to data and resources).
Enabling access to industry expertise and facilities
MRC collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners to enable knowledge and technology exchange. An example is the state-of-the-art arrayed Functional genomics screening laboratory, which has been set up as a resource available to UK-based academic groups, small medium enterprises and industry.
Supporting academics to gain experience in working with industry
MRC-funded fellowships provide opportunity for clinical and non-clinical researchers to spend a period of research in industry to develop collaborative networks and support their cross-sector development.
MRC research establishments and collaboration with industry
MRC-employed scientists in our research establishments directly collaborate with industry partners on a range of projects. More information on our research establishments and their industry partnerships is available on their websites:
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
- Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA)
Industry sectors relevant to MRC
We collaborate across a wide range of sectors, engaging with large, middle and small companies within the UK and abroad. Some of the sectors relevant to our work are:
- app developers
- artificial intelligence
- bioinformatics
- biotech
- clinical research organisations
- diagnostics
- food and nutrition
- investor community
- medical equipment
- reagents
- pharma
- technology
Ask a question about industry partnerships
Email: Industry@mrc.ukri.org
Last updated: 24 February 2025