UK, Israeli scientists launch new genomics innovation partnership

A delegation of 10 prominent Israeli experts in genomics and biodata visited the United Kingdom last week to boost bilateral cooperation in genomics innovation. The visit was led by the British Embassy in Israel.

Among the participants was Prof. Yifat Merbl of the Weizmann Institute of Science, who was recently named in Nature’s “10 People Who Shaped Science in 2025” for her cutting-edge research on the human immune system. In addition to leading researchers, the delegation included heads of hospital and university genomics labs, entrepreneurs and venture capital experts.

Shira Lanir, head of Science and Technology at the British Embassy in Israel, explained the importance of combining the research expertise of both nations. 

“We are proud to lead this delegation of top Israeli genomics and biodata experts to the UK. Both the UK and Israel are global leaders in life sciences, and by combining strengths and capabilities, we can accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world health innovation solutions,” Lanir said.

The tour included visits to London’s Knowledge Quarter, one of the world’s leading science and research hubs in the life sciences, which includes institutions such as University College London and the Francis Crick Institute.

British Embassy Chargé d'Affaires to Israel Thomas Phipps welcomed the prospect of closer scientific cooperation between the UK and Israel.

“Genomics and the wider life sciences sector sit at the heart of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, supported by substantial national investment in genomics, health data and research infrastructure. We are glad to support UK – Israel collaboration in these fields, where joint innovation can deliver significant benefit for both countries.”

The UK and Israel both have technologically advanced economies with prominent research institutions and thriving startups. 

In December, the British Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced the launch of a new program designed to attract and assist Israeli startup companies to establish themselves in the British market. 

Ceri Morgan, London’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and Israel, explained the benefits for Israeli companies in establishing a presence in the British market. 

“We’re connecting Israeli scaleups to a $1.2 trillion tech economy, Europe’s largest and third in the world, with world-class infrastructure, rule of law and a clear industrial strategy designed to boost investment and make the UK the best place to do business,” Morgan assessed.

“This program strengthens the already deep economic ties between UK and Israeli companies and opens new horizons for innovation and collaboration,” Israel's British Ambassador Simon Walters stated.

In 2024, the UK and Israel decided to boost scientific cooperation by establishing a fund for joint tech research projects. 

“The UK and Israel have built a strong relationship on science and technology; the launch of the first UK-Israel bilateral research call marks a significant milestone, elevating the already fruitful collaboration between our research communities,” Walters explained at the time. “It provides a unique opportunity for top scientists from both nations to develop cutting-edge research in quantum [technologies], food tech and artificial intelligence in drug discovery."