Last week, the British Embassy in Israel led a high‑level delegation of ten leading Israeli experts in genomics and biodata to the UK. The delegation included senior researchers, heads of genomics labs in universities and hospitals, entrepreneurs and venture capital.
The visit featured a tailor-made programme including a tour to London’s Knowledge Quarter - one of the world’s densest clusters of research and scientific institutions. Anchored by organizations such as the Francis Crick Institute and University College London, the Knowledge Quarter has become a powerhouse for life sciences innovation. Its unique concentration of academic, clinical and industry partners enables rapid collaboration, access to world-class research infrastructure, and a vibrant ecosystem supporting the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world health solutions.
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Top Israeli genomics and biodata experts visit the UK to expand scientific and innovation partnerships
(Photo: Omri Dagan)
The delegation included leading experts in genomics, genome editing, immunology and AI‑driven translational medicine. Among the prominent researchers was Prof. Yifat Merbl of the Weizmann Institute of Science, recently named in Nature’s “10 People Who Shaped Science in 2025” for her groundbreaking discoveries on the immune system.
An evening reception marked the strong and growing research and technology collaboration between the two countries in cutting‑edge life sciences, bringing together key partners from the UK and Israel to discuss shared priorities, emerging opportunities and the expanding impact of genomics and biodata on healthcare innovation.
The UK and Israel both excel in genomics and biodata. Bringing together the complementary strengths of both countries enables scientific breakthroughs, accelerates clinical translation and creates new opportunities for joint research, innovation and commercialization that can impact global health outcomes.
British Chargé d’Affaires to Israel Thomas Phipps: “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.”
Head of Science and Technology at the British Embassy in Israel, Shira Lanir: “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.”