Friday, August 7, 2026

GSK plans new global R&D centre in Cambridge

GSK is set to expand its research presence in one of the UK’s most prominent life sciences clusters. On 28 July 2026, the company announced plans for a new global research and development centre on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The planned site will cover around 300,000 square feet and is expected to house GSK’s UK R&D operations as well as more than 1,000 company scientists. The move forms part of GSK’s effort to accelerate progress across its development pipeline.

Investment in the UK life sciences ecosystem

GSK said it plans to invest £400 million over three years to support the Cambridge move and related changes in its UK network. The new location places the company in the UK life sciences Golden Triangle and closer to academic research, clinical care and biotech companies.

According to GSK, the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is among Europe’s largest biomedical campuses. More than 22,000 people work there in life sciences, and over 37,000 people visit the site each day. The campus treats more than one million patients annually and hosts more than 470 biopharma, biotech and AI companies.

The company already has several collaborations connected to Cambridge, including partnerships in data-driven discovery, translational immunology, metabolic science, immune ageing, and a clinical unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Focus areas for the new site

The new centre is planned to include modern, technology-enabled laboratories and infrastructure. It will support research across GSK’s priority areas, including oncology, respiratory diseases, hepatology, vaccines and HIV.

GSK CEO Luke Miels linked the investment to the company’s aim of advancing its R&D output and developing competitive products. Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood highlighted Cambridge’s role as a collaborative environment bringing together universities, hospitals and biotech companies.

Impact on Stevenage and Ware

As part of the planned relocation, GSK will leave its R&D site in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The transfer of employees is expected to take place in phases through 2029. In parallel, GSK plans to upgrade its existing R&D laboratories in Ware, also in Hertfordshire, and move some employees there.

The company said the Ware changes are intended to create a more integrated capability spanning drug development and commercial manufacturing scale-up. GSK’s global headquarters in London will not be affected by the announcement.

GSK reports annual R&D spending of more than £6 billion, including over £1.5 billion in the UK.