3D reconstruction of fluorescent signal in a 2D-gastruloid model from hESCs cultured on circular micropatterns by Theresa Gross-Thebing (Surani lab) and Sargon Gross-Thebing (Imaging Facility)

Studying development to understand disease

The Gurdon Institute is a world-leading centre for research at the interface between developmental biology and cancer biology

Latest news & publications

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Close up shot of pipettes hanging on shelf

Publication – Tchasovnikarova

A tale of two HUSH complexes: defending cells against invading retroelements

July 15, 2024

Emma Rawlins during the 2017 Cq;bridge Science Festival

News – Rawlins

Double honours for Emma Rawlins: EMBO Member and Professor of Developmental Physiology

July 9, 2024

News – Kouzarides

Tony Kouzarides awarded a knighthood for his services to healthcare innovation and delivery

June 16, 2024

Gonads undergoing sex determination. Image: Geraldine Jowett, Surani lab

News – Surani

1984, not the story you think

May 15, 2024

About us

Our mission is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of normal development, to determine how these mechanisms are subverted in cancer and other diseases, and to use this knowledge to develop new therapies.

The Institute is embedded within the University of Cambridge, with superb infrastructure core-funded by Wellcome and Cancer Research UK. Our location facilitates interactions across the University as well as with the vibrant technical hub of Silicon Fen.

Wellcome and CRUK logos combined

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From cell biology to tissue mechanics

Our 16 research groups address mechanisms that underlie development and disease through work in humans, model organisms, organoids and cell systems. We employ state-of-the-art technologies such as super-resolution imaging, single-cell analyses, genome engineering, genomics and computer modelling.

Research areas

Our people

The Institute is a thriving and diverse community where everyone’s contribution is important to achieving our goals.

Our group leaders, many of whom have collected numerous international awards, make important discoveries and seminal contributions in their field. We train postgraduates and postdocs, and are proud that our alumni include over 220 new group leaders pursuing exciting science around the world.

Many of our core support staff, from technical to administrative roles, have been with us for over a decade and the whole team is as committed as our researchers to their work.

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Public engagement

The Gurdon Institute is committed to making our fundamental biological research accessible and responsive to the public for the mutual benefits of inspiration, knowledge exchange and trust.

The Institute was granted a Silver Engage Watermark award from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), recognising our strategic support for Public Engagement and our continued commitment to innovate and develop our programme and further embed public engagement in our research culture.

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A scientist engaging with a child at a festival event