Microscopy image of human fetal lung explant shows birfurcating tips (red) and airway smooth muscle actin (cyan); by John Russell (Rawlins lab)

Human fetal lung tissue undergoes branching morphogenesis ex vivo, by John Russell (Rawlins lab)

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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Lowe Syndrome Research Meeting 2023 group photo

News – Gallop

Meet the Lowe Syndrome family

When researchers, families, patients and advocates join forces

September 25, 2023

Advanced human primordial germ cell like cells induced in vitro by DMRT1/SOX17 colonized in mouse embryonic testicular organoids

Publication – Surani

A unique role for DMRT1 in the onset of human gametogenesis

September 14, 2023

Publication – Ma

Mitoballs, large mitochondrial clusters, form to sustain sperm development

August 14, 2023

News – Jackson

Steve Jackson awarded a knighthood for his services to innovation and research

June 17, 2023

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 18 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