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The London Research Institute (LRI) is Cancer Research UK's biggest research institute, and the only one whose main focus is basic cancer biology. Basic biological knowledge is the foundation of modern cancer research, and underpins the development of new approaches to cancer treatment. Thanks to basic research in cell and molecular biology, cancer is no longer a mystery: we understand the general principles that underlie the disease. Nevertheless, the same research has underlined the extraordinarily subtle and complex nature of the mechanisms that control cell behaviour in health and disease. Our areas of ignorance are still vast, and to make progress at the clinical level for the majority of patients, we need basic research more than ever.

The LRI's research portfolio focuses around three themes- the biology of tissues and tumours, cellular regulatory mechanisms and genomic integrity and cell cycle. Within the Institute, an interactive, inter-disciplinary approach is fostered through common research tools, approaches and model organisms. Research interest groups, rather than formal divisions, promote an informal and dynamic network of scientific discourse between LRI scientists. There are currently 47 research groups split between the LRI's central London site at Lincoln's Inn Fields and its country outpost, Clare Hall. To learn more about ongoing research, click here.

In 2016, the scientists of the LRI will leave their current labs for a new life in the Francis Crick Institute, an ambitious multidisciplinary research centre a stone's throw from the British Library and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras. The Crick will have the scale, vision and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease. For more information on the project visit the Francis Crick Institute site; to find out how to support the Crick, visit the Cancer Research UK fundraising campaign Create the Change.