The Duke of York visits the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

CGT Catapult welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of York to their research and development centre in Guy’s Hospital in London. His Royal Highness discussed growth of UK businesses with CGT Catapult staff and was given a tour of the state-of-the-art laboratories.

Today CGT Catapult welcomed The Duke of York to their research and development centre located in Guy’s Hospital, London. His Royal Highness was introduced to the work of the CGT Catapult, and given an overview of how the organisation bridges the gap between businesses and academic research. The unique facilities and expertise at the CGT Catapult help innovative companies turn early scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to save or improve lives blighted with untreatable illness into living medicines that could cure thousands of patients. The UK has become the go-to place for the development of cell and gene therapies and the industry is flourishing. CGT Catapult works to address the challenges of manufacturing these living medicines and delivering them to patients at scale.

The Duke of York works to promote economic growth and skilled job creation in the United Kingdom. In recent years, His Royal Highness has focused his activity on core areas in which he believes he can have the greatest impact including science, technology and engineering.

The Duke of York toured CGT Catapult’s state-of-the-art laboratories during which time His Royal Highness had the opportunity to speak with some of the CGT Catapult staff about the projects they are working on to advance development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies.

His Royal Highness promotes and raises awareness of British science, technology and engineering expertise and engages with organisations to support initiatives which attract increased investment into UK science, technology and engineering.

The Duke of York’s work in promoting and raising awareness of British science is really important, especially in industries such as cell and gene therapies where the UK is a global leader. We had a productive, in-depth discussion about the work of CGT Catapult, how we collaborate to help companies develop their cell and gene therapy products and how we have supported the translation of research from academia, helping the growth of the industry in the UK.

It is fantastic that His Royal Highness has shown interest in cell and gene therapies and sees the potential of these innovative medicines in save or improve patients lives as well as growing the industry in the UK.

Keith Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

I’m really impressed with the research that I’ve seen here today at the Cell and Gene Catapult. This work is going to be so important in building the innovative businesses of the future and developing new treatments in cell and gene therapy.

HRH Duke of York, KG

You can see some photos taken on the day below: