The Francis Crick Institute has appointed Edith Heard, current director-general of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), as its new director and chief executive.
Heard is expected to take up the position in summer 2025 and will succeed Sir Paul Nurse, who will continue to maintain a laboratory at the institute.
Prior to the EMBL, which she has been leading since 2019, Heard served as professor of the Collège de France and held the chair of epigenetics and cellular memory.
She previously set up her own group at the Institut Curie and was director of the institute’s genetics and developmental biology unit. Heard also spent nine years at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as a permanent researcher.
Commenting on her latest venture, Heard said: “I am delighted to be able to take up this position at one of the world’s premier scientific institutions, although very sad to leave EMBL next year.
“The Francis Crick Institute has quickly established a global reputation for its work at the frontiers of science. I relish the challenge of building on that work.”
The Crick’s chairman, Lord Browne of Madingley, outlined that Heard’s appointment follows a “global, year-long search for an exceptional candidate”.
“She brings an exemplary international research record, compelling vision and strong leadership experience,” he said.
Nurse became the first director and chief executive of the Crick in 2010, after holding roles such as president of Rockefeller University and chief executive of Cancer Research UK.
Speaking on his departure, Nurse said: “After over a decade at the helm of our institute, I am proud of all who work here and the scientific excellence we have created together.”
He continued: “The decision to step down from the director role has been made much easier by knowing that, in professor Heard, the institute has an excellent scientist and leader. I am completely confident that the Crick will continue to flourish under her leadership.”