Diversity and inclusion: helping more ideas thrive
Science and health research should be open to anyone with a great idea.
Who we are
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation established in 1936. Through our work we support science to solve the urgent health issues facing everyone.
We fund curiosity-driven research, and we’re taking on three of the biggest health challenges facing humanity – climate change, infectious disease and mental health.
With a £36.8 billion investment portfolio, we give researchers the time and resources they need to make breakthroughs.
We also work with policy makers, run advocacy campaigns, and form partnerships with other organisations to ensure everyone, everywhere benefits from advances in health science.
Why are we called Wellcome?
We were founded in 1936 after the death of Sir Henry Wellcome.
Sir Henry was a pharmaceutical entrepreneur, whose pioneering approach to drug design later inspired the creation of the first leukaemia drug, immune suppressants for organ transplants, and antivirals such as AZT – the first drug approved to treat HIV.
In his will, he left us three important things: his wealth; his collection of historical medical items; and our mission to improve health through research.
What do we stand for?
Our perspective on health and how to improve it spans science, innovation, and society.
We foster collaborative and supportive research environments that give researchers across a range of disciplines – including physical and social sciences, and the humanities – the time and resources they need to be creative and make new discoveries.
Research Culture
Diversity and inclusion are essential to achieving our aims, as is involving people with lived experience of the health issues we are exploring.
Everyone who works here has a valuable role to play. We each help to advance Wellcome's strategy and shape our working culture.
Our beliefs and values
These beliefs and values set out what we expect from each other, at every level of the organisation, every day.
How are we governed?
Our Board of Governors guides and oversees Wellcome in achieving our mission to improve health for everyone.
The Board is responsible for all of our activities, but focuses on our mission, professionalism and people. It regularly and robustly assesses whether we have been successful, and how we got there.
We are accountable to society for delivering our aims, while using our political independence for public benefit.
How is Wellcome funded?
Wellcome is an independent charitable foundation. We are funded by the returns from our investment portfolio. To find out more, visit our investments page.
Who works here?
There are hundreds of people from a range of backgrounds who make up our team at Wellcome, each with their own unique perspectives and skills.
Learn more about the people leading our work, and discover our teams.
Jobs at Wellcome
See Wellcome's current job vacancies, programmes for graduates, and internship opportunities.
Sabien Khan
Employee Director
Wellcome
Aki MacFarlane
Employee Director and Open Research Specialist
Wellcome
Connect with Alexander:
Our work so far
We want researchers worldwide to engage with us, partner with us, and apply for funding for pioneering projects that will help to solve the most pressing health challenges facing humanity. Activities we have supported include:
Supported the formation of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
CEPI helps fill critical gaps in vaccine funding and research, which was essential to the quick and effective rollout of Covid-19 vaccines globally.
Supported the discovery of single cell sequencing
Led to the creation of the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) – an international consortium that charts the cell types in a healthy body from development, through adulthood, to old age.
Funded Cambridge study on same sex parenting
The evidence generated by the Centre of Family Research project was used to campaign for same-sex marriage in the United States.
