What We Learned from Our Visit to the Francis Crick Institute

This week, the Everwell team had the pleasure of joining the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Francis Crick Institute in London.

As one of Europe’s leading centres for biomedical research, the Institute brings scientists from a wide range of disciplines together to better understand health and disease.

Our visit gave us the chance to see not only the important research taking place, but also the systems, spaces and working culture that support it.

A closer look at the Francis Crick Institute

During the visit, we were given a guided tour of the Institute’s laboratories and collaborative working spaces.

It was a valuable opportunity to see how the building has been designed to support communication between teams. Shared areas make it easier for people from different disciplines to exchange ideas, ask questions and work together.

We also spent time in the We Go Way Back exhibition.

The exhibition explores the long relationship between humans and microbes, showing how these interactions have influenced our past and continue to shape scientific research today.

A memorable and informative tour

We would like to thank Octay Asanov for leading the tour with such warmth, clarity and enthusiasm.

His knowledge of the Institute, combined with his willingness to answer every question, made the experience particularly valuable. His commitment to the work taking place at the Crick was clear throughout the visit.

What stood out to Everwell

From an Everwell perspective, the Francis Crick Institute provided a strong example of organisational systems working well.

The processes supporting the organisation appeared clear, established and closely connected to its purpose. This allows staff to spend more of their time focusing on the work they were employed to do.

We were particularly struck by four areas:

• Clear and efficient processes

Well-established processes reduce unnecessary delays and confusion. People understand how work should move forward and where responsibilities sit.

• Focused and trusted teams

When teams have the right systems and support around them, they can concentrate on their specialist work rather than spending time dealing with avoidable operational problems.

• Strong collaboration

Collaboration is supported through both the physical environment and the organisation’s working practices. People are given opportunities to share ideas and learn from one another.

• A culture that values connection

Social connection is treated as an important part of a healthy workplace. This helps people build stronger working relationships and supports a more open, collaborative culture.

When people, purpose and systems work together

The Francis Crick Institute shows what can be achieved when organisational structures support the people using them.

Effective systems are not simply about completing tasks more quickly. They create the time, clarity and capacity people need to focus on meaningful work.

Our visit was both inspiring and reassuring. It reinforced something we see across many organisations: when processes are clear and people are properly supported, teams are better able to work to their strengths.

At Everwell Associates, we help organisations review and improve the systems behind their work, creating clearer processes, stronger teams and more sustainable ways of working.