A LEGACY OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

St Mary’s Hospital has a rich research legacy that stretches back almost 180 years. From the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of penicillin and the chemical structure of antibodies to the invention of the electrocardiogram, pioneering robotic surgery, and world-leading HIV care, research and innovation have been at the heart of our hospital’s excellence.

Paddington Life Sciences reflects the ongoing evolution of our role as the research-led, acute provider for our sector, integrating our research, data and innovation capabilities across all our activities and helping to generate greater and more inclusive health, wellbeing and economic value locally and nationally.

We are proud to be supported by our academic partner, Imperial College London – ranked 1st  in Europe and 2nd  in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) – and together we host the largest NIHR biomedical research centre in the country. Our combined research and clinical expertise allows us to drive innovation and tackle some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance.

A key part of this research agenda is the forthcoming Fleming Centre, due to open in 2028 on the St Mary’s campus to mark the centenary of Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin. The Centre will be at the heart of the global Fleming Initiative, an innovative and collaborative approach led by the Trust and Imperial College London, dedicated to advancing research, shaping policy, and engaging the public on antimicrobial resistance.

Together with our partners, we are committed to continuing our legacy of world-class research, creating solutions that not only advance healthcare but also improve lives on a global scale.