Queen Mary University of London has signed an agreement with the UK's Department of Health and Social Care to acquire significant land in Whitechapel.

This acquisition, adjacent to the university's existing campus, will enable it to develop substantial life sciences capacity, enhancing research and education while driving economic growth and attracting investment.

The acquired land will consolidate Queen Mary's presence in Whitechapel, one of its nine locations in London.

This strategic move aims to attract investment from partners and create a multidisciplinary life sciences campus addressing health inequalities locally and globally.

Queen Mary University of London president and principal Professor Colin Bailey stated: “Queen Mary is unparalleled among research-intensive universities in combining world-leading research and education, with a profound commitment to the local communities we serve, and to social mobility and justice.”

Bailey added that the investment futureproofs the university's long-term future and highlighted the opportunity to drive economic growth and healthcare benefits in Whitechapel, an area with deep historic roots for the university dating back to 1785.

The new campus will integrate researchers, scientists, teachers, and clinicians, working alongside national and international partners to generate healthcare solutions.

In November 2021, Queen Mary announced the acquisition of one part of the site, marking one of the largest research investments in its history.