We were founded in 1936 after the death of Sir Henry Wellcome, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur, with a pioneering approach to drug design.

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.

Since our formation, we have supported breakthroughs in scientific discoveries and advocated for policies to improve health for everyone.

Today, Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We have four programmes of work: one for discovery research, and three to find solutions for the challenges of mental health, climate and health, and infectious diseases.

What we stand for

We want a healthier future for everyone. That’s why we support science to solve urgent health challenges facing everyone.

Our perspective on health and how to improve it spans science, innovation, and society.

We aim to enable transformative shifts in understanding life, health and wellbeing, and equitable health solutions that work for people who need and want them.