Science in our DNA
At AstraZeneca, science is at the core of everything we do. But more than that, science is who we are.
Leading scientific expertise
We combine a unique range of knowledge, skills and experience with a passion for following the science. Here are some examples of our key capabilities.

Emerging drug discovery
Our teams work alongside the world's leading academic and biotech research institutions to stimulate innovation and evaluate emerging technologies. By combining the great science happening in our labs with the best external science, we can accelerate drug discovery and development across our main therapy areas. Today, our teams are working in pioneering fields such as modified RNA and genome editing with CRISPR.
Three science units with one shared goal
Discovery and early development: combining the strengths of our 2 autonomous biotech units
IMED Biotech Unit
SMALL MOLECULES
- SMALL MOLECULES
IMED Biotech Unit
Focuses on scientific advances in small molecules, oligonucleotides and other emerging technologies and drug discovery platforms across our focus areas.
MedImmune
BIOLOGICS
- BIOLOGICS
MedImmune
Explores novel biologics pathways across our focus areas and pioneers innovative research using unparalleled expertise in protein engineering, translational sciences and immunology.
Late-stage development
Global Medicines Development
The science engine room that drives late-stage development of our innovative pipeline, transforming exciting science into valued new medicines and ensuring patients around the world can access them.
Where science thrives
Our research sites are collaborative, innovative and dynamic environments that allow our scientists to keep pushing the boundaries

Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Our new facility in Cambridge will bring together our small molecule and biologics research and development activity. It will become our largest centre for oncology research and also house scientists focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune diseases and conditions of the central nervous system.

Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Our vibrant science facility in Gothenburg is a world-leading centre for research and development in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity. It also houses science teams responsible for all phases and aspects of small molecule drug discovery and development – from initial ideas through to new medicines.

Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
Our Gaithersburg centre is headquarters to MedImmune and our primary location for biologics research and development in the US. It is also home to our Global Medicines Development function and Specialty Products Group. The modern, vibrant, scientific campus employs more than 3,000 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC.
