Merger with the Novartis Foundation

View information on room bookings at 41 Portland Place. Please note: we are no longer able to provide overnight accommodation at 41 Portland Place.

The Novartis Foundation, and its predecessor the Ciba foundation, had a distinguished history in the promotion of international discussion of biomedicine. The Foundation was best known for its scientific symposia, which were held at the Foundation’s headquarters at 41 Portland Place. From 1947-2008, thousands of scientists attended meetings at 41 Portland Place, including some 84 Nobel Laureates. These prestigious symposia were published as reports. View information on how to order titles still in print. 

The Novartis Foundation closed in 2008, following the Trustees’ decision to merge with the Academy of Medical Sciences. The Academy is currently undertaking a £5 million programme of refurbishment at 41 Portland Place. The building will re-open as the new Academy headquarters in Autumn 2010, and will incorporate both office space and first class conference and meeting rooms. The Academy is proud to be associated with the legacy of the Novartis Foundation, and we look forward to welcoming scientists back to 41 Portland Place in 2010, when the building’s history as a centre for biomedical discussion can flourish once again.

View a list of the Novartis Foundation's previous activities.