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Why Location Matters

For organisations advancing cancer research, diagnostics, and therapeutics, selecting the right location becomes not only operationally important but strategically influential. Because in oncology, progress is rarely made in isolation. Breakthroughs tend to arise in places where clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners naturally interact.

At Kadans Science Partner, we see every day how being part of a strong life sciences cluster can speed up development, strengthen partnerships, and help organisations move more efficiently from early discovery to clinical application.

Successful science clusters are formed by a blend of economic, physical, and network drivers. By bringing together talent, capital, research and specialised infrastructure, these environments create the conditions where innovation can thrive.

Below we take a closer look at four core elements that make location a critical consideration for oncology‑focused organisations.

1. Talent: The cornerstone of development

Cancer research requires a diverse mix of experts: from molecular biologists and clinicians to regulatory specialists and data analysts. As competition for these professionals grows, organisations flock to regions where strong talent pipelines already exist. For organisations dedicated to oncology, the availability of specialised talent is often becoming a deciding factor when choosing where to establish themselves.

A strong, established oncology cluster forms around leading cancer hospitals, university medical centres, and major research institutes. Being close to these institutions creates access to graduates, clinical researchers, and emerging talent, as well as opportunities for joint training, placements, and research partnerships.

Such environments also attract seasoned professionals who want to work in vibrant scientific and clinical communities. Over time, this concentration of expertise strengthens itself, drawing in more talent and enhancing the ecosystem.

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2. Capital: Critical for growth and scale

Oncology innovation often requires significant investment and long development cycles, particularly when moving towards clinical trials or regulatory approval.

Locating your organisation within a mature life sciences ecosystem increases exposure to investors who understand these specific dynamics. While public funding remains important, strong clusters also cultivate active venture networks, philanthropic partnerships, and strategic alliances with established pharma and biotech firms.

In these settings, connections often arise organically, such as at events, during informal discussions, or through shared spaces. These early interactions may lead to deeper collaborations or long‑term funding relationships when cultivated.

By positioning your organisation in an ecosystem where life sciences capital is already circulating, you naturally increase visibility among investors who appreciate the complexity and potential of oncology innovation.

3. Knowledge: Accelerating understanding

A thriving oncology cluster depends on continuous knowledge‑sharing, both formal and informal. Being close to cancer centres, research institutes, hospitals, and specialised labs gives organisations faster access to expertise and new insights. This proximity shortens development cycles, encourages translational research, and enhances collaboration between the bench and the clinic.

Science clusters create an environment where academic, clinical, and industry teams overlap in their daily work. This allows organisations to draw on niche expertise, utilise shared facilities, and contribute to multidisciplinary research efforts.

In oncology, a field where progress often emerges at the intersection of biology, chemistry, computational science, and clinical insight, this type of cross‑disciplinary exchange is essential.

4. Specialised assets: Infrastructure that supports real progress

Oncology research requires environments that are far more advanced than standard laboratory or office spaces.

Facilities may include GMP‑ready suites, BSL‑rated labs, specialised imaging rooms, cryogenic storage, or clinical research infrastructure. Each designed to meet high scientific as well as regulatory standards.

Such spaces are costly and complex to build. Being part of a well‑developed life sciences cluster can provide organisations access to shared equipment and advanced infrastructure, reducing barriers to growth.

At the same time, each organisation benefits from having its own purpose‑built environment to ensure compliance, efficiency, and smooth workflows. The right physical space can eliminate bottlenecks and significantly accelerate progress.

Kadans Science Partner develops and operates these specialised assets, supporting organisations long after they move in. With over 20 years of experience, Kadans’ in-house team is well-equipped to develop the environment an organisation requires. Unlike traditional landlords that deliver empty spaces, Kadans provides spaces that are primed to fit each organisation’s specific research needs, providing a seamless transition from lease signing to the commencement of operations.

Every science cluster offers its own unique strengths, shaping the opportunities available to organisations within it. Across the 20 life sciences clusters in our European network, we see how each ecosystem contributes distinct expertise and collaboration potential. Together, they form a connected environment where progress can happen even faster.

Don’t just seek a place to work, find a place where your organisation can truly grow. Because in research and development, where you are matters just as much as what you do.