The MRC National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) was founded in 1914 as a research centre in London for the newly established Medical Research Council.

Premises at Hampstead were acquired but the outbreak of war in 1914 postponed occupation of the building, although senior staff were appointed and began work. The Hampstead premises, at Mount Vernon Hospital, were occupied in 1920, and the institute subsequently moved to its current location at Mill Hill in 1950.

Scientists at NIMR have made major and seminal contributions in biomedical science, and include five Nobel Laureates.

NIMR became part of the Crick in April 2015.