From the Land of Ice to a Life That’s Nice

“I’ve visited many parts of the UK before, and none felt quite like this.

Maybe it was the landscape that reminded me of the prairies.

Maybe it was the warmth of the people.

Or maybe it was just one of those inexplicable but unmistakable moments where something simply feels right.”

Matt Gilmour moved to Norwich from Winnipeg, Canada with his family in 2020.

He tells us all about his family’s journey, what made them chose Norwich and how they have made the most of it by experiencing the exciting opportunities the area holds.

The decision to move…

I’m a microbiologist with leadership experience in public health, having worked in the Canadian government and hospital sector, where we pioneered the use of genome sequencing in outbreak investigations. One of the microbes I’ve worked on extensively is Listeria, a rare cause of foodborne illness that carries significant health and economic consequences when outbreaks occur. A major Listeria outbreak in Canada in 2008 shaped not just how we apply sequencing technology, but also how we structure cross-government collaboration to respond more effectively.

These scientific and leadership interests eventually led me to Norwich. The Quadram Institute at the Norwich Research Park was seeking a new leader for its Listeria research programmes – someone who could bridge the science with food businesses and regulatory authorities in the UK to better understand and control the risk of this pathogen.

But the decision to move wasn’t only professional – it was also deeply personal. Sue and I had two young boys at the time, and we wanted to do something bold. We wanted to give them an amazing childhood, surrounded by history, culture, and sport. Norwich and the East of England have delivered on all counts.

A visit to remember.

I first visited Norwich in 2019, just before Quadram moved into its beautiful new facility at the Norwich Research Park. At the time, I was on an advisory board helping guide the transition of their “microbes in the food chain” programme into its new space and strategic direction.

It was a short visit – but something stuck with me.

I’ve travelled a lot for work, visiting labs and attending scientific meetings across most continents, and I’ve always looked forward to getting home.

But this trip was different.

As I sat on the train back to London, I realised I didn’t want to leave. It wasn’t just the fantastic team or the model of collaboration at Quadram – it was a deeper feeling, like Norwich already felt like home.

I’ve visited many parts of the UK before, and none felt quite like this.

Maybe it was the landscape that reminded me of the prairies.

Maybe it was the warmth of the people.

Or maybe it was just one of those inexplicable but unmistakable moments where something simply feels right.

Credit: Quadram Institute

Innovation in Norwich

What drew me to the UK was its unique research institute model – bringing together scientists, government, and industry to deliver real-world impact. Unlike my past government roles, this approach fosters collaboration and makes science more accessible.

At Quadram, we’re able to make scientific expertise available to all those who can benefit – whether that’s businesses, regulators, or fellow researchers. That model of working is powerful, and it’s exciting to be part of it.

Championing Norwich

A 2024 highlight was hosting ISOPOL, bringing global Listeria experts to the UK and spotlighting Norwich. We aimed to connect UK food safety leaders with international peers and make Norwich part of that global conversation.

Securing a venue was tricky, but we leaned into what makes Norwich special. The Cathedral reception, with a welcome from the Dean, set the perfect tone. It wasn’t just a conference – it was a showcase of science and of place.

CREDIT-Pete-Huggins-Camera-Techniques-Ltd

Adventurous family life

For our family, Norwich has been perfect.

We’ve made it our mission to explore, driving all over England, Wales, and Scotland in search of campsites, hikes, bike trails, and antique shops.

Norwich is perfectly placed: one hour north to the coast, two hours south to London, and three hours to national parks like the Peak District. And somehow, just 30 minutes by air to continental Europe!

This is what probably convinced Sue to make the move….

The moment where we realised Norfolk was right for us.

Soon after moving, I traded my Canadian ‘off-road’ lifestyle for something on-road, and bought a motorbike.

I’ve now memorised every B-road and country lane in Norfolk and Suffolk – and found every great tea shop and bakery along the way. The family doesn’t complain about me having a motorbike (when I bring back treats…).

The boys’ sporting lives have also taken off—they’re thriving in both basketball and football, and to our great surprise, Sue and I now coach football teams!

Rideout to norfolk coast

Ridelondon

Making the most of Norwich's Location
Norwich is perfectly located and we make sure to make the most of it and explore not only surrounding areas, but Europe as well.
Life in Norwich
A Passion for History
Our oldest son has developed a real passion for WWII history, so we often visit military fairs and museums around the region. It’s exactly the kind of opportunity we hoped for when we moved: experiences that would’ve been hard to find back home.
History in Norwich
Revisiting Ice Skating
We traded ice skates for football boots. While we miss ice hockey, football has connected us to the community in a way we didn’t expect.
Hobbies and Social Groups

Advice for future families moving to Norwich.

Take the time to explore. Norwich and its surrounding villages – like Wymondham, where we live – each have their own charm. We wanted to be close to the Quadram Institute so I could cycle to work, close to the boys’ schools and sports, and still have quick access to the city centre and the coast.

Once you find your spot and get that “this feels right” moment, set down roots—but don’t stand still. Norwich is the perfect base for exploring the UK and Europe. That’s something we’ve truly made the most of.

And something else we’ve learned: people don’t just move here – those that grew up here often move away for school or work and then come back.

There’s a quiet magnetism to this place. It grows on you in the best possible way.

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