South West BRCs join forces to strengthen industry collaboration
Researchers, healthcare professionals and industry partners came together to celebrate the launch of a new regional alliance.
The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) South West Alliance aims to accelerate biomedical research and innovation across the South West. It brings together the NIHR BRCs in Bristol, Exeter and Southampton.
The Alliance aims to build on the collective strengths of the three centres, creating opportunities to work with industry. This will help to turn scientific discoveries into improvements in patient care.
The Industry to Impact event was held at Sandy Park in Exeter on 20th October. It marked the official launch of the new Alliance.
Professor Nicholas Harvey, Director, NIHR BRC: Southampton, said:
"This event, cementing the ever-strengthening collaboration between Southampton, Exeter and Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centres, was a powerful demonstration of our innovative approaches to industry partnership, directly addressing both health and growth nationally."
Bringing research and industry together
The event opened with a welcome from Professor Paul Francis, Industry and Innovation Lead at the NIHR BRC: Exeter.
This set the scene for a day of discussion, knowledge sharing and exploring new opportunities for partnership.
Delegates came from academia, healthcare, industry and the wider research community.
They explored how closer working could support the development of new treatments. They also considered how it could boost new technologies and approaches to improving health.
Showcasing innovation and emerging research talent
An Innovator Showcase highlighted emerging ideas, technologies and approaches. It provided opportunities for researchers to connect with potential industry partners.
Early and mid-career researchers also had the opportunity to present their work. This showcased the next generation of research talent, and the important role they will play in driving future innovation.
Together, these sessions demonstrated the breadth of research taking place across the region. This covered early-stage scientific discovery through to the development of new healthcare solutions.
Building a stronger regional research community
The Alliance brings together expertise and capabilities across the three BRCs. By doing so, it makes it easier for industry partners to connect with researchers and access specialist facilities.
Industry partners can now explore opportunities for collaboration across the South West easier. The Alliance will mean they can do this without approaching each centre separately.
The event provided opportunities for networking and sharing knowledge. It allowed attendees to explore potential partnerships across organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
The Alliance's ambitions also support the priorities of the government's Life Sciences Sector Plan and NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
These recognise research, innovation and industry partnerships as key to improving patient care. They also recognise their important role in supporting economic growth.
A progress update in July highlighted a continued focus on strengthening the UK's life sciences sector. It also highlighted a focus on accelerating access to new treatments and technologies.
Looking ahead
The launch of the Alliance marks an important step towards closer regional collaboration.
The three centres will now work together to build stronger links with industry. They aim to use this to maximise the impact of their research.
Reflecting on the event and the opportunities ahead, Professor Paul Francis, said:
“We have some fantastic biomedical research happening across the South West, and this Alliance gives us a real opportunity to bring that expertise together.
“By working more closely with each other and with industry, we can share ideas, build new partnerships and help turn research discoveries into real benefits for patients.
“It was great to see so many people coming together at last week's event, sharing ideas and making connections. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Interested in working with the NIHR BRC South West Alliance?
To find out more or explore opportunities for collaboration, contact BRC@uhs.nhs.uk. Your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate team.