Colleagues gather at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter for the launch of the NIHR BRC SW Alliance
Researchers, healthcare professionals and industry partners came together in Exeter to celebrate the launch of a new regional alliance aimed at accelerating biomedical research and innovation across the South West.
The Industry to Impact event, held at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Tuesday 20 October, marked the official launch of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) South West Alliance, bringing together the NIHR BRCs in Bristol, Exeter and Southampton.
The new Alliance aims to build on the collective strengths of the three centres, creating opportunities to work more closely with industry and help turn scientific discoveries into improvements in patient care.
We have some fantastic biomedical research happening across the South West, and this Alliance gives us a real opportunity to bring that expertise together.
Bringing research and industry together
The event opened with a welcome from NIHR BRC Exeter Industry and Innovation Lead, Professor Paul Francis, setting the scene for a day of discussion, knowledge sharing and exploring new opportunities for partnership.
Throughout the day, delegates from academia, healthcare, industry and the wider research community explored how closer working could support the development of new treatments, technologies and approaches to improving health.
Showcasing innovation and emerging research talent
The programme included an Innovator Showcase, highlighting emerging ideas, technologies and approaches, and providing opportunities for researchers to connect with potential industry partners.
Early and mid-career researchers also had the opportunity to present their work, highlighting 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, from early-stage scientific discovery through to the development of new healthcare solutions.
Building a stronger regional research community
By bringing together expertise and capabilities across the three BRCs, the Alliance aims to make it easier for industry partners to connect with researchers, access specialist facilities and explore opportunities for collaboration across the South West, without having to approach each centre separately.
The event also provided opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge and exploring potential partnerships across organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
The Alliance’s ambitions also support the wider priorities of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and NHS 10 Year Health Plan, which recognise the importance of research, innovation and industry partnerships in improving patient care and supporting economic growth. A progress update published in July highlighted the continued focus on strengthening the UK’s life sciences sector and accelerating access to new treatments and technologies.
Looking ahead
The launch of the NIHR BRC South West Alliance marks an important step towards closer regional collaboration, with the three centres working together to build stronger links with industry and 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.
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.”
Interested in working with the NIHR BRC South West Alliance? To find out more or explore opportunities for collaboration, contact BRC@uhs.nhs.uk, and your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate team.
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