New South West Life Sciences Partnership Set to Strengthen Innovation and Job Opportunities

University of Bath Partners in New South West Life Sciences Initiative to Drive Collaboration

The University of Bath is a key partner in the newly launched South West Life Sciences initiative, led by the University of Bristol’s Translational Research Hub. This initiative addresses the lack of a unified regional advocacy body for the Life Sciences sector in the South West. Other partners include GW4, Science Creates, Invest Bristol and Bath, Health Innovation West of England, Bristol Health Partners, Bristol Trials Centre, and the South West and Wales Advanced Therapies Network.

The South West’s Life Sciences sector is valued at £8.1 billion, with £212 million in inward investment. It is the third fastest-growing sector for employment in the UK, with around 20,000 people working across 370 companies. Since 2021, the University of Bath has developed six spinout companies in the Life Sciences and Health sector: Prothea Technologies, Revolver Therapeutics, Ingenium AI, EnsiliTech, Transdermal Diagnostics, and Smartwound. Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bath, expressed the university’s enthusiasm for being part of South West Life Sciences. She highlighted the initiative’s role in boosting inward investment, fostering collaboration, and supporting sector growth. She also emphasized the university’s ongoing contribution to transformative science and innovation, particularly in new treatments and healthcare advancements.

Professor Philip Ingham, Head of the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, noted the region's lack of a collective voice for Life Sciences research. He stated that South West Life Sciences presents a key opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen connections within the region’s scientific community. The University of Bath looks forward to actively participating in the initiative.

Dr. Joanna Jenkinson MBE, Director of the GW4 Alliance, emphasized the importance of collaboration within the alliance to advance life and health science research, address health challenges, reduce inequalities, and drive economic growth. She highlighted that the GW4 Alliance represents the South West in discussions with the UK’s life science clusters and expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the Translational Research Hub to boost the visibility and impact of the region's growing life and health sciences sector. This collaboration is expected to advance regional innovation, scientific connections, and economic growth in the life sciences sector.

Editor's Note:

The launch of the South West Life Sciences initiative marks an important milestone for the region's life sciences sector. By bringing together key players and fostering collaboration, the initiative aims to make significant strides in research and innovation. With the University of Bath and other respected partners involved, the effort will help tackle health challenges and support the development of new treatments and technologies. The initiative is also expected to attract investment and create more jobs, thereby boosting the South West's economy. With around 20,000 people already working in the sector, this collaboration will further strengthen the region’s position in life sciences and its economic growth.

Skoobuzz believes that this partnership will enhance job opportunities in the Life Science sector and drive impactful life and health science research excellence.