HealthTec Cluster 2nd Anniversary Conference: The Power of Collaboration

A recent anniversary conference hosted by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) connected a wide variety of stakeholders from businesses, academics, clinicians and entrepreneurs working in the health and life sciences industry. The goal of the cluster has always been to drive collaboration and connectivity across the North West of England and beyond and the anniversary event highlighted this perfectly.

The audience heard from experts on important topics such as growing the health and life science sector, the future of innovation and research delivery and sustainability for the health and life science industries.

“Life sciences and health tech are at the forefront of our future plans, and our well-being is impacted by many factors. The clusters are a mechanism to promote dialogue between like-minded businesses and partners.” Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director, Campus and Cluster Development at STFC commented during her opening remarks.

A common theme throughout the day was collaboration, partnerships and working together to achieve a shared objective. With keynote speakers: Dr Phil Carvil, STFC, Dr Barbara Ghinelli, STFC, Dr Phil Jennings, The Innovation Agency and Dr Ali Austin, NHS England & Improvement all providing great insight into the importance of the cluster, the networks available and the national vision for clinical research.

One of the key highlights of the conference was the live panel discussions. The first-panel session focused on growing the health and life sciences sector, with topics such as COVID-19 recovery, levelling up and the importance of connecting capabilities.

The second panel session discussed the future of innovation and research delivery. The panel provided useful insight on topics such as, investment into the industry, positive attitudes that have grown from the pandemic and the ecosystems that are available for business growth.

The final session focused on the importance of sustainability in the health and life science sector. The panellists shared improvements they are making within their businesses, institutions and personal lives to achieve net zero goals and reduce their carbon footprints.

If you missed these fascinating discussions, you can find them below:

• Welcome & Opening Addresses - Access Session 1
• Panel: Growing the Health & Life Science Sector: Covid-19 Recovery, Levelling Up and Connecting Capabilities Across the UK - Access Session 2
• Panel: The Future of Innovation and Research Delivery - Access Session 3
• Panel: Sustainability in the Health & Life Science Sector - Access Session 4

“I look forward to continuing to engage and work with the vibrant community that exists in the North West and beyond. To highlight the strength of what is being undertaken by businesses, academics, clinicians and entrepreneurs and to continue connecting capabilities.”  Phil Carvil, HealthTec Cluster Manager at STFC shared.

In the next year, the HealthTec Cluster aims to continue to address sector-specific challenges and share learnings, support innovation and maximise the connections.

If you would like to find out more about health technology and life sciences sector in the North West, or how you can get involved with the HealthTec Cluster, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Phil Carvil directly.

You can stay up-to-date by attending the next HealthTec Huddle, which will be on 15^th July, or subscribing to the HealthTec Cluster Newsletter, which brings you a monthly round-up of news and opportunities.