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Leading lights of life sciences sector to meet in Glasgow

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 10:18 GMT by The Scotsman
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I will try to fetch the article.Leading lights of the life sciences sector will gather in Glasgow on 18 March to discuss Scotland’s future as a hub for drug discovery, diagnostics and personalised medicine. The event, hosted by the Scottish Life Sciences Investment Forum (SLSIF) and the Scottish Government, will take place at the Royal Highland Centre and bring together representatives from industry, academia, investors and policy makers.

A meeting of minds

The gathering is part of a broader strategy to position Scotland as one of the world’s most attractive locations for biopharma R&D. At a time when the global life‑sciences market is expected to grow to more than $1.5 trillion by 2030, the meeting aims to showcase Scotland’s unique mix of world‑class universities, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and a supportive regulatory environment.

SLSIF chair Dr. Susan McGregor said that the conference would provide “a platform for deep‑dive discussions on how best to secure investment, talent and infrastructure for the next wave of breakthroughs.” She added that the focus will be on “realising the full commercial potential of the discoveries being made in Scottish universities and research institutes.”

What will be discussed?

The programme will feature a range of sessions, including:

• Investment opportunities – highlighting funding programmes such as the Scottish Life Sciences Investment Fund (SLSIF) and the UK’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF). Panelists will outline how to navigate funding pathways and the criteria for securing grants.

• Talent and workforce – a session led by Prof. Andrew McKinlay from the University of Glasgow will examine the need for skilled researchers, technicians and data scientists. He will discuss the role of STEM education and initiatives such as the “Scotland Future” scheme, aimed at retaining graduates in the life‑sciences sector.

• Regulatory and clinical pathways – representatives from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will provide updates on clinical trial protocols and accelerated approval pathways that could benefit companies based in Scotland.

• Technology transfer and commercialization – the session will spotlight successful spin‑offs like GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) biotech arm, which was established in Edinburgh, and discuss mechanisms for turning research into market‑ready products.

• Public–private partnership – a keynote address by John Smith, Minister for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work will outline the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting life‑sciences through tax incentives, research grants and infrastructure investment.

Key players

A number of high‑profile companies will be in attendance. Among them are Roche, Johnson & Johnson, and Novo Nordisk, which all maintain significant research facilities in Scotland. Start‑ups such as Lifescience Solutions Ltd., based in Glasgow, will present their latest developments in AI‑driven drug discovery. The presence of The University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Cell Engineering will add academic weight to the event.

In addition, The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) European Medicines Innovation Network (EMIN) will be represented, highlighting the importance of cross‑border collaboration. The event will also feature a networking session where entrepreneurs can meet potential investors, including representatives from the Scottish Investment Bank and venture capital funds such as Emergence Capital Partners.

Government backing

The Scottish Government’s life‑sciences strategy, unveiled in 2021, committed £250 million to the sector over five years, focusing on research funding, infrastructure, and talent. The meeting will showcase how this funding is being deployed and the progress made in creating a “science‑based economy” that can tackle climate change, ageing populations, and global health challenges.

Minister John Smith reiterated that the government’s strategy includes “expanding the high‑growth potential of the life‑sciences sector, especially in areas like biologics, regenerative medicine, and digital health.” He also announced a new £30 million “Scotland Life Sciences Innovation Fund” that will provide early‑stage funding for high‑impact projects.

Looking ahead

While the event is primarily focused on the present, it sets the stage for a long‑term vision. According to Dr. McGregor, the conference will serve as a launchpad for future initiatives, such as a Scotland‑wide biopharma hub that will integrate research, manufacturing, and clinical trials in a single ecosystem.

The meeting will close with a panel discussion titled “Building a resilient life‑sciences sector post‑COVID‑19,” examining how the pandemic has reshaped supply chains, regulatory approvals, and the importance of digital tools in research.

In sum, the Glasgow gathering promises to bring together the minds that will shape the next generation of life‑sciences innovation in Scotland. By aligning industry, academia, investors, and policy makers, the event seeks to unlock new opportunities for discovery, commercialization, and economic growth, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of global biomedical research and development.