November News Roundup
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First patients benefit from cutting-edge UK scanner to transform drug discovery and diagnose serious illnesses earlier
A new total-body PET scanner that is quicker for the patient and produces higher quality images for faster and earlier diagnosis and treatment of illnesses like cancer and heart conditions, was unveiled by Ministers in London on Wednesday.
The new scanner, one of three becoming operational in the UK, is up to 40 times more sensitive and up to 10 times faster than existing machines, meaning quicker diagnoses and a more detailed reading of the patient's whole body. It will also give researchers unparalleled insights into human biology that ultimately leads to better healthcare.
Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University collaborate with UK companies to secure over £2.5m to detect and treat illness
Advancing diagnostic tests and shaping the most effective treatment has taken a step forward for patients thanks to a £2.56m award for a collaboration between industry, Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University.
A partnership between Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University and the North East Innovation Lab (NEIL) provides independent expert support to the health technology industry.
Synergy by SRG Releases New ‘Lab Leader Vision 2025’ Report
Today’s laboratory landscape is one with multi-faceted challenges, with lab leaders facing increasing pressure to navigate tightening budgets, resource limitations, and the impact of emerging technologies. To address these challenges, Synergy by SRG has launched the Lab Leader Vision 2025 report.
This comprehensive report is based on insights from over 1,000 surveyed laboratory leaders and explores actionable solutions for success to help labs thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment. It highlights critical areas such as talent attraction and retention, skills and expertise gaps, operational efficiency, and the role of technology, automation, and digitisation in shaping the future of labs.
Health tech firms set for innovation support
The Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone Programme launches a new business support centre to commercialise businesses in health and life science research.
A new business support centre is up and running thanks to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The Health Tech Business Incubation Centre (Health BIC) will be based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory thanks to £1.8 million of investment from the Combined Authority’s Innovation Zone Programme.
ITS wins ISPE UK Affiliate Supplier of the Year award
ITS proudly accepted the Supplier of the Year Award at the ISPE UK Affiliate Annual Conference and Dinner 2024, recognising the company’s outstanding support for the affiliate throughout the year.
This award celebrates suppliers who have made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical engineering community.The award was presented during the annual ISPE UK affiliate event where industry leaders gathered to acknowledge excellence in various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry.
Apini secures major investment as part of Slingshot Therapeutics launch
Apini, a spinout from The University of Manchester and the first programme launched through newly formed Slingshot Therapeutics Limited (“Slingshot”), is poised to accelerate the development of its promising small molecule therapy for inflammatory diseases. As part of a substantial £12.5 million investment from Syncona Limited (“Syncona”), Apini stands to make significant advancements towards the clinic, addressing critical unmet medical needs.
Sci-Tech Daresbury secures prestigious win at UKSPA Ruby Anniversary Awards
The accolade was awarded in recognition of Sci-Tech Daresbury’s commitment to developing the next generation of STEM talent, alongside local partners, as well as their dedication to their RADAR strategy launched 5 years ago to help companies on the Liverpool City Region campus be more effective at attracting, developing, and retaining the talent they need.
This commitment has included a project that has so far worked with 3,700 young people across the Halton Borough area from November 2022 to July 2024; engaging with 2,994 children and 138 teachers through 100 events, reaching over 50% of local primary schools.
Bruntwood SciTech and Imperial join forces on new Innovation Workspace in London's White City
Imperial College London and Bruntwood SciTech have announced a new partnership and unveiled a major new life sciences and deep tech innovation workspace in West London in a significant new investment in the Imperial WestTech Corridor – a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation.
The new innovation centre in London’s White City, which was welcomed by the UK Government’s Minister for Science Lord Patrick Vallance during London Life Sciences Week, will deliver world-class labs and workspaces where deep tech startups, scaleups and global businesses can co-locate, collaborate, and grow with Imperial’s world-leading Imperial academics, clinicians and researchers.
Keele apprenticeship programme secures second major success
Staff and apprentices on a masters-level apprenticeship at Keele University are celebrating after the programme received its second top accolade in eight months.
The Biomedical Science specialism of the Research Scientist Apprenticeship has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following a rigorous independent assessment - the first award of its kind handed out nationally by the Society.
Manchester Met bioscience apprentice wins Royal Society of Biology Award
Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprentice with AstraZeneca, Emily Butterworth, has made her mark in Manchester Metropolitan University’s history as the first bioscience apprentice from the institution to be highly commended in the Royal Society of Biology’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024.
Canada-UK Collaborative R&D
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million for collaboration with Canadian SMEs on joint R&D projects.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to invest up to £3 million in innovation projects.
The aim of this competition is to stimulate the development and implementation of innovative technologies across a range of sectors and technology areas.
Competition closes: Wednesday 16th April 2025 at 11am
Be a part of The University of Manchester with Transformative Oncology
Delve into the world of translational cancer research and make significant impact to the future of healthcare with MSc Transformative Oncology.
Take a patient-focused approach and learn from leading oncology experts from The University of Manchester with this innovative course designed to help you develop and take the next step in your career.
Next enrolment: September 2025
Consultation on Medical Devices Regulations: Routes to market and in vitro diagnostic devices
The MHRA is inviting members of the public to provide their views on proposed changes to the regulatory framework for medical devices in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). MHRA welcome the views of patients, medical device researchers, developers, manufacturers and suppliers, clinicians, other healthcare professionals and the wider public on four areas:
International reliance
UKCA marking
In vitro diagnostic devices
Assimilated EU law
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 5 January 2025
The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF)
The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) is a capital grants fund which aims to build resilience for future health emergencies and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development capabilities. The fund will enhance and accelerate affordable access to mature, new and emerging Life Sciences products for both pandemic and non-pandemic scenarios.
LSIMF will provide up to £520 million in capital grants for investment in the manufacture of human medicines and medical technology (including diagnostics, and MedTech products).
Applications will undergo assessment in quarterly rounds until all the funding has been allocated:
Round 1 is closed
Round 2 will open on 01 February 2025 and close on 28 February 2025
Round 3 will open on 01 May 2025 and close on 30 May 2025
Round 4 will open on 01 August 2025 and close on 29 August 2025
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BaxMed Regulatory's exclusive introductory offer for Bionow members
BaxMed Regulatory is thrilled to share some exciting news: we are now official Premium Members of the Bionow community!
To celebrate, we’re offering all Bionow members complimentary access to eight hours of Quality or Regulatory Consultancy.
If you’re a Bionow member, secure your session through the link below.
ITS Ltd announces ownership transition as Andrew Mills acquires company
ITS Ltd, a leading UK system integration company, which specialises in automation, robotics and digital solutions in Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Chemical Manufacturing, has announced a significant change to its ownership. Andrew Mills, ITS' Managing Director of the past year has now acquired full ownership of the business.
This strategic move now sees Andrew, who has been instrumental in steering the company's recent success, step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. The transition capitalises on Andrew’s experience, industry knowledge and the deep understanding and vision developed during his tenure as Managing Director. The move also ensures continuity in the Company's strategic direction, sales and operational teams.