SOUTH CAROLINA – July 23, 2024 – This month, SCbio Executive Vice President and COO Erin Ford and a team of South Carolina delegates traveled to the United Kingdom to connect and collaborate with international life science companies to further potential business opportunities.
London
The journey into the U.K.’s dynamic life sciences sector commenced with a significant meeting in London. The South Carolina delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel and Jon Baggett, Deputy Director of Global Business Development for FDI, met with government officials to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering ongoing bilateral collaboration across industry sectors, including the life sciences. This initial engagement set a collaborative tone for the trip, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in driving innovation.
Leeds
Continuing north to Leeds, exploration of the U.K.’s life sciences landscape expanded with visits to key institutions and innovation hubs led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Ford, along with SCbio board members Ashely Teasdel and the University of South Carolina’s Vice President for Economic Development and dean of the USC School of Pharmacy, Stephen Cuter, Ph.D., delved into cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences and healthcare technologies at the University of Huddersfield. The group gained insights into the university’s contributions to the sector, including establishing the first National Health Innovation Campus building, which will launch this fall.
Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust is Europe’s largest Teaching Hospital NHS Trust – treating 1.1 million patients annually. Their innovation pathway is called the Innovation Pop-Up. With a dedicated team, the Innovation Pop-Up allows the NHS to work with innovators to develop HealthTech, including digital health applications. These assets highlight Leeds’ commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation. Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, provides opportunities to connect with startups and entrepreneurs pioneering healthcare innovations, solidifying Leeds’ role as a center for integrating technology and research.
Liverpool
The journey concluded in the Liverpool city region, where the vibrant Knowledge Quarter, including the Spine, exemplified the city’s dedication to research and innovation in the life sciences. Visits to the University of Liverpool’s research facilities focus on neurology, mental health, infectious diseases, women’s health and therapeutics, showcasing Liverpool’s leadership in biomanufacturing and clinical trials. Discussions with faculty and administrators emphasized Liverpool’s commitment to translational research and commercialization strategies, positioning the city as a global leader in life sciences.
On their final day, the delegates visited Sci-Tech Daresbury, including the Hartree Centre. This internationally renowned science and technology site provides a landing pad for businesses worldwide. The Hartree Centre, operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, focuses on high-performance computing and data analytics, supporting advancements in healthcare and life sciences.
Key Takeaways
Exploration of the U.K.’s life sciences sector across London, Leeds and Liverpool revealed a landscape rich in innovation and collaboration opportunities. Each city offered unique insights and potential partnerships, from cutting-edge research initiatives to entrepreneurial ventures.
The Memorandum of Understanding discussions in London underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific discoveries and healthcare solutions globally. Overall, the trip deepened delegate understanding of the U.K.’s market and established valuable connections, paving the way for future collaborations between South Carolina and the United Kingdom in the evolving field of life sciences.
