The inaugural East Midlands Life Sciences Summit took place this week at Charnwood Campus, Science, Innovation and Technology Park, bringing together over 150 leaders from industry, academia, and the NHS to explore how the region can help the UK deliver on its Life Sciences Vision and Strategy.
Themed “Scaling for Impact: Innovation, Manufacturing & Health Resilience,” the summit provided a platform for dynamic discussions on strengthening the UK’s life sciences competitiveness through regional collaboration, manufacturing excellence, and innovation-led growth.
The event was opened by Gosia Khrais, Director of Charnwood Campus, and Nicole McGlennon, CEO of Health Innovation East Midlands. A keynote message from Steve Bates OBE FMedSci, Executive Chair of the Office for Life Sciences, underlined the importance of convening across the UK to build trust, align investment, and strengthen the national life sciences offer.
Distinguished speakers included:
- Professor John Hunt, Professor of Clinical Sciences and Academic Lead for the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF)
- Craig Sommerville, Senior Vice President, MDI at Kindeva
- Professor Melanie Davies CBE, Professor of Diabetes Medicine, University of Leicester
Delegates also took part in live polling, interactive panel sessions, and a networking exhibition featuring over 30 exhibitors showcasing the region’s innovation strength — from translational research to advanced manufacturing.
Gosia Khrais, Director of Charnwood Campus, said: “This summit was about demonstrating what the East Midlands already brings to the national table — exceptional talent, infrastructure, and ambition. We have world-class universities, thriving innovation clusters, and a growing manufacturing base. Our goal is to align these strengths to attract new investment, accelerate commercialisation, and create tangible health and economic impact.”
Nicole McGlennon, CEO of Health Innovation East Midlands added: “It is wonderful to see NHS, industry and academia coming together to shape the future of Life Sciences for the East Midlands in the first ever, East Midlands Life Sciences Summit. Our ambitions are clear and the commitment in the room was tangible. The East Midland has so much to offer.”
Professor John Hunt, Professor of Clinical Sciences and Academic Lead for the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) said: “What a day, the cross-sector depth and breadth in the region doesn’t surprise me any longer, I almost know “every blade of grass on the patch. But it was still wow at this event! The commitment and drive to work together to utilise our infrastructure and expertise to identify and deliver on current and future health needs made for a brilliant day, we’re committed to making a difference here”.
Craig Sommerville, Senior Vice President, MDI at Kindeva said: “Our deep-rooted history in the East Midlands started with the invention of the world’s first pMDI. Continuing our investment in the region with the opening of our global MDI centre of excellence reinforces that legacy to assist customers in the transition to low-carbon alternatives for respiratory medicines. The summit provides a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with life science leaders and celebrate the exceptional talent from across the sector.”
Jon Rawcliffe, Inward Investment Lead, East Midlands Freeport commented: “East Midlands Freeport is building a single, practical gateway between innovation and manufacture. By aligning targeted investment, business support, and regional facilities – and by connecting science parks, universities and SMEs – we’re making it easier for companies to scale and anchor their operations in the East Midlands. That’s how we turn regional research strengths into long-term jobs and industrial growth.”
Graeme Cameron, CEO of Pennine Healthcare, concluded “The East Midlands has the potential to be a powerhouse in life sciences. We host over 240 active life science companies and generate a turnover of more than £1.95 billion. With our universities, leading NHS hospitals, and thriving ecosystem of innovation hubs, we must be ambitious — positioning our region as a leading test bed for health technology, clinical research, and advanced manufacturing to drive both the UK’s health and wealth.”
Article written by Medilink Midlands Member.
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