Medilink Midlands partners with the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University to upskill future life sciences talent
A new pilot programme has launched to help address growing skills gaps across the life sciences and medtech sector, bringing industry and universities together to better prepare the next generation of talent for careers in healthcare innovation.
Medilink Midlands, the leading life sciences and medtech innovation growth support association for the Midlands and East of England, has partnered with the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University to launch the Future Talent Laboratory (FTL) pilot programme, with student recruitment now underway.
The launch comes at a time when employers across life sciences and medtech are reporting increasing challenges in accessing work-ready talent, particularly in areas such as innovation, commercialisation, regulatory understanding and cross-sector collaboration. The FTL has been designed to help bridge this gap by giving students and early-career researchers early exposure to industry expectations, real-world challenges and a broad range of career pathways.
Led by Medilink Midlands, the programme brings industry insight directly into the academic environment through expert-led sessions, careers insight, mentoring and networking opportunities. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how research, industry, enterprise and healthcare systems connect, while developing skills aligned to the needs of a rapidly evolving sector.
Melanie Davidson, CEO of Medilink Midlands, said:
“Future Talent Laboratory connects emerging talent with academia and industry at a critical stage in the life sciences journey. Working with the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University, we’re strengthening the region’s talent pipeline by giving students real insight into innovation, commercialisation and career pathways.”
Jane Coleman, Director of Health Innovation, University of Warwick, commented:
“The University of Warwick is supporting this innovative programme, which will benefit students by providing a tailored programme of information and mentoring for those interested in careers in medicine and health technology. Many students and graduates remain unaware of the breadth of career opportunities within the health and medtech sector, and this initiative aims to help retain highly skilled graduates within the region and strengthen the thriving ecosystem in the Midlands.”
Prof Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor of Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Anglia Ruskin University, added:
“We’re pleased to be working with Medilink Midlands on the FTL pilot programme, finding solutions to skills shortages in the life sciences fields.
“ARU is continually seeking ways to ensuring our graduates are entering the workplace with the enterprising mindset and skills employers need, and this innovative partnership is another opportunity for us to work closely with industry.”
As pilot partners, the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University are supporting the programme through their respective student recruitment campaigns, while Medilink Midlands leads the design and delivery of the Future Talent Laboratory.
Further information on the programme is available at:
👉 www.medilinkmidlands.com/futuretalentlaboratory
