The life sciences industry consists of all organisations that research, develop and/or manufacture pharmaceutical and med-tech products for health purposes, of which there are nearly 7,000 in the UK.

The UK has a strong track record as a leading centre for life sciences, and the advantages of effective collaboration between the health and care sector and the life sciences industry were clear to see during the rapid development and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments. Other examples of life science developments being utilised in health and care are already established – from IVF, to sophisticated diagnostic tests used to pinpoint diseases such as cancer more accurately. Many more will become available as technology continues to progress, so how can the health and care system and the VCSE sector build life sciences partnerships to access and uptake developments in a way that is both sustainable and supports the already overstretched health and care workforce?