Morning, Wednesday, 15th October 2025
Online
This conference will discuss priorities and next steps for the life sciences industry in light of the Industrial Strategy alongside the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan, and the Government’s focus on boosting the economy through this sector.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the impact of the annual £29bn boost in NHS funding and £22.6bn annual boost in funding for science and technology provided over the Spending Review period on the sector, including practical next steps for the sector in responding to these developments and how best to support their effective implementation.
It will also be an opportunity to discuss the 10-Year Health Plan and how the life sciences sector can work in partnership with the NHS to support innovation and preventative healthcare approaches. Delegates will assess recently announced initiatives, including the National Health Data Research Service and wider opportunities to support access to novel treatments, such as the increased use of genomics within the NHS and the adoption of wearable technology by 2035. Further discussion will include the impact of recently announced innovator passports due to be rolled-out over the next two years on streamlining procurement and patient access to innovation within the NHS.
We expect discussion on key priorities for addressing regulatory barriers for the industry, particularly the new MHRA Clinical Trial Framework and new enhanced collaboration between NICE and MHRA in the approval pathway, aiming to expedite trial approval and encouraging innovative trial designs. Sessions will also explore the impact of further developments for NICE on the life sciences industry, including the expansion of NICE’s technology appraisal process by April 2026 and new role in removing outdated technology in the NHS.
Planned sessions will consider approaches to medicine pricing, including concerns raised by stakeholders surrounding the current Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth that is currently under review. Delegates will assess options for the scheme and the future of the VPAG, balancing concerns over international competitiveness and pricing unpredictability with the Government’s aim to provide a financially sustainable NHS alongside patient access to innovative medicines.
Positioning England as a globally competitive location for life sciences investment will also be considered, including infrastructure priorities to support sector growth. Delegates will discuss the focus on regions and clusters in the Industrial Strategy, and priorities for developing and enhancing life sciences clusters across the UK.
We also expect the agenda to bring out latest thinking on strategies to expand the life sciences workforce, following the Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth report which highlighted a skilled workforce demand of 145,000 employees by 2035. Attendees will assess strategies for enhancing the talent pipeline through opportunities such as apprenticeships, and addressing barriers to attracting and recruiting highly skilled international talent.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- regulation:
- priorities for adopting the upcoming MHRA Clinical Trial Framework - potential impact on clinical trial efficiency and overall industry innovation
- navigating the evolving regulatory landscape whilst maintaining clinical excellence
- concerns surrounding the VPAG scheme, with a focus on medicine pricing and potential remedial measures
- the Life Sciences Sector Plan and wider Industrial Strategy:
- key milestones and timelines for the plan’s implementation
- monitoring progress, ensuring accountability and measurable impact
- additional developments and opportunities from additional NHS and science and technology funding allocated in the Spending Review, alongside other government initiatives
- broader implications of the Industrial Strategy and the 10-Year Health Plan
- clinical trial activity and research delivery in the UK:
- enhancing clinical trial activity in the UK, with a particular focus on early stage trials
- strategies and best practices for increasing participant recruitment into clinical studies and ensuring trial inclusivity
- opportunities to expand clinical research within the NHS
- investment and global competitiveness:
- priorities for attracting domestic and international investment
- strategies for positioning the UK as a global leader in life sciences, including policy measures to support growth and competitiveness
- leveraging regional strengths, including the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and other research hubs, to develop a competitive infrastructure
- life sciences workforce:
- strategies to attract global talent, including addressing visa and immigration challenges
- tackling skills shortages through targeted workforce development initiatives and apprenticeships
- initiatives to support the long-term talent pipeline - key issues in the Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth report
- environmental sustainability:
- initiatives and best practice for improving the impact of the life sciences industry - integrating sustainability into all stages of research and development
- public-private sector collaboration:
- strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to foster innovation and industry growth
