Why the West Midlands is at the heart of a new health revolution - a blog by GBSLEP's Data-Driven Health and Life Sciences Lead Kathryn Wagstaff

As it's British Science Week, our latest blog is from our Data Driven Health and Life Sciences lead Kathryn Wagstaff.

The West Midlands has a proud heritage of inventing ‘things’ and also making ‘things’. Everyone knows how we led the way during the Industrial Revolution. This continues to this day as we move into a new age of science, industry and innovation.

We also continue to be problem solvers. In the last two years, this was really challenging as a global pandemic gripped our everyday life. This did not stop sectors such as health and life sciences, which were crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Many of the businesses in this sector pivoted their operations and products to support national and local demand.

Our experience over the last two years demonstrates why the West Midlands is at the heart of a new health revolution. Even given the global pandemic, the trend is that people live longer due to technological progress. However, their health needs are becoming more complex and that is where our brilliant scientists and creatives can help.

Data Driven health and life sciences has been recognised as one of the biggest growth** areas for the West Midlands. There are over 400 companies employing 11,000 people in our region, with a turnover of over ￡4 billion. The sector has huge potential to grow.

Here at GBSLEP, we are making sure the sector fulfils its potential. We have invested money into the development of the?Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA)?dedicated to the rapid development and translation of innovative therapies and technologies from concept to clinical evaluation. This is taking place to the South of the city centre near the University of Birmingham and will be the catalyst for the Health Innovation Campus.

Working with STEM professionals and businesses, I am passionate about how we can grow the sector and attract people from all communities into studying and working in science, technology, engineering and maths. With facilities like PHTA, opportunities will continue to grow.

We are therefore making sure we have a skilled workforce for the jobs of the future. Last year, we helped create the?West Midlands Science Industry Partnership, where we can hear directly from businesses on what types of skills they will need. Our policy work is then transformed into delivery through GBSLEP Growth Hub where STEM businesses can get help from Intellectual Property to finding new spaces to work. We are confident that initiatives like this will help fulfil our vision to grow the sector and meet the increasing demands for the Life Sciences sector in the West Midlands.

Reflecting on all this in British Science Week is important. I’m proud that I’m playing my part as our region continues to innovate and partners work collaboratively in upskilling our future STEM stars.