In a new report for the UK government, Oxford professor Sir John Bell suggests major changes to grow the country’s life science industry (pharmaceuticals, biotech and medical devices), which is valued at an estimated £64 billion ($86 billion). Among his recommendations is the establishment of the Health Advanced Research Programme (HARP) to bring together public and private entities to “undertake large research infrastructure projects and high-risk ‘moon shoot’ programs that will help create entire new industries in health care.” Proposed areas of investment include genomics, prognosis of chronic disease, the use of artificial intelligence for pathology and imaging, and the biology of healthy aging.

Other recommendations are greater research funding, efforts to encourage UK-based manufacturing, plans to address skill shortages, and increased partnerships between industry and the National Health Service (NHS). Specific goals include 50 projects involving industry and the NHS within five years, and the addition of two thousand scientists to the country’s research workforce. The report also encourages a close partnership between the UK and the EU regulatory system after Brexit. Sir John expects most of the recommendations to be adopted.

Source: Financial Times