InnoScot Health becomes member of Holyrood’s Cross-Party Group on Life Sciences

InnoScot Health joined the Scottish Parliament’s vital Cross-Party Group on Life Sciences last week.

The group, convened by MSP Kenneth Gibson, acts as “a channel for communications and information between the Scottish Parliament and people within organisations working in the life sciences sector in Scotland, including industry, academia, research and manufacturing.”

Last Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf attended and spoke positively about Scottish Government support for life sciences with InnoScot Health among organisations thanked for their backing of the group.

Innovation Manager at InnoScot Health, Leigh Mair said: “We’re proud to be part of the Cross-Party Group which is a very inclusive body and we’ll be ensuring that our voice is heard going forward.

“The group is important as it continues to examine important issues such as how Scotland promotes working in the life sciences sector – from people choosing life sciences early in their careers and retaining Scottish talent and experience, to attracting new people from other countries to join our ambitious, expanding sector. 

“It is an exciting time for InnoScot Health to get involved - Scotland’s life sciences sector is on track to exceed targets set out in the 2025 vision, and so the ambition to be the fastest-growing health innovation life science cluster in Europe – not to mention a globally recognised centre of excellence that attracts international investment and opportunity – is very real. 

“InnoScot Health wants to play its full part in supporting this growth and our membership of the Cross-Party Group is incredibly important in that respect. Topical issues such as sustainability, collaboration and inward investment are all areas that align with our five-year strategy and we look forward to working with all members to support the group’s ambitions.” 

When the group was re-formed last year, Minister for Trade, Innovation and Public Finance Ivan McKee explained the importance of life sciences for both Scotland’s economy and wider population health.

As a result of COVID-19, strengthened collaboration across the sector was evident alongside the ability to work at pace, and under pressure, to deliver results. 

The main pillars of Scotland’s life sciences sector – pharmaceutical innovation, health technologies and the three As of animal, agritech and aquaculture – will be an ongoing focus for the group, while examining how the triple helix of the public sector, academia and industry can work in partnership to provide solutions