Resources

The BIA moves into a new era this week, amidst news from the US on tariffs for UK pharma, UK political party conferences underway and a change in leadership at GSK. It’s full steam ahead for BIA towards a busy Autumn, ensuring that the life science sector stays at the top of the government’s priority list and that our members are represented and connected.

This is my final CEO update in Newscast after 13 years at the BIA. I take up my new role as Executive Chair of the Office for Life Sciences next Monday. Before I do, I want to thank you - my loyal readers - for engaging with my musings over the years, and for your feedback that has improved this blog and my thinking.

In the last week, we have been hit by headlines that MSD plans to close its discovery research activities in London and that AstraZeneca is pausing investment due to the UK commercial environment and specifically in response to VPAG outcomes.

In this blog, Elisa Petris, Partner at Syncona Investment Management Limited, and Emma Johnson, Senior Investment Manager – Life Sciences at the British Business Bank, write in their capacity as Co-founders of Invest in Equity. They share why they launched the initiative, the urgency of improving gender diversity in life science investment, and how a more inclusive ecosystem can drive stronger returns and better outcomes for patients.

In this blog, Charlotte shares how her experience as a mentee on the BIA’s Women in Biotech mentoring programme helped her build confidence, embrace her leadership style, and navigate the challenges of a growing career in biotech. 

Alina O'Keeffe, Associate Director Marketing and Communications at BIA, attended BIA's recent Women in Biotech event in West London. It had one central finding: a more engaged Women in Biotech scene will engender a more dynamic sector for everyone.

NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England, a strategy for European Life Sciences and hope to see you at the “sunny” BIA Summer Party on Wednesday.

The Mansion House Accord fails to sparkle, but as the UK and EU reset relations, our focus turns to opportunities in deep biotech and the need for migration policy to support the talent our sector needs to thrive.

On 6 March 2025, just ahead of International Women’s Day, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) hosted the Women in Biotech Cambridge event—a vibrant gathering of trailblazing women shaping the life sciences landscape.

New Women in Biotech leadership report is first in comprehensively collecting and examining C-suite gender leadership data for UK biotech. The report identifies clear successes of female leadership at the same time as highlighting sustained challenges.  

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year of championing the life sciences sector, from driving impactful policy changes to fostering connections across the UK and beyond. Dive into our key achievements, events, and milestones that shaped the year and set the stage for an exciting 2025.

As we engage as an Association in the development of the life science sector plan, the 10 year NHS plan and the UK’s industrial strategy this winter, this week I’ve been reflecting on what recent NHS announcements on adoption of innovation tell us.

PIR International recently partnered with Closed Loop Medicine in appointing Luba Greenwood as Non-Executive Chair

Pioneer Group welcomed 425 school children from 29 schools to eight of its sites across the UK this week to mark Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in STEM.

In this blog, Albert Maguire-King, Media and Communications Executive at the BIA, recaps the recent Women in Biotech event in Manchester, where industry leaders discussed talent attraction, female leadership, and career advancement. The panel highlighted the importance of fostering home-grown talent, supporting female role models, and offering mentorship opportunities.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, has appointed a new Non-Executive Director to its board, Dr Hsin Loke. 

The political party conference season is in full swing, and the BIA is out in force in Liverpool for the Labour Party conference this week. I'm heartened to see the focus in ministerial speeches and the fringe on topics close to our hearts. Read on for updates on the Lib Dem conference, West Streeting speech and Invest in Women Taskforce.