Highlights from the 2026 BIA Gala Dinner
In this blog, Saqib Lal, Head of Content at BIA, reflects on a stellar Gala Dinner. He describes it as a moment to pause and recognise the extraordinary people who make the UK life sciences sector a global powerhouse. This year, as a record 780 guests gathered at the iconic Roundhouse for an evening that demonstrated renewed ambition and positivity.
The BIA Gala Dinner has always been more than just a date in the diary; it is a moment to pause and recognise the extraordinary people who make the UK life sciences sector a global powerhouse. This year, as a record 780 of us gathered at the Roundhouse, the atmosphere was one of both profound reflection and renewed ambition and positivity.
The David Chiswell Lifetime Achievement Award: honouring a founding father
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Chiswell Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was established to honour the memory of David Chiswell OBE, who we sadly lost in August 2024.
Often cited as a founding father of our industry - from his visionary leadership as CEO of Cambridge Antibody Technology and Kymab to his tireless service as Chair of the BIA, his influence is woven into the very fabric of UK biotech. He was a man of immense wisdom and humility, an unwavering optimist who mentored a generation of entrepreneurs. As Jane Osbourn OBE so aptly put it, David left a legacy in the people and the science he enabled to flourish.
It was therefore very fitting to see the inaugural award given to Ruth McKernan. Like David, Ruth has navigated the "science-to-scale" journey with success, as a scientist, an entrepreneur, and a former BIA Chair. Her co-founding of companies like Alchemab, AstronauTx and Draig continues the ambition of turning breakthrough discovery into life-changing reality.
This journey from breakthrough to scale is at the heart of our mission, and as highlighted in our latest UK biotech financing 2025 report (featuring Draig Therapeutics), ensuring the UK has the domestic capital to support innovation remains our top priority for 2026.
A pledging of partnership: Liz Kendall’s vision for 2030
The presence of The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, signalled a significant deepening of the partnership between Government and industry.
Her message was direct: British life sciences are not just an economic contributor; they are the "front and centre" solution to the country's growth and the future of the NHS. Liz Kendall used the evening to outline a roadmap for stability, moving away from short-term funding cycles. Key pledges included:
-
Long-term stability: A 10-year funding guarantee for the MRC Lab for Molecular Biology in Cambridge, starting with a £50 million investment, marking a shift toward decade-long budgets for key R&D institutions.
-
Financial commitment: A guaranteed £1.5 billion budget for life sciences R&D over the next four years.
-
Pension reform: A commitment to unlocking British wealth through the Mansion House Accord to ensure that UK innovators can scale and stay in the UK.
-
Operational excellence: A goal for the UK to be the top life sciences economy in Europe by 2030, supported by a 150-day target for clinical trial enrolment.
Raising the Bar: over £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Finally, the generosity of our members reached new heights this year. I am thrilled to share that we raised over £50,000 for our new charity partner, Muscular Dystrophy UK.
This incredible sum will go directly towards PhD students conducting research to support the 110,000 people in the UK living with muscle-wasting conditions. Hearing Louisa Hill speak about her son’s journey was a powerful reminder of why the science we celebrate matters. It isn't just about data or investment; it is about the "white picket fence" normality that patients like Louisa’s son and Autolus patient Oscar Murphy are fighting for.
Thank you to everyone who made the night a success. We are not just an industry; we are a community with a shared purpose, and that has never been more evident than it was last Thursday.
Choose Your Challenge: The BIA x MDUK Partnership
The Gala was just the beginning of our year-long partnership. We are officially launching the MDUK Challenge for 2026, and we want you to get involved. Whether you’re chasing a personal goal or rallying your team, there are plenty of ways to fundraise, from endurance events in incredible scenery to an exclusive virtual option designed specifically for our BIA partners.
This is your chance to push boundaries, embrace the competitive spirit of our sector, and drive meaningful impact for those living with muscle-wasting conditions.
