lunar society discusses the challenges The life sciences industry faces and Innovation for the future

Last week we welcomed Professor Chas Bountra, Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Oxford, for a fascinating discussion on the future of life sciences and healthcare innovation.

Hosted at Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA), Professor Bountra outlined the enormous health challenges facing the world, from ageing populations and rising mental health issues to antibiotic resistance, obesity and thousands of rare diseases that still have no treatments.

He argued that solving these problems will require a new spirit of collaboration between government, universities, industry and regulators, similar to the rapid cooperation seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also highlighted the opportunity for the UK – and particularly the Midlands – to play a leading role. With world-class universities, excellent medical schools and major new initiatives such as the PHTA itself, a proud patron of the Lunar Society, the region is well placed to contribute to breakthroughs in healthcare.

The audience discussion ranged widely, covering preventive healthcare, the challenges of rare diseases, how the industry can take a more holistic view beyond profit and the links between climate change and health.

A thought-provoking evening about how innovation, collaboration and leadership can help address some of the biggest challenges of our time.