OVERVIEW

The NHS is the UK's largest customer of medicines and medical technologies. In addition to delivering high-quality healthcare, it has a great role to play in strengthening the country's economy, contributing directly to the success of Britain's thriving life sciences sector. Close working between the NHS and industry – including devices, diagnostics, pharma and biotech companies, as well as some of the leading universities and research centres in the world – supports the ability of the UK to deliver health benefits to the public, patients and society.

Healthcare and life sciences are central to the government's Plan for Growth, and actions to support the strong relationship between the NHS and industry and their potential to stimulate economic growth have been set out in the recent Life Sciences Strategy. This includes measures to bring the science base and the NHS together to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for companies to invest in discovery, development and commercialisation of medical innovations.

The reputation of the NHS and the UK life sciences sector internationally is a great asset, and the government has established a 'proactive, entrepreneurial' NHS Global to make the most of this. Health research regulation has grown increasingly complex, stifling research and driving some medical science overseas. Following a report by the Academy of Medical Sciences, a new health research regulatory agency is to be set up to streamline regulation and improve the cost-effectiveness of clinical trials.

With the demands of an ageing and growing population taking their toll, and a significant programme of efficiency and reform ongoing in the NHS, the need for a strong health research environment has never been greater. In August 2011, as part of its £4bn investment in research and development, the government announced a record £800m funding to boost research and allow the development of groundbreaking medicines, treatments and care for patients.

Collaboration between the NHS and industry can create unique opportunities for research in the UK, offering linked information on treatment and outcomes on a large scale. However, the uptake of innovation across the health service can be patchy and slow. The recent NHS Chief Executive report on how to accelerate the adoption and diffusion of innovations across the NHS will inform the strategic approach to innovation in the reformed NHS. Schemes such as the Technology Strategy Board's Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) are invaluable in encouraging more innovation in healthcare.

Following the launch of the Life Sciences Strategy and the Innovation Health and Wealth report, Advances in Medical Science: collaboration for growth will be a showcase of the latest developments in medical science, offering an ideal opportunity for the science community, the NHS and their respective partners to come together to discuss innovative medicines and treatments for pressing health issues.