Cross-sector programme

Through our cross-sector programme, we’re bridging gaps between all the different experts needed to tackle healthcare challenges, and creating an inclusive environment for health innovation and improvement. 

Summary

We exist to make science work – for researchers, for patients, and society. Our cross-sector programme connects researchers and innovators working in different sectors across the UK through grants and regional networking events.  

Who can take part

Our cross-sector programme consists of two strands: our cross-sector experience awards and our regional networking hub events. 

See the cross-sector experience awards for information on applying for a grant. 

Our regional networking hubs work with established local organisations to host events, encourage collaboration and progress work on regional health priorities. All these events are open to all. 

You will need to register to attend. We particularly welcome:  

• researchers and academics 
• policymakers and local government officials 
• healthcare professionals 
• patients, public and community representatives 
• third-sector advocates 
• industry innovators 
• NHS staff.  

Topics 

Our events cover a wide range of topics relevant to health today, including: 

• communities and technologies 
• digital health 
• data-driven innovation 
• precision medicine 
• patient and public involvement 
• research and education for wellbeing  
• funding 
• research translation and commercialisation. 

Our participants have expertise in many conditions and specialities, from cell and gene therapies, cancer, menopause and maternal health to primary care, home-based care, population health, and more. 

Key dates 

There are around four events run by each hub throughout the year. See upcoming events on our events page. 

Location 

Networking events take place across the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.   

Partners 

Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) 

Life Sciences Hub Wales 

Scotland’s Chief Scientist Office and NHS Research Scotland 

Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) 

Supporters 

Wellcome 

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 

 

Further information 

A reference group of experts across all life sciences sectors informs how we develop this programme. 

Reference group members

• Professor Jackie Hunter CBE FMedSci, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst/Benevolent AI 
• Ms Anne Carey, Velindre NHS University Trust 
• Professor Waljit Dhillo FMedSci, Imperial College London 
• Professor Andrew Horne FMedSci, University of Edinburgh 
• Professor Eneko Larrañeta FRSE,  Queen's University Belfast 
• Dr Gita Khalili Moghaddam, University of Cambridge 
• Dr Rabinder (Rab) Prinjha FMedSci, Curve Therapeutics (University of Southampton) 
• Professor Sheena Ramsay, Newcastle University and Fuse 
• Professor Kevin Shakesheff FMedSci, Keele University, (Staffordshire) 
• Mr Richard Stubbs, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber 

Find out about our cross-sector forum

What participants say

I received this award to work at a non-profit organisation supporting indigenous communities in rural India, exploring the management of cardiometabolic conditions within these communities. This experience will deepen my understanding of non-profit operations and healthcare delivery in marginalised settings.

Professor Kaushik Chattopadhyay

By uniting cutting-edge research with real-world pharmaceutical innovation, my work bridges the gap between lab bench and patient bedside, delivering advanced drug formulations that can transform treatment outcomes and redefine how medicines are made.

Professor Chris McConville