Cross-Sector Programme - network, connect, collaborate

Our regional hubs are centres of collaboration, welcoming everyone interested in improving health across the UK. We embrace diversity across all sectors and career stages, from experienced professionals to those just starting out. Our aim is to bridge gaps between sectors and create an inclusive environment for connection.

By partnering with established organisations throughout the UK, we have created a network of hubs that reflect local expertise, leverage regional strengths and address specific needs. These hubs serve as meeting grounds, fostering connections across the spectrum of health research and innovation.

Located across the UK, our hubs improve accessibility and broaden the reach of our events. While focused on regional expertise, these hubs attract participants from various areas who seek relevant connections.

We invite participation from:

• Researchers and academics
• Policymakers and local government officials
• Patients and public representatives
• Healthcare professionals
• Third-sector advocates
• Industry innovators
• NHS staff
• And others with an interest in health research

Join us in shaping the future of health research – your perspective is not just welcomed, but essential.

This programme has been made possible through funding from the UK Government Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Wellcome.

The Academy of Medical Sciences and Life Sciences Hub Wales (LSHW) have established a Cross-Sector hub in Wales, building on a successful pilot in 2022-2023. This partnership, now extended through 2025, aims to advance health innovation across Wales. LSHW's expertise in bridging industry, healthcare, academia, and other sectors enhances the hub's capacity to foster meaningful cross-sector collaborations and drive improvements in health and care.

To date, this Cross-Sector hub has hosted six networking events in Wales:

1. February 2025, Anglesey: Innovation, Research and Education for Wellbeing in Cancer 
2. October 2024, Swansea: Cancer – Digital and Data
3. July 2024, Cardiff: Cancer – Early Detection and Diagnosis
4. November 2023, Swansea: Menopause, maternal health, and future solutions
5. April 2023, Cardiff: Digital applications for home-based care
6. November 2022, Cardiff: Innovation and precision medicine

As part of the UK-wide Cross-Sector Programme, the Academy of Medical Sciences have partnered with Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) to establish a hub in Northern Ireland.

HIRANI brings key stakeholders together to promote partnership to drive innovation for both health and prosperity in Northern Ireland. HIRANI works beyond regional and industry boundaries to secure funding, shape policy, and create opportunities for collaboration.  Through cross-sector events and providing deep sector expertise, HIRANI showcases Northern Ireland’s research and development innovators and stakeholders worldwide.

The first workshop ‘Clinical Research Translation in Cardiometabolic Disease’ took place on Friday 6 December 2024 at The Octagon, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Cromore Road, Coleraine 1SA

This event  focused on highlighting cardiometabolic disease challenges through a multi-perspective approach. 

The Academy of Medical Sciences are working with the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Government to establish a hub in Scotland.

The hub will be run by the NHS Research Scotland Central Management Team (NRS-CMT)* acting on the direction of a Project Team consisting of senior representatives from Scottish Government, NHS and Academia. NRS is a partnership of NHS Boards and the CSO. They simplify access to Scotland’s research infrastructure by supporting placement, set-up and delivery of clinical research studies and innovative research collaborations across the life science sector. This includes pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology, as well as an increasing number of other sectors with growing interests in health.

The Hub will bring these sectors together several times a year to drive direct interaction with the goal of enhanced collaboration in health research across Scotland and beyond.

*NHS Research Scotland Central Management Team (NRS CMT) supports the work of NHS Research Scotland through a grant to InnoScot Health, Registered number: SC23603.

The first Scotland hub event was held on Friday 28 March, 'Engaging with Life Sciences Industry and Entrepreneurship in Scotland'  at Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow.