On Monday 23 June 2025, the Department for Business and Trade published its Modern Industrial Strategy, a 10-year plan to increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the UK.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, responded to the publication:
“Today’s Industrial Strategy represents a significant step forward for UK life sciences – placing the sector at the heart of our economic future and recognising health and wealth are inseparable. This bold vision acknowledges what the Academy of Medical Sciences has long argued: that our world-leading research institutions, the NHS and our exceptional scientific talent can drive national and regional renewal in ways no other sector can match.
“We are particularly encouraged by the Government’s ambitious goal to make the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030, and the third most important globally by 2035. This scale of ambition, combined with over £2bn of committed funding, demonstrates the recognition that life sciences uniquely delivers both economic prosperity and improved health outcomes for all.
“The strategy’s focus on pillars for the life sciences – supporting world-class R&D, making the UK an outstanding place to start and grow life sciences businesses, and driving health innovation through NHS reform – provides the framework needed to unlock the sector’s full potential. We welcome the commitment to continue investing in discovery research alongside applied sciences, ensuring we maintain curiosity-driven research that underpins future breakthroughs.
“Alignment with the forthcoming NHS 10-Year Health Plan offers unprecedented opportunity to ensure that cutting-edge innovations deliver rapid benefits for patients whilst driving economic growth. We look forward to the detailed life sciences sector plan that will translate these ambitions into action, and will continue working with Government to deliver this vision where scientific excellence drives both patient benefit and national prosperity as the UK achieves its full potential as a global leader in life sciences.”
Read the Academy's submission to Invest 2035: the UK's modern industrial strategy
------
On Monday 16 June 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care announced an 'unprecedented boost' for clinical trials ahead of the upcoming NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, responded to the announcement:
“This announcement marks a significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s leadership in clinical research. The global clinical trials market is estimated to be worth at least $80 billion by 2030 and countries that can demonstrate speed, quality and cost will have a competitive edge. This commitment is very welcome as streamlined trial set-up times and enhanced public access through the NHS App will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge treatments from laboratory to bedside, directly benefiting patients whilst driving economic growth and ensuring policymakers have the evidence needed for informed healthcare decisions.
“The focus on improving participation from under-represented communities is important, though success will depend on earning trust and addressing the broader barriers to diverse participation. By embedding research throughout the NHS and making it accessible to all communities, we can ensure that medical innovation benefits reach every corner of society whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for life sciences investment and discovery.”
------
On Wednesday 11 June 2025, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented her Spending Review to Parliament.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, has responded to the announcement:
“We recognise the Chancellor’s commitment to national renewal through vital investment in health and research during challenging fiscal circumstances. We have long made the case that improved economic growth depends on improved health of people in the UK and have also consistently emphasised the importance of supporting talent, investment in R&D and innovation, prevention of ill health and a renewed NHS. The £29bn real terms increase in annual NHS day-to-day spending and £86bn four-year R&D budget demonstrate the Government’s understanding that few investments deliver the co-benefits that improved health can achieve.
“This Spending Review provides an opportunity to maximise the potential of health research as a driver of the Government’s missions. The UK’s life sciences sector generates over £100bn in turnover and employs more than 300,000 people, making it fundamental to ensuring the UK’s international competitiveness and driving economic growth.
“As we enter the implementation phase, we need coordinated action across the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and NHS 10-Year Health Plan, with long-term planning and stability at the heart of this approach. We look forward to seeing more detail in the coming weeks. We will continue to work with government to ensure these ambitions translate into positive impacts for society by using research to drive innovation, build an NHS fit for the future and break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring that everyone has equal chances to succeed and access to the best healthcare.”
Read the Academy's submission to the Spending Review (Phase 2)
------
On Sunday 8 June, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced an £86bn science and tech package.
Academy President Prof Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci welcomed this news, commenting:
"This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking our healthcare sector and economy need. The investment signals the UK's commitment to remaining a global leader in medical research and innovation. By backing science, the Government is investing in a healthier, more prosperous future that will bring economic growth and benefit generations to come."
Read the full £86bn science & tech funding announcement on the Govt's website
Submission to Spending Review Phase 2 (Feb 2025)