The UK is allocating £5.5 million to establish a Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence. Aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to address future health crises. Moreover, keeps its medicines manufacturing sector at the forefront of the global race for skills.
This investment aligns with the government’s strategic objectives to bolster the UK’s life sciences sector and stimulate economic growth. The funding is part of the Chancellor’s £650 million ‘Life Sci for Growth’ initiative, announced in May.
The government’s commitment to the UK life sciences sector underscores its dedication to ensuring that the industry possesses the necessary talent to drive innovation and respond effectively to future health emergencies.
The £5.5 million grant is part of the broader funding package designed to invigorate the sector, with Innovate UK leading the allocation process. The competition to distribute the funding will officially commence on September 26.
The Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence will leverage existing infrastructure and best practices to provide sustainable, end-to-end training. This training is critical for the industry’s continued growth and development.
The establishment of this centre aligns with two key elements of the UK Science and Technology Framework: the government’s strategic plan to improve public health and foster greater prosperity through science, innovation, and technology opportunities.
The centre’s objectives include:
- Developing a skilled workforce through an agile and responsive skills system.
- Retaining the world’s top science and technology talent.
In addition to this funding, the government is announcing a series of investments today, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to job creation and manufacturing in the UK. This includes over £40 million allocated to 30 cutting-edge projects, spanning areas such as rapid-charging motorcycles and self-driving cars. These measures are intended to unlock growth and boost the economy, aligning with the Prime Minister’s priorities.
George Freeman MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, stated, “The £94 billion life science sector is central to our ambitions for the economy, from breakthroughs in genomic medicine to agile new approaches in disease diagnostics. However, to stay ahead in the accelerating global race, the sector must have access to a world-class workforce.”