Events

We’re pleased to invite you to an exclusive summit that brings together leaders from government, the health and life sciences sector and academia all working to position South Yorkshire at the forefront of the UK’s £100 billion life sciences sector.

Join us as we spotlight the region’s growing life sciences capabilities and bold vision to create high-quality jobs, drive long-term economic growth and translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

Hosted by Innovation Network South Yorkshire and Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, the summit is more than just a conference. It’s a strategic opportunity to shape the region’s future by aligning our life sciences strengths with the government’s 2025 Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan, focusing on economic growth and a more prevention-led NHS.

Why this summit matters

South Yorkshire’s life sciences sector contributes £3.3 billion GVA (12.3% of regional output) and ranks 4th among UK Core Cities for MedTech innovation cluster size.

The summit is your chance to:

• Champion our strengths to key government stakeholders.
• Identify and overcome the barriers we must overcome to unlock our full potential.
• Craft a clear, unified and bold proposition to help the government deliver on its national life sciences ambitions – with South Yorkshire leading the way.

South Yorkshire: a thriving ecosystem

The region has a vital role in the national economy, with health and well being accounting for over 15% of all employment in South Yorkshire.

We have:

• An international reputation for medical device manufacturing.
• The highest concentration of medical instrument and supply manufacturers in England.
• A thriving ecosystem of 275 health tech organisations, including private companies, university centres of excellence and specialist NHS centres.
• A rapidly developing digital health sector with 11 medical technology and 13 well-being technology organisations.

The UK’s life sciences sector – spanning health, food and environmental innovation – employs over 300,000 people, with more than 75% of those jobs outside London and the South East. Now is the time for South Yorkshire to take a leading role in this thriving, future-facing industry.

Event contributors:

Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield

Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Chair of the national Health Innovation Network

Katherine Hammond, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

Dr Jan Wolber, Global Product Leader Digital at GE HealthCare

Professor Meena Balasubramanian, Clinical Director for Research, Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Rob Copeland, Director of Sheffield Hallam’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre