News

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and our three fellow health innovation networks across the North of England have joined the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The NHSA brings together leading universities and NHS organisations recognised for their excellence and impact in health and life sciences.

The alliance works with its members, industry and government to harness the North’s strengths, connecting expertise, cultivating networks and championing a single, influential voice for the regions, with a shared ambition to improve health and reduce inequalities.

Health innovation networks are funded by NHS England and the Office for Life Sciences to support the adoption and spread of innovation at pace and scale within their regions, improving patient outcomes and contributing to economic growth.

Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, has joined the NHSA’s Board following the membership announcement.

Richard has an established track record of bringing together sectors and regions to accelerate the role that technology and life sciences can play in improving patient care, while championing how increasing economic growth contributes to better population health outcomes for communities.

The four HINs joining as a singular NHSA alliance member are:

• Health Innovation Manchester
• Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria
• Health Innovation North West Coast
• Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber

As members of the NHSA, the HINs will contribute to pan-northern programmes and expert networks, working alongside universities, NHS organisations and partners to support innovation, attract investment and amplify the North’s voice in national policy and research agendas.

This strengthened partnership will help ensure that the North of England continues to lead the way in health research and innovation, delivering meaningful improvements for patients, communities and the economy.

Hannah Davies, CEO of the Northern Health Science Alliance said: “We are delighted to welcome the four health innovation networks from across the North of England into the NHSA. Their expertise in accelerating the adoption and spread of innovation is vital to ensuring that the North’s world-leading research delivers tangible benefits for patients and communities.

“By bringing together our collective strengths, we can go further and faster in tackling health inequalities, improving outcomes and driving sustainable economic growth across the region.

“I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Richard Stubbs as our newest Board member – we look forward to working with Richard and utilising his vast knowledge and experience to help further opportunities for our members.”

Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, said: “The health innovation networks play a critical role in connecting partners across the health and care system to bring innovation into everyday practice. Joining the NHSA reflects a shared commitment to collaboration across the North, aligning research, innovation and delivery to maximise impact.

“Together, we can ensure that the best ideas are not only developed but spread more widely, improving care for more patients while supporting the growth of a thriving life sciences ecosystem.

“I am also delighted to join the NHSA Board and to represent the northern health innovation networks in this way. This is an important opportunity to strengthen the connections between innovation, research and delivery across the North, helping us to unlock new partnerships, attract investment and turn shared ambition into real improvements for patients, communities and the northern economy.”

Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive, Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester has a strong track record of bringing together research, industry and frontline services to deliver real-world impact at scale. Joining the NHSA as a collective strengthens our ability to connect that work across the North – accelerating innovation adoption and ensuring more people benefit from the region’s cutting-edge discoveries.

“By working together, we can amplify the North’s global reputation in health innovation while tackling some of our most pressing population health challenges.”

Dr Nicola Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, said: “The North East and North Cumbria is home to expertise in delivering innovation across complex and diverse communities, from rural areas to coastal towns. Through the NHSA, we can ensure those insights are shared more widely across the North, helping to address longstanding health inequalities and improve outcomes at scale.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to collaboration, linking regional strengths in research, prevention and service transformation to deliver lasting impact for our population.”

Dr Phil Jennings, Chief Executive, Health Innovation North West Coast, said: “Our regions have a proud history of translating research into practice, working with communities, NHS partners and local systems to embed innovation where it is needed most. Joining the NHSA allows us to take that work further – connecting our expertise into a powerful pan-northern network focused on equitable access to innovation. Through this partnership, we can ensure that innovation reaches every community, driving improvements in health outcomes while supporting inclusive economic growth across the North.”