Scottish Cities Alliance

Scotland’s place at the centre of life sciences is well worth talking about – and that’s exactly what we’re doing at a special event during the Scottish Cities Alliance’s Cities Week. The gathering in London will examine how Scotland’s cities can best increase public sector funding, attract and retain high quality employees and drive international investment.

And there’s a wide range of expert views on offer during the panel discussion, which will be led by Professor Greg Clark at real estate experts JLL’s offices. Opening the session, Cllr John Alexander, Leader of Dundee City Council and Chair of the Alliance will share his remarks on Dundee’s life science sector, as well as Scotland as a whole. Then, JLL’s very own, Adam Challis, UK Head of Research & Strategy & Cameron Stott, Head of Scotland, will give a market overview. On the panel are Sir Mike Ferguson, who is the Regius Professor of Life Sciences, at Dundee University; Dr Kath McKay, Chief Scientific Officer, Bruntwood SciTech; Chris Walters, the Head of UK Life Sciences, JLL; and Dr Poonam Malik, who is Head of Investments at Strathclyde University and is also a Board Member at Scottish Enterprise.

There’s certain to be a lively Q&A session, with the focus firmly on attracting global investment, generating revenue and placing our eight cities as attractive alternatives to London and the south east of England. And there’s going to be lots to discuss as Scotland boasts more than 700 organisations dedicated to life sciences who employ more than 41,000 incredibly talented people.

This community of excellence includes businesses that range from global pharma services giants to innovative medical technology start-ups. And these businesses aren’t on their own – there is a great support network to ensure that they can thrive in Scotland’s cities and attract the top tier staff they need to succeed. And the only way is up, with our life sciences industry aiming to achieve a massive turnover of £8 billion by 2025.

Life science success stories can be seen around Scotland, with our cities and their talented people driving progress and achieving results in a highly competitive global market.

In Edinburgh, our capital city is home to Edinburgh BioQuarter, which has generated an estimated £2.72 billion in gross value added from its research, clinical and commercial activities, and is a world leader in healthcare innovation, creating high quality jobs and investor opportunities.

Meanwhile, Merck, a leading science and technology company, confirmed an investment of € 35 million in biosafety testing at its Glasgow and Stirling sites in May 2023. The expansion will create nearly 500 new jobs, bringing Merck’s workforce to more than 1,200 employees across the two sites.

AndInverness Campus, which is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands, is contributing significantly to the growth of the life sciences sector in Inverness. The £9.5 million Life Sciences Innovation Centre opened in April 2023 and provides space for small and medium-sized businesses to access high-tech research equipment and lab conditions for research work working alongside academic researchers, industry players and the health sector.

Meanwhile in Aberdeen, the newly opened £40 million ONE BioHub, stands as the heart of life sciences activity in the North East. Launched by the Scottish Government’s Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead, this super modern facility provides a collaborative space for academics, researchers, and businesses to meet and create exciting and innovative projects.

So there’s no doubt that the future is bright for life sciences in Scotland, and the continued spirit of enterprise and growth will lead to a healthier and happier nation – a nation that is ready to welcome new investors with open arms.