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Heriot-Watt University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) which will see the two collaborate to advance medical research and development.
Working with over 150 academics in the university’s new Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, the ABHI will leverage its existing relationships with both multinational and small and medium sized companies to nurture an industry-wide spirit of co-creation.
Health and Care Technologies at Heriot-Watt works to turn cutting-edge research into impactful and practical solutions to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives, the NHS and health and care globally, developing research from its campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia.
The ABHI is the UKs leading industry association for health technology whose members supply products from syringes and wound dressings to surgical robots, diagnostics and digitally enhanced technologies. It represents the industry to stakeholders, such as the government, NHS and regulators.
The MoU will see the two bodies work together to increase the profile of Heriot-Watt as a hub of academic excellence. The collaboration will take a “triple helix” approach, engaging academia, health systems, and industry partners throughout Scotland and the UK with a commitment to understanding the challenges innovators face in HealthTech research and commercialisation, working to identify opportunities to overcome them through supported processes and policy lobbying.
HealthTech plays a key role in supporting delivery of healthcare and is a significant contributor to the UK’s economic growth. The sector is the largest employer in the broader Life Sciences industry, employing 154,000 people in 4,465 companies, with a combined turnover of £34.3bn. The industry has enjoyed growth of around 5% in recent years and the ABHI’s 400 members account for approximately 80% of the sector by value.
Steve McLaughlin, Vice Principal and Provost at Heriot-Watt University said: “This collaboration is an important step in advancing our global research in health and care technology solutions. We will work together to co-develop research, address regulation, enhance data and insight, while meticulously championing patient privacy and protection.”
