In a ‘celebration of excellence and achievement’, last night marked the 25^th Scottish Life Sciences Awards with over 500 people gathered in Glasgow as the winners were unveiled.

This comes as the latest figures on the life sciences revealed the sector is thriving, surpassing its growth targets years ahead of schedule.

Opening the awards, Cabinet Secretary for Health Neil Gray said the success of life sciences has been “phenomenal”, adding that the sector has the potential to “shape a brighter future for healthcare” in Scotland and beyond.

One example of this is University of Dundee’s Dr Luigi Manfredi from Softech Robotics which integrates soft robotics with AI and data.

Dr Manfredi received the Innovation in Health Technology award for work ‘pioneering an innovative, low-cost, soft endorobot’ for colonoscopies made from recyclable materials, with the aim to enhance screening and treatment for colorectal cancer.

Meanwhile, Gary Beale from Emblation – which creates medical devices that harness microwave energy for clinical applications – received the Business Leadership Award.

Last year, University of Glasgow researchers investigating less invasive cervical cancer therapy adopted Emblation’s devices to successfully deliver target treatment to cancerous cells.

From cancer cells to brain health, Professor Craig Ritche, founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, received the Rising Stars: Extraordinary Talent Award for his efforts to improve early access to clinical trials of Alzheimer’s medicines.

A lifetime of work

Alison Culpan, Director of ABPI Scotland, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Scotland’s Chief Scientist Professor Anna Dominiczak.

Professor Dominiczak congratulated Alison on her “outstanding career”, saying:

“Alison’s career is a testament to her pioneering influence in the pharmaceutical sector, with a strong focus on promoting life sciences and a huge focus on promoting Scotland. With several leadership roles, where she has successfully integrated biomedical research, public health initiatives and industry influence and benefits.

“Alison broke new ground for gender equality within the pharma industry as the first female leader in Scotland (first for the ICI and then GSK) and trailblazer UK- wide.”

“As a Director of ABPI Scotland since 2016, she has been promoting life sciences in Scotland as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth. She directed significant investment strategies aimed at advancing Scottish biomedical research, development of new medicines and new health technologies.”

Delivering for public health

The life sciences awards also welcomed University of Glasgow’s Vice Principal for Economic Development, Innovation and Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Governance, Ms Uzma Khan.

Ms Khan called for collective action to push for transformation and change, urging all stakeholders to join forces in a “coalition of the willing” to ensure the success of Glasgow's life sciences sector.

Following this theme, the winners for Innovative Collaboration were Penrhos Bio, Pro3dure Medical GmbH and Unilever plc., which are working to launch a novel anti-microbial technology in 2023.

A second win for the company recognised its supportive workplace, with the Outstanding Skills Development Award.

Addressing attendees, Scotland’s new Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Neil Gray highlighted the “remarkable success” reached across the sector:

“Scotland's life sciences sector has achieved remarkable success, surpassing ambitious goals and thriving amidst global challenges and I’d like to congratulate all who were recognised at Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards.

“Through collaboration and innovation, we've strengthened our economy and enhanced our global reputation. From attracting investment to expanding exports, our impact is significant and far-reaching.

“With £10.5bn of contribution to the Scottish economy, the success of the life sciences sector is phenomenal. The Scottish government has committed itself to life sciences, and to investing public money while leveraging private sector investment.

“Through these actions and by continuing to push boundaries, the life sciences sector is capable of shaping a brighter future for healthcare, both in Scotland and beyond.”

He added that the Scottish government’s recognises life sciences for its potential to be “truly world-leading”, saying the government is determined to harness this for public health and wellbeing.

Full list of 2024 awards:
Business Leadership Award – Winner: Gary Beale, Emblation
Innovation - Animal Health, Agritech, Aquaculture – Winner: MI:RNA
Innovation - Health Technology – Winner: Dr. Luigi Manfredi, Softech Robotics
Innovation - Pharma Services And Drug Discovery  –  Winner: Valneva Scotland
Innovative Collaboration Award – Winner: Penrhos Bio, Pro3dure Medical GmbH and Unilever plc
Outstanding Skills Development Award – Winner: Valneva Scotland
Sustainability Award – Winner: Carbogenics
Rising Stars: Extraordinary Talent Award – Winner: Professor Craig Ritchie
Lifetime Achievement Award – Winner: Alison Culpan

Read more: Pharma sector boosting Scotland's economy; Joint pharmacy project cuts adverse events; Realistic medicine to help the climate; Rapid cancer diagnostic network improves outcomes; Biomarkers can improve melanoma patient care; Aberdeen team find genetic anxiety ‘switch'

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