The University of Glasgow has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GE HealthCare, a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator.

The two organisations will work together to identify opportunities for collaboration in research and development, and innovation focused on people-centred healthcare and outcomes. The collaboration builds on GE HealthCare’s expertise in medical tech innovation and the University’s research excellence alongside its strong links with the NHS.

Scottish Government has, today, also announced the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) as Scotland’s first whole-system demonstrator, committed to supporting the establishment of a series of real-world innovation testbeds.

This major initiative, known as ‘GRID Discovery’ will identify a number of R&D collaboration projects with industry partners, govt bodies, academics and communities.  The exciting new programme will draw on the University’s world-leading research capability and expertise to help drive impactful innovation, at pace.

The Discovery programme is aimed at attracting inward investment, creating access to good quality jobs, and in developing a skills pipeline to build on the region’s strengths and support productive, thriving places. To this end, the close involvement of communities in the area will be critical success factors.   

GRID is already home to the University of Glasgow-led Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine – an internationally leading programme supported by UKRI Strength in Places Funding, focused on translating cutting-edge science and healthcare innovation in a clinical setting and bringing an estimated 450 new jobs to the Govan area.

GRID Discovery will also foster better collaboration between researchers, industry partners and public bodies such as the NHS to enable the rapid translation of research into application and drive improved outcomes for Scotland.   It will catalyse a dynamic innovation quarter with local community values at its heart.

Uzma Khan, Vice Principal of Economic Development and Innovation at the University of Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with GE HealthCare and proud to be leading the new GRID Discovery initiative, which is aimed at meeting the needs of the local community in Govan. This is a hugely exciting project, which speaks to our civic ambitions and translate our world-changing research for the benefit of society.

“Our new collaboration with GE HealthCare will be vital to supporting GRID Discovery projects in healthcare and beyond. Working with key public bodies such as the NHS, Glasgow City Region and Scottish Enterprise, we will be best placed to deliver real and positive change.”

Ivan McKee, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, said: “It is great to be able to announce Glasgow Riverside Innovation District will be Scotland’s first whole system innovation demonstrator – allowing the testing of innovation in the real world and the scaling up of successful projects across Scotland. This aligns with our upcoming National Innovation Strategy and our vision for Scotland to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next 10 years.

“The signing of this MoU is also an important step in businesses working together to identify opportunities in research and development, and innovation focused on healthcare, whilst attracting investment and creating new jobs.”

Rob Walton, President and CEO, GE HealthCare EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), said: “Healthcare systems and governments are facing the challenges of addressing unmet needs without increasing healthcare costs and impeding economic growth. Improving patient outcomes, access, and delivering cost-efficient care is critical, but no single organisation can achieve this alone. We are delighted to launch this collaboration with the University of Glasgow and work with other stakeholders to address these challenges in areas such as oncology and connected care. With collaborations such as this one, we firmly believe we can change the face of healthcare. 

 

 

 

Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831

 

 

First published: 24 March 2023

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