Life Sciences

Its thriving advanced therapeutics entrepreneurial base is harnessing the power of Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to drive innovation in next-generation precision medicine and healthcare. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has been behind some of the most important discoveries and developments in the history of disease control and evolution in human/animal therapies and vaccines.

In 2020, Stevenage was awarded Life Sciences Opportunity Zone status by the Government to attract further investment from national and international businesses linking research and business expertise. Hertfordshire was also awarded High Potential Opportunity status for its excellence in cell and gene therapy by the Department for Business and Trade which showcases potential UK investment opportunities to its overseas network.

The cross-cutting nature of life sciences brings together businesses working in diagnostics, genomics, drug discovery, targeted treatments and other aligned technologies and services. Wrapped around this are other sector supporting services such as clinical trials, with the University of Hertfordshire Clinical Trial Support Network (CTSN) providing support in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical trials and other research studies. This ecosystem fosters collaboration across industry, academia, government, the NHS and other health funders. In January 2024, the University was awarded £13.5m, its highest ever research grant in January, to create a ‘Future Biodetection Technologies Hub’ with Cranfield, Manchester and Leeds. 

Hertfordshire now has one of the highest concentrations of pharma manufacturing, R&D employment and a supportive advanced therapeutics business environment to enable the growth of this dynamic industry. Hertfordshire LEP has established a Life Sciences Industry Panel to take forward the sector Action Plan and create even more outstanding opportunities within the investor-prized Golden Research Triangle.