Life and Health Sciences
Renowned for precision in advanced manufacturing, Belfast has developed as a pioneering centre for new technologies in life and health sciences. The sector benefits from a strong collaborative approach between industry, academia, and clinicians.
Our universities play a leading role in creating spinouts and pioneering research. The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen's University (link opens in new window) has revolutionised cancer research. Queen’s is also home to the Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence (PMC) (link opens in new window) which aims to translate genomics into clinical care.
The Connected Health Innovation Centre (CHIC) (link opens in new window) at Ulster University leads transformational research which aligns care needs with technology providers, researchers, and clinical experience.
Investment from the Belfast Region City Deal in Life and Health Sciences will significantly strengthen this important sector.
The Institute for Research Excellence in Advanced Clinical Healthcare (iREACH) (link opens in new window) - an NHS, industry, and research facility will turbocharge the city and region’s ability to test new drugs, medical technology, care pathways and societal interventions and leverage the opportunities that exist at the interface of medical research and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT) (link opens in new window) will provide a world-class space for academia, industry and clinicians to innovate and boost our life and health sciences sector by accelerating the development of medical technology devices and diagnostics.
Technology, Community and Clinical Living Labs will be based beside the Ulster University Belfast campus and at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
