Resources

In this blog, Tom Sheldon, Senior Manager at the Science Media Centre (SMC), explores how scientists and communicators are taking on misinformation head-on — and how the SMC’s work supports both researchers and journalists in helping the public make sense of complex, and sometimes controversial, scientific issues.

The BIA moves into a new era this week, amidst news from the US on tariffs for UK pharma, UK political party conferences underway and a change in leadership at GSK. It’s full steam ahead for BIA towards a busy Autumn, ensuring that the life science sector stays at the top of the government’s priority list and that our members are represented and connected.

New Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre opened as government further boosts life sciences sector with £50 million fund.

This is my final CEO update in Newscast after 13 years at the BIA. I take up my new role as Executive Chair of the Office for Life Sciences next Monday. Before I do, I want to thank you - my loyal readers - for engaging with my musings over the years, and for your feedback that has improved this blog and my thinking.

This blog explores the key financial trends underpinning the UK's position in the mRNA revolution. The analysis, provided by Wendy Quainoo, the BIA’s Data Insights Executive, highlights the opportunities and challenges ahead, ensuring we can sustain the momentum needed to remain a global leader.

In the last week, we have been hit by headlines that MSD plans to close its discovery research activities in London and that AstraZeneca is pausing investment due to the UK commercial environment and specifically in response to VPAG outcomes.

In this interview, we speak with Abby Clark, the BIA's Manufacturing Programme Manager, who shares her personal journey from a degree-level apprenticeship to a key policy role.

Sarah Brockbank, Strategy Leader – Complex Medicines at Medicines Discovery Catapult, shares insight into a new regulatory roadmap created by the UK’s Intracellular Drug Delivery Centre (IDDC).

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2 could disrupt biotech, with BIO’s survey showing 90% of U.S. biotech firms relying on imports for FDA-approved products. In addition, news from the mRNA vaccine progress, new lab spaces and Innovate UK’s new leadership.

Emerson partners with biopharmaceutical companies to drive innovation, efficiency, and compliance in life sciences manufacturing through cutting-edge automation and process expertise.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year of championing the life sciences sector, from driving impactful policy changes to fostering connections across the UK and beyond. Dive into our key achievements, events, and milestones that shaped the year and set the stage for an exciting 2025.

When comparing the UK’s RNA manufacturing capability now, to that of before COVID-19, it is obvious that great advancements have been made. Abby Clark, Senior Manufacturing Programme Executive at the BIA, reflects on the past (nearly) five years and highlights recent work in the area.  

Quotient Sciences announced the installation of Centillion’s™ proprietary Biofoundry-in-a-Box (BiaB™), a modular, integrated, and automated RNA-micro factory which enables the end-to-end production of various RNA-based products.

The government's plan to put life sciences up in lights this Sunday ahead of the International investment Summit was somewhat overtaken by the news of the reorganisation of Keir Starmer's Number 10 team which dominated headlines. Nevertheless, it's been a busy week of announcements affecting our sector.

The BioIndustry Association, in partnership with the CPI, is today publishing a new report - mRNA Revolution: A new generation of medicine.