Bridging the digital divide: how the #BIGIMPACT campaign is securing the future of UK life sciences

In this blog, Albert Maguire - King, Media and Communications Executive at the BIA, outlines how the #BIGIMPACT campaign is utilising AI, data science, and tech talent to drive breakthroughs in biotech—ensuring the UK remains at the cutting edge of healthcare and scientific progress.

Closing the digital skills gap: the #BIGIMPACT campaign and the future of UK life sciences 

The UK life sciences sector stands as a beacon of innovation and economic strength, contributing over £40 billion annually to the economy while driving groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and biotechnology. From life-saving therapies to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, the sector is at the forefront of solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Recently, it has been identified as one of eight growth-driving sectors by the government as part of its ten-year industrial strategy, highlighting its critical importance to the nation’s future. 

However, these remarkable achievements are at risk due to a critical challenge: a widening skills gap in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and computer science. The UK life sciences sector is projected to face a shortfall of 133,000 skilled workers by 2030. These disciplines are pivotal to the future of biotech, yet the sector struggles to attract talent with the necessary skillset. Young professionals with digital and data expertise often gravitate toward other sectors due to a lack of clear pathways demonstrating how they can drive meaningful innovation in life sciences.

In response to this challenge, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) has launched the #BIGIMPACT campaign—a visionary initiative designed to attract this talent pipeline and secure the future viability of the sector. By illustrating the transformative potential of careers in life sciences, this campaign seeks to inspire a new generation of professionals to apply their digital skills where they can make the most profound difference: improving lives, advancing healthcare, and driving innovation. 

The digital skills gap: a barrier to breakthroughs 

The shortage of AI, data science, and computational expertise in life sciences is not just a workforce problem; it is a fundamental barrier to scientific progress. Emerging fields such as personalised medicine and predictive modelling depend on advanced computational methods to unlock their full potential. For example, AI-driven algorithms have the potential to transform drug discovery by identifying promising compounds faster than ever before, reducing costs and accelerating timelines. Yet possibilities such as this remain constrained by a lack of skilled personnel. According to an R&D World survey, 62% of professionals believe that AI's impact on research and development is limited by workforce shortages. This gap is particularly concerning given that disciplines like systems biology and health informatics are advancing at an unprecedented pace. Without addressing this deficit, the UK risks falling behind in global life sciences markets—losing not only its competitive edge but also its ability to deliver groundbreaking solutions for patients worldwide. 

Why digital talent should choose biotech 

The challenge lies not in the lack of talent, but in where that talent chooses to go. Talent should choose the life sciences sector as it has a distinct advantage over others. It offers the opportunity to work on innovative, meaningful projects that have the potential to change the world. Employees in life sciences can contribute to pioneering work at the vanguard of human progress while also commanding competitive salaries. Life sciences offer something unique: the chance to work on breakthroughs that directly improve lives. Whether it’s developing an AI-driven platform to predict disease outbreaks or designing bioinformatics tools to accelerate cancer research, these are not just jobs—they are missions with tangible societal impact. 

The #BIGIMPACT campaign: a vision for change 

To shift perceptions and attract top digital and data talent, the BIA is leading a bold new approach. Launched in May 2023, the #BIGIMPACT campaign is more than just an awareness initiative; it is a transformative vision for reshaping how young professionals perceive careers in biotech. By highlighting the sector’s potential to drive meaningful change in healthcare, the campaign aims to inspire purpose-driven individuals from fields like AI, machine learning and data science to apply their talents where they are most needed.

As part of this effort, BIA recently interviewed some distinguished life sciences professionals to find out more about what drives them and their perspective on certain pressing sector topics. Their insights shed light on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, reinforcing the urgency of attracting top digital talent to life sciences. Sign up to our new #BIGIMPACT YouTube channel to watch the videos as they are released.

Such video interviews, and the campaign as a whole, work to shift the narrative, reframing life sciences as not just a career choice, but a calling—emphasizing the profound societal impact of biotech innovations such as curing diseases and addressing global health disparities. 

Groundbreaking potential: what could be achieved 

This campaign could unlock unprecedented opportunities for cutting-edge development across multiple dimensions of healthcare and biotechnology: 

• Faster drug discovery: With more AI specialists working alongside biologists and chemists, drug discovery timelines could be dramatically shortened—bringing life-saving treatments to market faster. 

• Precision medicine: Data scientists could help develop algorithms that tailor treatments to individual patients based on genetic profiles or lifestyle factors. 

• Global health solutions: Computational models could predict disease outbreaks or optimise vaccine distribution in underserved regions. 

The ripple effects would extend beyond healthcare into areas like agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability—transforming not just industries but entire societies. 

The stakes for UK life sciences 

Failing to close the digital skills gap is not an option—the future of UK biotech depends on decisive action. Closing this skills gap isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about securing the future of an industry essential to public health and economic resilience. The UK’s biopharmaceutical sector already accounts for 17.4% of all business R&D expenditure—a testament to its importance as an engine of innovation. With such capital available, there is immense opportunity for expansion—but only if the workforce can meet evolving demands. By integrating talent from AI, machine learning and data science into biotech research groups, we can generate fresh perspectives on complex challenges—leading to breakthroughs that might otherwise remain out of reach. 

How you can get involved

The #BIGIMPACT campaign is centred on action. Here’s how you can play a role in shaping the future of UK life sciences:

• BIA members: Highlight digital career opportunities at your company by featuring job openings on the #BIGIMPACT campaign website. Engage with the initiative by sharing insights, case studies, and success stories to inspire the next generation.

• Industry professionals: If you have a background in AI, machine learning, or data science, explore opportunities in biotech and consider how your expertise can drive innovation in healthcare.

• Students and early-career talent: Discover how your digital skills can make a real-world impact in biotech. Visit the #BIGIMPACT website for career insights, job listings, and inspiring stories from professionals who have made the transition.

• Media and advocates: Help spread the word by amplifying the #BIGIMPACT message. Share campaign materials, engage with BIA content, and encourage conversations about the role of digital talent in life sciences.

A future worth building 

The opportunity to reshape UK life sciences is here—but it requires bold action now. The future of UK life sciences hinges on its ability to attract the brightest minds in AI, data science, and computer science. This isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about securing the breakthroughs that will define the next century of medicine. The #BIGIMPACT campaign is a call to those who want their work to matter, to shape the future of healthcare, and to change lives on a global scale. The opportunity is here. The need is urgent. The time to act is now. Visit the #BIGIMPACT website today and take the first step toward making a difference.