Scientific centre at the heart of groundbreaking work

Nov 11 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

Where once our export routes were forged by the kings of heavy industry, it is now North East scientists who may hold the key to our future international success. Andrew Mernin finds out how the life sciences sector is going global.

Connections spread Eastwards

THE latest outpost for the North East’s ever-growing global life sciences network – as targeted by industry body Cels – looks set to be South Korea.

As the organisation charged with driving the growth of the healthcare and life sciences’ sector in the region, part of the Cels remit is to build international links to the rest of the world.

According to chief innovation officer Kenny Lang, pictured, there is a considerable degree of interest in the region’s life sciences expertise coming from the Far East.

He said: “There are certain areas strategically where we are focused such as Korea and China. We are looking at forming links between Cels and similar organisations in those other countries to promote the region through global networking.

“A Korean (life sciences) association is interested in the Cels model and we would want to connect this region internationally to promote what we are doing.

The North East has big ambitions to become a globally-recognised centre of excellence in all things at the forefront of scientific development.

And although Mr Lang admits the region has some way to go until its science industry fully realises its obvious potential, he has witnessed an increasing awareness from overseas of what our firms are capable of.

“We are not going to have the broad press coverage that people have in Cambridge, Oxford or London – there are fewer people who know what happens in the provinces.

“But people are familiar with what’s going on in the North East. We are becoming known for being well-connected and for having a good support network.”

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