How we can help

We’re dedicated to promoting economic development in Scotland and the single point of contact for life sciences businesses like yours looking to make a successful move to Scotland. We provide active support for all areas of life sciences, including grants and funding.

The life sciences sector in Scotland continues to flourish in the face of challenging economics times. Over the past year Regional Selective Assistance/R&D grants totalling £9.2 million have been accepted for projects with planned capital expenditure of £58.5 million.

Our companies secured equity investment totalling over £30 million in 2009.

These developments highlight Scotland’s attractiveness as an international location for life sciences businesses.

Find out more about our funding and grant support for life sciences  

Talent attraction schemes

We also have numerous talent attraction schemes in Scotland aimed at bringing the best life sciences skills to Scotland and retaining them, including: 

  • Talent Scotland 
  • Fresh Talent Initiative  
  • Scottish Networks International 
  • Relocation Advisory Service 
  • Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 
  • Student Visa Scheme

SULSA BioSKAPE

In 2010, the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance (SULSA) Bio-industry Skills, Knowledge and People Exchange (BioSKAPE) programme, funded by the Scottish Funding Council, was launched to drive collaboration between business and the life sciences research base in Scotland.

The BioSKAPE programme will foster new links between industry and academia and provide funding for PhDs, work placements, industry interchanges and masterclasses to develop skills that our life sciences industry demands.

Life Sciences Modern Apprenticeship

In 2009, the new Life Sciences Modern Apprenticeship was launched by the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA) with up to £3 million of support for the recruitment of 100 new apprentices.

Life Sciences Source Book

Scotland has a reference guide to Scottish Life Sciences companies and academic institutes. This source book contains details of organisations involved in research, product and technology development, and services and support.

Search the Life Sciences Scotland Source Book

Browse the Life Sciences Scotland Source Book A-Z

More on how we can help your life sciences business invest in Scotland