Strengths

The Scottish life science sector is well served through the construction of purpose-built clinical facilities and superbly equipped laboratories. Whether you’re starting a new translational medicine business or looking for a major company location, Scotland has a property to suit your requirements.

Strengths and benefits of translational medicine research in Scotland

Scotland has positioned itself at the forefront of research into this dynamic sector of biotechnology, providing a highly supportive and attractive regulatory environment for life sciences companies to innovate and develop.

Translational medicine has the potential to deliver huge benefits both in terms of commercial gain and improvements to clinical care.

Edinburgh BioQuarter

The £600 million Edinburgh BioQuarter is the only area in the UK that offers the co-location of academic, clinical and commercial facilities. This supports Scotland’s expertise in translational medicine and positions Edinburgh as one of the world’s foremost centres for biomedical research and development. 

  • Highly supportive and attractive regulatory environment − champions innovation and research 
  • Numerous government-supported incubators and science parks, as well as funding packages 
  • Well-established network of over 50 clinical trials support and contract research organisations 
  • Thriving dedicated  life sciences specialist manufacturing community
  • Unique, integrated bioinformatics research community − recognised for its excellence in academia and industry worldwide

Skills and expertise

  • Long track record of developing academic and commercial breakthroughs in life sciences 
  • Powerful life sciences research and technology base − includes in excess of 640 organisations and over 32,000 staff 
  • Specific expertise − in cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, diseases of the central nervous system, viruses, immunology and regenerative technology 
  • Ready talent pool − excellent academic infrastructure provides a large number of life sciences graduates 
  • Access to network of useful contacts − almost 60 university and research facilities, 11,000 research staff and strong worldwide research links
  • High-quality support infrastructure 
  • Supportive regulatory environment for life sciences investment 
  • Proximity of a network of science parks and technical centres spread across the country close to universities and industrial zones

Collaboration

Cost-competitive

  • Knowledge base attracting £334 million of life sciences research funding annually 
  • High levels of government support for businesses in the sector − including grants and funding for research and development, co-investment and technological innovations
  • Competitive staff costs