The Chamber hosts the only region-wide, curated industry working group for the health and life sciences (HLS) sector.  We bring together industry leaders from global corporates, SMEs and spin-outs; academics and researchers; NHS hospital trusts and government representatives.

Inspired by the call from the Office for Life Sciences to bring together the industry cluster located across the region, our ambition remains to foster collaboration, information and knowledge exchange and advance the Thames Valley’s global reputation for HLS.  The continued importance, and value, of our working group is recognised by government in the invitation we receive to comment on government policy (most recently the Industrial Strategy white paper) and through our lobbying work in representing the business interests of the sector.

In April, and to mark the five years since it opened its doors, we will be hearing from the Rosalind Franklin Institute on their refreshed, forward-looking new Science Strategy (published 03/2025) with an “unashamedly ambitious set of technology innovation and life science challenges” and their mission to develop disruptive new technologies able to transform life sciences discovery.

Showcased at our most recent Windsor Debates, we will be hearing from one of the region’s true innovators (Brainomix) – who through the use and application of technology are turning the ordinary into extraordinary transforming patient care. We will also be learning more of the ambition of one Doctor, with the support of local Members of Parliament, to pilot ‘neighbourhood health and wellbeing hubs’ with the aim of fostering innovation and enhancing public health outcomes at local and primary-care levels, better known as ‘NHS Left-shift’.

These are a unique set of speakers directly involved in championing innovation and leadership in health and life sciences. We encourage you to register to avoid disappointment.

Speakers

Laura Holland, Director of Strategic Marketing, Rosalind Franklin Institute

Laura Holland is Director of Strategic Marketing at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. She has been with the organisation since its conception. Prior to this, she was Engagement Manager at Diamond Light Source for eleven years, where she led public engagement and postgraduate engagement programmes. Laura holds a BSc in Cell Biology from the University of Durham. She also holds a Research Masters in Medical and Molecular Bioscience, from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and a PGDip in Science Communication from The University of the West of England, which she completed alongside her work at the Diamond Light Source.

Dr Amit Sharma, Partner, Brookside Group Practices

Dr Amit Sharma, Partner, Brookside Group Practice, will discuss his collaboration with local organisations, companies and Members of Parliament to encourage ‘Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing Hubs’ and the role of partnership in enhancing public health outcomes locally and regionally.

Michalis Papadakis, CEO, Brainomix

Dr. Michalis Papadakis, CEO and co-founder of Brainomix, leads the management team, commercial strategy, fundraising, and corporate partnerships. Michalis will discuss Brainomix’s pioneering AI work in the HLS sector, and specifically patient care, within the United Kingdom.

Please note that this working group is by invitation only, with priority given to our members, companies from the health and life sciences sector or having an evidentially connection, through their supply chain. Please contact the Business Representation & Policy team for more information.

Photo Credit: Rosalind Franklin Institute