Nominations Open for Birmingham's 2026 Life Sciences Week Awards
Nominations have officially opened today for the 2026 Life Sciences Week Awards, marking the highlight of a national programme of health technology events that originated in Birmingham. These prestigious awards aim to honour pioneers and innovators within the multi-billion-pound life sciences sector during Life Sciences Week, a nationally significant series of events spanning five days across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and other locations.
Awards Ceremony Details
The five winners will be unveiled at the Life Sciences Week 2026 gala dinner on Thursday, September 24. The awards will be presented in five distinct categories: Advancement in patient care & health outcomes, Breakthrough innovation, Excellence in collaboration & partnerships, Outstanding contribution, and Rising star.
Organiser Statements
Professor Paul Cadman, co-founding director of Life Sciences Week and CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group, expressed enthusiasm for the event. "Last year, the inaugural Life Sciences Week was a resounding success, and we plan to build on that strong base this year," he said. "Among the many highlights was honouring five brilliant people at the Life Sciences Week awards. We plan to repeat this moment in September, so please get your nominations in now."
Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham, added his support. "It is great to see this up and running again, thanks to the team at Life Sciences Week 2026. Please do nominate people across the categories. We have great people in our region and across the UK doing great things. It is only right and important that we recognise them and celebrate their achievements."
Focus and Impact of Life Sciences Week 2026
Life Sciences Week 2026, scheduled from September 21 to 25, will centre on the theme of "delivery of improved health outcomes and economic growth," according to organisers. This five-day event series, which launched in Birmingham last year, attracts leaders from academia, pharmaceuticals, private sector businesses, policy-making, and public services, including the NHS.
The rapidly expanding life sciences sector currently contributes approximately £6 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the Midlands economy. Forecasts indicate that the sector will need to fill around 10,000 more roles by 2030, representing an increase of more than a third.
Key Areas of Focus
This year's Life Sciences Week aims to build on the strong foundation established last year by concentrating on four key areas:
- Pharmaceutical & biotech: drug discovery, novel therapies, and global research.
- Medical technology & diagnostics: tools, devices, diagnostics, and clinical practice.
- Academic institutions: university research shared with the private sector.
- Investors: emerging ventures and opening doors to capital and scaling opportunities.
Nominations are now being accepted for the awards, with organisers encouraging submissions to recognise outstanding contributions in the life sciences field.
