How Important Is Collaboration In Solving Life Science Skills Shortage?
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A recent report revealed there is a serious skills shortage among those working in the life sciences industry in the UK – and the only way to resolve this problem could be by encouraging collaboration across different areas of the sector.
This is according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), which commented on the release of the Topol Review of digital training needs for the NHS in February this year.
The report found that Britain will only be able to remain an integral influence in the life science industry if the talent of employees is good enough, and they have a strong understanding of digital technologies.
“There is a need to raise awareness of genomics and digital literacy among the health and social care workforce,” the report read, adding: “The latter requires the development of the skills attitudes and behaviours that individuals require to become digitally competent and confident.”
It stated, in order to do this, the NHS needs to “invest in their existing workforce to develop specialist skills including the assessment and commissioning of genomics and digital technologies”.
This comes after the ABPI highlighted the importance of addressing the science skills gap in the UK for the country to maintain its position as a world-leader in medicines and vaccines research and development (R&D), following findings from its biennial survey of member pharmaceutical companies.
While the number of undergraduates who are studying STEM subjects has increased by 16 per cent over the last ten years, this is nothing in comparison with students from the European Union. For this group, the figure has risen by 52 per cent, while non-EU students studying STEM topics has risen by 63 per cent over the decade.
Deputy chief scientific officer at ABPI Sheuli Porkess said: “The government has set out ambitious targets for increased R&D spend in the UK – including by business – but for this to succeed we must have access to highly skilled people.”
It was added that if Britain’s reputation for highly skilled life science professionals starts to wane, investment into its scientific R&D could decline, which “would be bad news for NHS patients and the UK economy”.
The areas of most concern, according to the ABPI, are genomics, immunology, bioinformatics and chemo-informatics, and clinical pharmacology.
It has suggested to help ‘future proof’ the UK’s life science industry, cross-collaboration between the sectors is essential.
Andrew Croydon, director of skills and education policy at ABPI, said: “It is logical that progress in meeting these challenges will be most effectively addressed through collaboration across industry, NHS and academia.”
As well as helping to improve digital understanding among the workforce so employees stay abreast of the latest changes, those in academia need to work closely with industry members and NHS staff to ensure these skills are extended throughout the sector.
This will ensure the UK continues to have the “potential to be a world-leader in healthcare technology”.
As and when Britain leaves the EU, this could be more important than ever, safeguarding its position despite losing the safety net of being part of Europe.
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