Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the ambition in the Life Sciences Vision to develop a highly skilled workforce, what steps he is taking to develop (a) translational research and (b) broader life sciences research talent in the UK.

The Government is committed to developing Life Sciences research talent as part of its vision to make the UK the leading global hub for Life Sciences.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) directs around £85 million each year towards developing research careers, supporting around 1,600 PhD students.

Translational research is supported by MRC’s successful translational funding strategy, which seeks to progress innovative discovery science towards clinical utility.

In addition, Innovate UK supports the development of translation research skills through the Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator programme, which focusses on priority areas highlighted in the Life Sciences Vision, such as oncology and neurodegeneration.