In February 2025, Professor Phil Baker, MI Executive Management Group Chair, left the Midlands Innovation partnership after 10 years of service. Over the past decade, Professor Baker has played a pivotal role at Midlands Innovation, having been instrumental in establishing Midlands Innovation Health and overseeing significant initiatives such as the creation of Midlands Mindforge. In this blog, Phil reflects on his time with the partnership as part of our '10 Years of Impact' anniversary feature.
Q: How did you first get involved with Midlands Innovation?
I first got involved with Midlands Innovation after finding, on my return from New Zealand, that there was no obvious regional alliance focusing on medicine and health initiatives. I met with Helen Turner (Director of Midlands Innovation), and with enthusiastic support from fellow PVCs (or equivalent) of medicine and health, we established a highly functional regional strategic partnership. The name of the organisation underwent a few iterations, but is now firmly established as Midlands Innovation Health. The synergy around medicine and health became important for peer support, a sharing of ideas and initiatives, and some firm friendships. The alliance brought funding into the region that would otherwise not have been garnered – one example being the cryomicroscopy facility, and MI formed a model for other such partnerships across the country.
Q: How would you describe the culture at MI?
I’ve been very fortunate to chair a group of PVCRs of the highest calibre, and I’ve been really impressed by the collaborative spirit of trust that has developed across the group. We come from different disciplines as well as different institutions, and consequently – there are very different skill sets and perspectives that can be brought to bear on particular issues. Over the years, this culture of openness has strengthened, leading to more candid discussions across the partnership.
Q: What MI project or initiative are you most proud of?
There are many I could choose from, but the establishment of Midlands Mindforge stands out as a significant achievement. It represents a major step forward in securing venture capital funding to support university spinouts and foster regional innovation. This initiative aims to capture venture capital funding at a scale that would transform our regional environment for university spinouts. Coordinating the eight research-intensive universities to support this endeavour was challenging, but the trust and collaborative synergy within Midlands Innovation made it possible.
Q: What has been the biggest change you have seen during your time at MI?
Over the past 10 years, the profile of Midlands Innovation has risen significantly, along with the number and breadth of initiatives. We have supported the development of early career and technical staff, facilitated major research funding applications, and worked with government and industry partners to stimulate the regional economy.
Many individuals have contributed to the growth and success of Midlands Innovation but Helen Turner merits specific recognition. Helen combines character traits of patience, persistence and diplomacy – to work in a quiet but highly effective way – to promote and encourage the organisation. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with her.
Q: What do you see as some of the future opportunities and challenges for MI?
The need for regional alliances like Midlands Innovation has never been greater, as universities face complex and difficult challenges. By working together and emphasising the strengths and opportunities within the Midlands, we can mitigate some of these challenges.
Future opportunities for MI include the development of new areas for collaboration and securing additional funding to support innovation and regional development. The Midlands has a lot to offer and MI has an important role to play in bringing that to the forefront.
It’s been a real pleasure to be associated with Midlands Innovation over the past ten years and I am sure their good work will continue long into the future.
