Midlands Innovation Health Programme Manager, Alex Archibald, blogs on the 2025 achievements of MI's health research partnership and outlines key opportunities for 2026.
As we look forward to the year ahead, packed full of activity, I wanted to reflect on everything achieved in 2025 – a year of meaningful collaboration aligned to our three strategic ambitions; tackling health inequalities, improving the Midlands culture of collaboration, and increasing inward investment.
Working alongside colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, MI Health helped shape regional and national policy, strengthened research collaboration, and attracted international R&D interest. From launching a regional policy commission at the House of Lords to facilitating international engagement and funder relationships, this blog highlights achievements that strengthened partnerships, advanced innovation, and positioned the Midlands as a leader in health and research excellence. It reflects the amazing collective effort of many across the region and beyond.
Midlands Health and Care Inequalities Policy Commission
2025 saw the successful completion and publication of the Midlands Health and Care Inequalities Policy Commission report. After extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Commission was launched at the House of Lords with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community representatives. The report sets out actionable recommendations to tackle health inequalities through collaborative, community‑driven solutions. In 2026, we’ll deliver community engagement events and a funder roadshow to showcase partners shaping a fairer health system.
Invest in UK University R&D Midlands campaign
Supporting the internationally-facing Invest in UK University R&D Midlands campaign has been a key focus. A highlight was the Royal Society Investor Reception during London Tech Week in June, which showcased 16 Midlands spinouts to over 100 attendees (including 38 investment firms), reinforcing the region’s reputation for research commercialisation. In October, MI Health led the Health and Life Sciences strand of a mission to Japan (STS Forum [Kyoto], the UK Life Sciences Symposium [Tokyo] and BioJapan [Yokohama]), positioning Midlands research on the international stage. Throughout the year we also hosted inbound delegations from India, Kenya, Ghana, and Japan to deepen global partnerships.
Energy and Health integration
Recognising the growing importance of sustainability and affordable green energy in healthcare, MI Health is working closely with the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) to align energy and health strengths. Activities included attending the NHS Climate Change Conference in May, co‑developing a strategic collaboration plan, and surveying regional capabilities. We ensured strong health‑sector engagement and presented early findings to academics from all Midlands Innovation partners and NHS representatives. The next phase will involve a series of virtual workshops to prioritise action areas and develop collaborative projects addressing health and environmental challenges.
Research funder and Government department engagement
Building strong relationships with funders and government departments remains central to our work. For the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), we supported their January SME Roadshow and delivered two multi-institutional tours (East and West Midlands) in February and June. Regular Medical Research Council (MRC) engagement has continued to strengthen relationships, and culminated in December with the expanded MRC Midlands Community Visit and a senior stakeholder dinner including Professor Patrick Chinnery and Dr Glenn Wells.
We also raised awareness and showcased regional opportunities to local, regional, and national government, organising the UK Department for Business and Trade Life Science Lead’s visit to the East Midlands in May, and attending Labour Party Conference in October to promote Midlands needs and expertise.
This year, Midlands Innovation and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology launch two bespoke parliamentary fellowships, both in health and life sciences. Chris Hatton supported the Health and Social Care Committee’s Independent Expert Panel (palliative care evaluation), while Nick Moody, hosted by POST and the House of Commons Library, published briefings on treating rare diseases (the challenge of orphan drugs) and NHS productivity.
Collaborative research events and networks
Driving and supporting collaboration has been a cornerstone of 2025’s achievements. A key example is the development of the Midlands Extracellular Vesicles Network and its inaugural conference (March), creating a new platform for knowledge sharing. Another is the HDR UK Midlands Annual Conference (September), serving on the organising committee, coordinating key speaker, assessing early career researcher submissions, and joining a panel discussion. MI Health also hosted a new platform, Midlands Rehab Month (September), promoting 13 events and a showcase seminar to reinforce the region’s commitment to rehabilitation research. The aim is to make this an annual feature going forwards. Sitting alongside our Convenor, Professor Mark Lewis (Chair), to lead the National Rehabilitation Centre Enterprise Board has also furthered impact in this sector.
Midlands Innovation Health network
MI Health has continued to nurture our core network of research development, partnerships, translation, and impact managers across the region. Through monthly online catch-ups and biannual in-person meetings, we sustained a vibrant community focused on sharing best practice, building collaborations, and driving collective impact. A special thank you to these colleagues for their continued support – we would not exist without you.
Current opportunities for 2026 engagement
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on driving innovation, building leading partnerships, listening to communities, and creating opportunities for shared success:
• Health inequalities Community Events and Research Roadshow (2026): Register interest in these activities, including hosting.
• Energy-Health Workshops: Academics, clinicians, NHS staff, local authorities, combined authorities, charities, community groups and industry partners are invited to submit interest in one or more sessions.
• Midlands Extracellular Vesicles Network Annual Conference and Training sessions: Register for the 2026 Annual Conference (16th April), to attend the attached training morning, and/or the virtual EV Transcriptomics virtual session (26th February).
• Collaborative Research Initiatives: Explore partnership opportunities and the potential a regional network.
• Midlands Rehab Month: Register interest to run an event during the 2026 Midlands Rehab Month.
For enquiries or participation:
Email Alex.Archibald@midlandsinnovation.org.uk or visit Midlands Innovation Health.
