The launch of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) community consultation 2024 marks a crucial step in reviewing the Forward Look for UK Bioscience.
This important document will underpin BBSRC’s strategic direction over the coming decade.
A community empowered
Central to the Forward Look consultation is a commitment to gathering insights from all corners of the bioscience research and innovation ecosystem, including:
- academics and researchers based at UK universities and institutes
- business leaders and industry professionals
- entrepreneurs and innovators
- government officials and policymakers
- industry end users
- international partners and stakeholders
- investors
- public engagement specialists and educators
- research technical professionals
- third sector organisations
- wider general public
By inviting this diverse community to share their views, BBSRC will ensure that the refreshed Forward Look accurately reflects the collective priorities and values of those at the forefront of bioscience research and innovation.
Maximising the power of bioscience
Bioscience isn’t just a field of study. As a cornerstone for innovation and transformation, it has the capacity to help us better understand the wonderful complexities of life.
But this formidable force does so much more. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to re-imagine what’s possible.
However, with great potential comes great responsibility. As the UK’s major public funder of bioscience research and innovation, BBSRC has an ambitious vision to advance the frontiers of biology to deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future.
This demands a carefully considered and well-executed investment portfolio that successfully leverages the diverse and interdisciplinary strengths of the UK bioscience ecosystem.
The Forward Look for UK Bioscience is the blueprint that guides us towards realising our vision. It underpins our strategic direction, aiding decision-making to ensure we invest wisely in a portfolio of discovery-led and larger-scale research programmes that address some of the most urgent societal needs.
Driving UK prosperity
BBSRC’s revised Forward Look will also respond and contribute to the delivery of key government priorities.
By investing in world-class people and ideas, we will boost productivity, enhance job creation and stabilise growth across vital UK economic sectors.
Building on strong foundations
Since publishing BBSRC’s first Forward Look for UK Bioscience in 2018, the research and innovation landscape has evolved at pace.
Rapid scientific and technological advancements, coupled with socio-economic changes worldwide, mean now is the opportune time to re-evaluate BBSRC’s future direction of travel.
Moving forward, the refreshed Forward Look will continue to act as BBSRC’s guiding framework.
Reflecting new ideas and shifts in focus highlighted by the community during the consultation period, it will foster creativity and conceptual advance across UK bioscience in the future.
BBSRC’s unique role as a trusted strategic partner will also remain unchanged. Over the next decade, we will identify, facilitate and enable research and innovation across a breadth of disciplines, sectors and countries.
The voice of UK bioscience
The community consultation runs from 25 July to 20 September 2024. It offers stakeholders a unique opportunity to have their say on an array of topics and themes, including:
- new approaches and breakthroughs in bioscience
- emerging and advancing technologies
- interdisciplinary collaboration, connectivity and partnerships
- societal, environmental and economic challenge areas
- current and future priorities
- barriers to progress
- working with BBSRC
Looking forward
Following the consultation, insights will be gathered and analysed by BBSRC in collaboration with its strategy advisory panels and Council.
The refreshed Forward Look for UK Bioscience is scheduled for publication in 2025.
A roadmap for success
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said:
I am thrilled to launch this consultation, which puts the UK’s vibrant bioscience community at its very heart.
BBSRC’s future priorities must reflect the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.
We will achieve this by drawing upon our collective experiences and insights to create a shared roadmap for the future.
Our shared roadmap will unleash scientific discovery and innovation to address some of the most complex challenges facing global society, driving economic growth and fundamentally improving the quality of life for all.
Have your say
Find out more about BBSRC’s Forward Look for UK Bioscience and take part in the 2024 community consultation.
Send your questions and queries to forwardlook@bbsrc.ukri.org
Top image: Credit: Wirestock, iStock, Getty Images Plus