NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Accelerated Surgical Care

Keeping on top of Regulatory Standards | BSI & Medilink Webinar
2025-06-09 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Microsoft Teams
The British Standards Institution (BSI) and Medilink will be delivering an expert online webinar in 2025 to update members on the latest regulatory changes for medical technology and to answer specific questions that you may have about these regulations.

Innovation for Healthcare Net Zero - Showcase
2025-06-05 14:00 - 14:30
Embedding sustainability early into an innovation has numerous benefits. Increased chance of investment, higher success for funding and improved success in tenders, to name a few. Join us for a showcase of 4 start-ups who have taken learnings from an Innovation for Healthcare Net Zero Programme run by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (Leeds) and Pd-m, to leverage sustainability as a commercial advantage.

Webinar 2: Building Strategic Partnerships in West Yorkshire
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Microsoft Teams
Webinar 2 will give an overview of West Yorkshire’s HealthTech Ecosystem and talk about how innovators can collaborate with key stakeholders in academia, industry, and the community to support the development, adoption and scaling of their innovations.

Human Factors in Healthtech Innovation
2025-06-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Chilworth Manor, University Parkway Chilworth, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 7PT, United Kingdom
Hosted in conjunction between the Southampton Emerging Therapies and Technologies (SETT) Centre, in Southampton, and the Accelerated Surgical Care Healthtech Research Centre (HRC), in Leeds, this event will bring together leading experts from across the healthtech ecosystem.
The one-day conference will include speakers from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Royal Society, Leeds HRC, the University of Southampton (UoS), and University Hospital Southampton (UHS).
This conference is designed for healthcare innovators, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals looking to deepen their understanding of human factors in healthtech. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insights into user-centered design, regulatory considerations, and real-world implementation challenges in medical technology development.

Key topics include:

The role of human factors in medical device design and digital health solutions
Real-world case studies from leading healthtech projects
Insights from regulatory and funding bodies, including NIHR i4i
Human-centred innovation and clinical adoption strategies
Bridging the gap between research, development, and patient care

Why attend?

Gain expert knowledge from top researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders
Network with key stakeholders in health technology innovation
Discover the latest advancements and best practices in human factors design
Engage in discussions shaping the future of healthtech development

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in healthtech innovation.

Clinical Trial - Baskets, Umbrellas and Platforms and all things Adaptive
2025-06-03 12:30 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
Online. Meeting link will be distributed to the attendees two days prior to the event
Contact us at: ACD.BRC@leeds.ac.uk

Navigating the NHS and West Yorkshire’s Health Ecosystem
2025-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Microsoft Teams
Explore how the NHS operates in West Yorkshire, understand local priorities, and discover how to engage with NHS stakeholders and the wider ecosystem.

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator
2025-05-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Microsoft Teams
This bespoke 12-week programme is designed to help black-led businesses in the UK become investment-ready and scale successfully. With expert-led funding growth workshops, business audits, investor office hours, and tailored investor introductions, founders will gain the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to secure funding and drive sustainable growth.
Barclays have partnered with Foundervine to offer the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator programme, especially designed to champion diversity in entrepreneurship and showcase black founder-led businesses. Foundervine is an award-winning social enterprise with a strong track record of helping entrepreneurs from under-represented communities to start their own business.
This programme includes:

A series of 12 expert-led business strategy masterclasses, focusing on topics such as defining your value proposition, hiring talent, sales strategy, marketing, intellectual property and much more – all designed to set your business on the road to success.
Mentoring and coaching from world-class scaleup experts.
Access to business and networking events.
Dedicated Barclays champions and mentors.
The opportunity to showcase your business to potential clients and investors at a founder showcase at the end of the programme.

No Limits to Innovation: Understanding the UK Funding Landscape
2025-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Microsoft Teams
Join us for a webinar designed to demystify the UK’s diverse funding landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, we’ll guide you through the key financing routes available — empowering you to make informed decisions and move your ideas forward.

Talking Point Tuesdays - Sustainability in the Health Sector
2025-05-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Hybrid Event, United Kingdom
Join us on Tuesday 20th May 2025 at 09:00 AM at The Catalyst for a morning of insightful discussions and networking opportunities. At this exciting event, you’ll learn about how Health and Life Science sector organisations are adopting sustainable practices within their businesses.
We’ll have experts in this field talking about how you use an ESG model for your business and you’ll also hear some health sector case studies that will leave you feeling inspired to do more!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
This event is funded by NIHR and free to attend. Attendance is available either online or in -person at The Catalyst in Newcastle. It is open to nationwide small and medium sized businesses operating in the health and life sciences sector.

Life Sciences Innovation Evenings with Johnson & Johnson
2025-05-19 17:00 - 19:30 | London, United Kingdom
If you’re developing or investing in transformational innovation in the areas of interest to Johnson & Johnson, then this exclusive networking event series is for you.

Hosted by J&J’s external scientific innovation group at the London Innovation Centre on 28 April, 19 May and 16 June, you may register to join one of these three dates while seats are available.
The evening will feature a brief introduction highlighting Johnson & Johnson’s key areas of scientific interest and collaboration models across the pharmaceuticals and medical technology sectors. After the introduction, attendees will have the chance to connect with fellow innovators and J&J representatives during a networking session.
Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot for the date you wish to attend. We look forward to fostering connections and inspiring conversations that drive innovation in our industry.

Who is this event series for?

These events are intended for emerging companies and early-stage innovators developing pharmaceutical assets, novel therapy or medical technology products in the areas of interest for J&J (click here for pharmaceuticals and MedTech). Innovators in the data sciences, digital health, drug discovery and development, or platform technology areas are also welcome. Stakeholders with a portfolio of start-ups, such as VCs, TTOs or incubators are encouraged to attend.
Suppliers, service providers or other professional services companies are out of scope and their registrations will not be accepted.

What is J&J’s external scientific innovation group?

Our goal is to help life science and health technology innovations thrive through collaboration and partnership with the global ecosystem, so that together we can change the trajectory of human health. The group works across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors to accelerate early-stage, transformational solutions by catalyzing the best ideas, wherever they are in the world. We do this by harnessing our deep scientific capabilities coupled with a wide range of tools, including customized deal structures, company creation, incubation and start-up services, capital investments and other innovative business models that aim to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, scientists and emerging companies.

The Hive Network Event
2025-05-14 09:00 - 15:30 | Horizon Leeds, Kendall Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JR, United Kingdom
Join Us at The Hive Network Event!

What is it?
In collaboration with the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, the West Yorkshire Innovation Hub, and the NIHR Yorkshire & Humber Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), the Hive aims to bring together a diverse range of people to co-create and drive forward a shared vision for research and innovation. This inclusive approach ensures that every voice is heard, fostering a network that is equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. The Hive network is a vibrant networking platform, open to all staff within West Yorkshire.
Why Attend?
Learn about our system-wide plans for research and innovation, and how we are working to ensure inclusivity at the core of all we do. The network will provide attendees the opportunity to help shape and design the West Yorkshire research and innovation network and future Hive events through interactive activities.
Who is it for?
The Hive event is designed for a diverse audience with interest in research and innovation. By bringing together varied perspectives, we aim to collaboratively shape the future of our research and innovation network. Your participation is crucial in driving forward our shared goals and ensuring an inclusive approach to healthcare innovation.
As part of the event, we are hosting a World Café session, providing a platform for individuals and organisations to showcase their projects, insights, and experiences in research and innovation.
If you have been involved in research and/or innovation projects, innovative initiatives, or impactful work in this field and would like to present, discuss, or share your journey. Please complete the expression of interest form via the link and the Hive Team will be in touch: https://forms.office.com/e/nNSBPFggbh

Clinical Academics in Training Annual Conference
2025-05-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square,, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH, United Kingdom
CATAC is a cross-speciality conference for all aspiring clinical academics currently working in the UK. We use the term “clinical academics in training” to refer to any early-career researcher in medicine or health, with clinical backgrounds in medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, veterinary sciences, physiotherapy, radiography, or any other clinical profession.This unique event brings together clinical academics from across disciplines to present their work, and to develop their networks with each other and senior researchers.
CATAC 2025 will be held on Thursday 8 May at Leeds City Museum.

Innovation in action: Inside NICE's HTA Lab
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Microsoft Teams
Join us to hear about NICE’s Health Technology Assessment Innovation Laboratory (HTA Lab), which was launched in June 2023 to test and develop creative solutions to complex problems in health technology assessment.
Learn about our past and current projects, future plans, and how we fit into the voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access, and growth (VPAG) investment programme.

‘How digitalisation increases health inequities’
2025-05-06 17:30 - 18:30

NWSTC Surgical Workshop Sandpit Day.
2025-05-02 09:00 - 16:00 | University of Liverpool, The Library Room - Liverpool Guild of Students, Liverpool, L3 5TR, United Kingdom
We are delighted to share the details of the upcoming North West Surgical Trial Centre (NWSTC) – Surgical Workshop Sandpit Day.
‘Bring your ideas to the table’ an opportunity for you to discuss any trial ideas you may have, as well as learn from the experts.
This event is aimed at all surgical specialities and all grades.
Tickets for this event are FREE but a £30 deposit will be required when registering for the event, which will be refunded upon participation to the day.
Please note, you can still attend the event without paying but you will NOT be catered for. Please bring your own refreshments and lunch.
Don’t miss this opportunity, get your tickets today!

Agenda

09:15-09:45
Registration with tea & coffee

09:45-10:00
Prof Michael Jenkinson – RCSEng and University of Liverpool Chair of Surgical Trials
Prof Cliona Kirwan – RCSEng and University of Manchester Chair of Surgical Trials

Welcome

10:00-10:30
Dr Girvan Burnside – Reader in Medical Statistics

Trial Design

10:30-10:35
Questions

10:35-11:05
Mrs Michaela Brown – Speciality Lead Statistician

Defining the research question

11:05-11:10
Questions

11:10-11:40
Refreshment Break

11:40-12:10
Prof Michael Jenkinson – Professor of Neurosurgery

The BASICS Principle – Creating impact from your trial

12:10-12:30
Questions and prep for sandpit sessions

12:30-14:00
Lunch break and networking

14:00-14:30
Prof Andrew Schache – Professor in Head & Neck Surgery

The role of TXA in free flap surgery

14:30-14:35
Questions

14:35-15:30
All – Group Participation

Sandpit Session – Bring your ideas

15:30-15:50
All – Group Participation

Feedback

15:50-16:00
Prof Michael Jenkinson and Prof Cliona Kirwan

Close to the day

Student engagement event: is a career in research for me?
2025-05-01 10:00 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
Are you curious about research? Want to become more involved but don’t know where to begin and what opportunities are available to you?
If you are a student or recent graduate in health and social care, are considering a career in research, or just want to know more, you are invited to register for this virtual event. The day will look to inspire and attract students to a career in research, providing an introduction to what a career in research entails, and highlight the benefits of research within health and social care.
By the end of the day, you will have a clearer understanding of the many opportunities to get involved in research, why research can benefit your career and hear from inspirational speakers and peers about how they got into research

Nexus Connect: Health Innovation and Regulation
2025-04-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Nexus Leeds, Nexus at Leeds University, Discovery Way University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AA, United Kingdom
Want to connect with like-minded people in business, technology and academia?
Nexus Connect invites you to come together with the regional innovation community. Enjoy refreshments, a lively panel discussion and meaningful conversations.
This time, we’re talking about health innovation and regulation in the health-tech sector. Our expert panel will discuss their personal accounts of the regulatory system together with challenges, solutions and potential collaboration opportunities.
You’ll walk away with contacts and advice that’ll last much longer than an afternoon.
Who’s it for?
Nexus Connect is open to anyone with an interest in innovation and collaboration, regardless of role, seniority or sector.
We welcome:

All Nexus member businesses

Entrepreneurs and professionals, at all levels, from innovative and tech-led businesses

University of Leeds academics and professional staff

Methods for Evaluating Models, Tests and Biomarkers (MEMTAB) international conference
2025-04-29 08:00 - 2025-05-01 17:00 | University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
MEMTAB is the leading international conference about methods to evaluate models, tests & biomarkers for healthcare. It allows debate & dissemination of best methods for developing, evaluating & identifying reliable models, tests & biomarkers for use in clinical practice.

In 2025, for our 7th International conference, we return to the University of Birmingham and raise the conference theme: “Methodology That Stands the Test”.
We want participants to push our understanding of what constitutes the research evidence needed for models, tests and biomarkers to be reliably endorsed, communicated and deployed in practice.

How to build public trust in Secure Data Environments
2025-04-28 10:00 - 13:30 | Nexus Leeds, Nexus at Leeds University, Discovery Way University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AA, United Kingdom
Join the LIDA Health Committee for an insightful debate on Secure Data Environments (SDEs). These platforms allow researchers from both public and commercial sectors to securely access and analyze patient data. The recently released Sudlow Review highlights the importance of SDEs and recommends developing a UK-wide framework for their standards and accreditation, emphasizing the need to maintain public trust.
But what is ‘public trust’ and how can the conditions for its flourishing be embedded into policies and technical standards? Is the goal of cultivating ‘public trust’ in a secure and audited platform appropriate, or should we focus on engineering out the need for trust through robust technical controls? Just who/what are we trusting, and what are we trusting them to do? Join us for an engaging discussion with experts from diverse fields, including applied ethics, patient advocacy, and health technology.

NIHR i4i Webinar: Call for Innovations to Reduce Waiting Lists and Times
2025-04-08 15:00 - 16:30 | Microsoft Teams
The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme is a translational research funding scheme aimed at supporting SMEs to de-risk early-to-late stage innovative technologies for ultimate use in the NHS or social care settings.
The NIHR i4i Programme will launch a commissioned funding opportunity on the 9th of April 2025. We are inviting applications to enhance timely access to care through the development, clinical validation and/or real-world evidence generation of transformative and disruptive innovations.
Offering uncapped funding per project over a 24-36 month period, its primary aim is to support the development of innovative health technologies aimed at reducing waiting times and waiting lists for individuals in need of care, in any setting.

Talking Point Tuesdays - Digital Health Tech
2025-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Hybrid Event, United Kingdom
Join us on Tuesday 8th April 2025, at 09:00 AM at The Catalyst for a morning of insightful discussions and networking opportunities. At this exciting event, we’ll dive into the world of digital health tech and explore new cutting edge digital health technologies that are solving unmet needs in the Health and Life Sciences sector.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
This event is funded by NIHR and free to attend. Attendance is available either online or in -person at The Catalyst in Newcastle. It is open to nationwide small and medium sized businesses operating in the health and life sciences sector.

Workshop on AI and data driven methods for Health Challenges Invitation
2025-04-03 09:30 - 15:00 | University of Leeds, Parkinson Building, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming workshop designed to foster collaboration and the development of interdisciplinary research ideas for external grant applications that address Health Challenges (details of the challenge areas listed below).
Event Details:
Date: 3rd of April 2025
Time: 09:30-15:00
Location: TBC on campus at the University of Leeds.
About the Workshop:
There are huge opportunities in developing and applying AI techniques to health challenges, ranging from using tools to analyse MRI images, applying physics-inspired machine learning to understand blood flow in the heart, through to analysing population-level health data and informing the design of better cities to reduce air pollution. These are just a few examples—there are many more exciting areas where AI can make a difference in health. The workshop will explore a wide range of opportunities and challenges, including ensuring AI methods are safe, reliable, and equitable in situations that can directly impact people’s health.
Who Can Participate:
We are looking for Leeds academics and clinicians with expertise in;
· fundamental or applied research that is applicable to challenges in health;
· AI tools, techniques and methods that can be applied to health challenges;
· exploring new ways to solve health challenges, especially those with access to relevant data.
Participants should be able to commit to the full duration of the workshop and a follow-up support session and be planning to submit an external research grant application in the next 12-18 months. If you are a clinician interested in the workshop but unable to commit to the full duration, please let us know.
Benefits to taking part: The opportunity to develop new and existing collaborations; dedicated time with experienced facilitators to help develop interdisciplinary research ideas; support for the preparation of grant proposals based on developed ideas.
The agenda for the workshop is attached for your reference.
Register online by the 27th March. Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration.
If you have any questions, please contact Bharat Pokhrel b.pokhrel@leeds.ac.uk.
Health Challenge Areas:
· Challenge area 1 – Transforming early prediction and diagnosis:
o Tools to advance earlier diagnosis and detection of disease – developing novel tools, including cutting-edge AI-driven technologies, non-invasive sensors, devices, and advanced medical imaging, to enhance early diagnosis and disease detection through improved image visualization and interpretation.
o Novel techniques for patient specific diagnosis – new methods for recognizing abnormal data patterns and leveraging advanced digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, modelling, simulations, and digital twins, alongside data analytics, to predict susceptibility to illness.
· Challenge area 2 – Improving population health and prevention:
o Population models: developing new tools and technologies, such as AI-driven models, to analyse population data and support communities and health professionals. By leveraging advancements in machine learning, these tools can predict variations in disease phenotypes at individual and population levels and forecast infectious disease spread, offering valuable guidance and early warnings.
o Predictive approaches to a healthy society: developing novel tools and technologies, such as digital twins, to model wellness and understand normal health. It involves creating systems to monitor disease, detect deviations, and identify risk factors. By harnessing digital technologies and data analytics, these tools can discover indicators of susceptibility, stratify at-risk groups, and support personalised interventions to help individuals stay healthy and avoid complications.
o Engineering healthier environments: advancing research on smart cities, assistive technologies, robotics, and AI to transform the built environment into a proactive tool for health and wellbeing. This includes preventing infection spread, redesigning spaces to promote wellbeing, and creating future living environments.

SurgTech 2025
2025-04-03 08:00 - 2025-04-04 17:00 | Queens Hotel, New Station Street City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 1PJ, United Kingdom

NHS Net Zero 2025
2025-03-27 09:30 - 14:30 | Microsoft Teams
The NHS Net Zero online conference will focus on the NHS’s commitment to becoming the world’s first net-zero healthcare system by 2040. This event will bring together healthcare leaders, sustainability experts, and policymakers to discuss strategies for reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability across the NHS. Key topics include reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare operations, adopting sustainable energy solutions, greening supply chains, and encouraging eco-friendly clinical practices. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming challenges in the transition to a net-zero system, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and the role of digital technology in achieving sustainability goals. This conference is essential for those looking to drive environmental change within the healthcare sector.

HealthTech Leeds Launch
2025-03-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Nexus Leeds, Nexus at Leeds University, Discovery Way University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AA, United Kingdom
Welcome to the HealthTech Leeds Launch!
Join Nick Plant & the new directors of HealthTech Leeds (formally Centre for HealthTech Innovation) Ruth Wilcox, Hemant Pandit, and Christoph Walti.
Meet and hear from researchers in HealthTech from across the university, learn about and have your say on the new programme of activities launching to bring more opportunities to forge connections and develop your research.
Keynote address and talks to be followed by a breakout workshop(3-4pm) focused on developing connectivity across our areas of research strengths.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert in the field or just curious about the intersection of health and technology, we’d love to see you there!

Women in IP - Connected Bubbles
2025-03-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Horizon Leeds, Kendall Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JR, United Kingdom

NIHR Developing Research Leaders Programme for Allied Health Professionals - Information Webinars
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Microsoft Teams
This programme provides funded time for you to explore your own ways to build research capacity and capability in your organisation, and to develop a positive research culture in support of your team, service and organisational priorities.
You will use your knowledge, skills and personal experiences to motivate and enable others to get involved in research activities that help improve health and care outcomes.
We are looking for motivated AHPs from various health and social care backgrounds who aspire to develop as research leaders, are good at connecting with others, and who bring fresh ideas to drive a positive research culture.

NIHR webinar: Approaches to Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) - Thursday 20th March at 11.30am
2025-03-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Microsoft Teams
NIHR are hosting a webinar on Thursday 20th March at 11:30am aimed at anyone funded or applying for an NIHR Award, as well as staff accountable for public involvement in their research projects/ roles.

The webinar will cover:
• NIHR’s definition of PPI
• Public Partnerships Strategic Commitments
• The importance of involving members of the public in research
• Expectations of PPI in NIHR
• Different approaches in PPI

Register here

NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre Online Seminar Series: Tips for a Successful Grant Application
2025-03-19 12:30 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
We are delighted to host the NIHR Leeds BRC Seminar Series on the topic “Tips for a Successful Grant Application” on Wednesday 19th March 2025 from 12:30 to 13:30.

Please sign up using the link below by this Monday 17th March 2025, 10 am:
https://forms.gle/FC9ygTPYNtDcyQ4V6

Please see the flyer for more information.

The meeting link will be distributed to those who have signed up on the day before the event.

The sessions will be recorded. Recordings will be available about a couple of weeks following the event on our YouTube channel using the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@nihrleedsbiomedicalresearc4165/videos

Shaping the Future of Healthcare
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and organisations and businesses that can adapt and innovate will lead the way. Discover how academic partnerships can create new pathways for growth and expansion in the healthcare sector. These partnerships have the capacity to generate and sustain business growth, leading to improved competitiveness, process improvements, productivity, and ultimately profitability.
In this webinar, we will:

Outline the steps to connect with academic institutions, including NHSA universities, and highlight Innovate UK funding opportunities and ways to access pioneering health research that can drive innovation in your business or organisation.
Teach you how to collaborate with leading academic institutions, tap into their expertise, and explore the funding required to bring your health-related products and services to market.
Share how academic partnerships can create new pathways for growth and expansion in the healthcare sector, helping you bring your health-related products and services to market.
Provide key contacts to facilitate future interactions and foster innovative collaborations.
