The return of Scotland’s Health Research and Innovation Conference is set to mark ‘a pivotal moment in accelerating a new era of progressive thinking’ for the country’s ambitions.

Scotland’s Health Research and Innovation Conference will take place on Thursday 23 October at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) under the theme of ‘Research Enabled Health Innovation’.

Hosted by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government and NHS Research Scotland (NRS), the event will be a premier meeting point and knowledge exchange forum for researchers, scientists, innovators, healthcare staff, policymakers, industry, and the public.

The conference will encompass everything from the development, adoption, and implementation of next generation treatments, therapies and technologies to the vital role of Scotland’s forward-thinking, dedicated healthcare workforce.

A diverse, impactful programme is planned, reflecting a dynamic, innovative Scotland with the conference including inspiring plenary and thematic sessions, multi-faceted poster showcase, and stimulating exhibition.

The event’s networking opportunities will further help to strengthen existing collaborations and establish new ones between engaged delegates, of which more than 500 are expected to be present.

The conference will celebrate the country’s research and innovation strengths, showcase powerful multi-sector collaboration, and present exciting advancements in how we collectively prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, ultimately improving health and well-being across Scotland.

Scotland’s Chief Scientist (Health) Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak said: “I believe this conference will mark a pivotal moment for Scotland in accelerating a new era of progressive thinking.

“It offers much to look forward to including a strong foundation of inspiring, influential speakers who will set the tone for a memorable day.

“Our impactful programme will underline an ambitious, expansive-minded Scotland looking firmly to the future and harnessing its collaborative expertise to mobilise new models of care for maximum patient benefit.

“After our previous conference success in 2023, I believe this important return marks the leading event of its kind in terms of ultimately delivering advances in healthcare by turning discussion into action.”

She added: “There is so much exciting Scottish activity to explore – from new drugs, therapies and vaccines to robotics, medical devices, digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), precision and preventative medicine, and data – and the direction of travel will be encapsulated by this conference.”

Attendees are invited to:

• Engage with cutting-edge research and innovation through a multi-disciplinary programme, with a wide range of presentations and interactive workshops, alongside plenaries from key opinion leaders
• Be inspired by success stories from leading researchers and innovators, to generate new ideas, processes, and pathways together with a focus on overcoming real world challenges and driving efficient change
• Build networks and hear from the agenda-setters with opportunities to form new collaborations, and engage with a diverse range of delegates, supporting and spearheading advances in health and care
• Present their own research as part of a dynamic, varied programme which will be curated into themed areas offering stimulating presentations, discussion and shared learning, with expert reviewers awarding prizes for the best oral presentation and poster

Attendees will be invited to register for the event in August and to submit abstracts between now and Friday 13 June.

To stay up to date with the conference, sign up to our newsletter or follow on social media channels – X, LinkedIn, BlueSky and Threads. 

This article is written as part of a promotional agreement between NHS Research Scotland (NRS) and Healthcare News Scotland.

More from NHS Research Scotland: Scots patient first to join leukaemia study; Glasgow in ‘significant’ neurology trial; Study reveals keys to public engagement in research; Patients invited to help shape research showcase; Midlothian GP practice champions clinical research; The nurse helping GPs trial ‘tomorrow’s medicine’

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