Official opening of No.1 BHIC celebrated during Life Sciences Week

“There is something very special developing in the life sciences ecosystem in Birmingham” – Chris Oglesby, Bruntwood CEO

Tuesday 16th September 2025 marked a very special day for the PHTA team as we gathered with Bruntwood SciTech and the University of Birmingham to celebrate the official opening of No.1 Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, as part of the first West Midlands Life Sciences Week.

Hosted by Selly Oak MP and Minister for Veterans Alistair Carns – and with opening speeches from Chris Oglesby (Bruntwood CEO) and the University’s Neil Hanley – the launch brought together industry, academics, clinicians and leaders from across Birmingham’s health and life sciences district, and far beyond.

We were honoured to welcome Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Gail Marzetti, Deputy CEO of NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research), who joined our expert panel alongside Bruntwood’s Director of Life Sciences Kath Mackay and our very own CEO, Professor Gino Martini.

The engaging conversation went far beyond the building itself, focusing on the critical role of partnerships in driving health innovation. The panel also explored how the West Midlands Growth Plan is coming to life and the steps we are collectively taking to promote the region as a global leader in life sciences.

The event was also an opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of NIHR-funded infrastructure in Birmingham – from the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) to the HealthTech Research Centre in Devices, Digital and Robotics – who deliver life-changing clinical trials and practice-changing research day in, day out.

What stood out was the strong belief, shared by all who attended, in the power of the West Midlands’ life sciences sector. An evening full of positivity and optimism – thank you to all who made it happen! (And if you couldn’t attend, contact our team to arrange a tour).