Living Laboratory HIC Highlights DHVL Launch and Collaborative Successes

Published: 17 November 2023

The Living Laboratory Healthcare Innovation Conference, held at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, was a standout event, marked by the introduction of the Digital Health Validation Lab (DHVL) aiming to fast-track digital health technologies into clinical settings, featuring inspiring talks, diverse exhibitors, and success stories illustrating the DHVL's pivotal role in advancing digital health innovation.

Last week's Living Laboratory Healthcare Innovation Conference at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital was a standout gathering, bringing together over 150 attendees across academia, industry and healthcare.

The event was marked by the introduction of the Digital Health Validation Lab (DHVL), a practical initiative by the Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine aimed at fast-tracking digital health technologies into clinical settings. The DHVL addresses critical challenges faced by health innovators by providing a safe, real-world environment for evaluating your innovation without risk to clinical services. Because there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to validation, the lab provides tailored services for each project’s requirements and is eager to hear about your needs and ideas. The DHVL is open for business and collaboration – fill in this contact form to get involved!

Mike King, the Director of Economic Development at the University of Glasgow, introduced the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID), setting the stage for an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. The GRID's role in fostering a 'triple helix' partnership between academia, industry, and the NHS was underscored, highlighting its pivotal position in the thriving healthcare innovation landscape. The recently announced Health Innovation Hub (HIH), which will eventually house the DHVL, also sits within the GRID.

The keynote addresses, delivered by Prof Dame Anna Dominiczak (Chief Scientist, Scottish Government; Regius Professor of Medicine, UofG) and Prof Chris Carlin (respiratory consultant, NHS GG&C), provided valuable insights at the intersection of science, medicine, and healthcare innovation in Glasgow. Success stories from Causeway Therapeutics, MR CoilTech, Canon Medical Research and Nebu-flow contextualised the success of the local Healthcare Innovation Cluster. Innovators in the health spaces such as Qure.ai, STAC and LightHearted AI Health also shared their positive experiences of working with the DHVL.

Exhibitors, including Canon Medical, Siemens Healthineers, Objectivity, Techscaler, NanoString Technologies and the Glasgow Science Centre, showcased their diverse range of expertise in healthcare technology and diagnostics. GSC’s STEM Futures successful collaboration with the Living Lab team has so far culminated in two precision medicine workshop series for high school pupils in Govan and Glasgow, familiarising students with lab skills and precision medicine jobs and terminology.

The Living Lab and DHVL are progressing a number of opportunities to support innovators and industry that emerged from the conference and look forward to working with these organisations to support their business needs!

Mike King delivers talk on GRID in front of screen showcasing the partnership between UofG, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council, NHS GG&C, The Scottish Government, GOV.UK, Glasgow City of Commerce, Glasgow City of Science and Innovation, Central Govan Action Plan, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow City Region

Prof Dame Anna F Dominiczak delivers talk on precision medicine, standing in front of screen depicting the input, tools, output and value of precision medicine.

Panel discussion including Prof Sandosh Padmanabhan, Prof Julie Brittenden, Dr Neil Patel, Prof Olivia Wu, Janette Hughes, Mark Cook chaired by Andy Smith