Collaboration driving pharmaceuticals growth
15 Sep 2016
A report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) reveals the number of apprenticeships within the sector doubled in the two years between December 2013-2015.
The report also shows the number of undergraduates on placement in pharmaceutical companies increased by 42% over the same period.
Collaborations and partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions are the driving force behind this growth, the ABPI said.
It’s encouraging to see an increase in the number and variety of partnerships, both to support the next generation of researchers, scientists and manufacturers and to help find the medicines and treatments of tomorrow
Malcolm Skingle, chairman of the ABPI Academic Liaison Expert Network
Malcolm Skingle, chairman of the ABPI Academic Liaison Expert Network, said: “Collaborations are important for industry, institutions, and individuals. By working together ideas and expertise are able to flow and result in an array of benefits for all those involved.”
For companies, Skingle said partnerships could support more efficient and successful drug development, reduce risk associated with investing in innovative research, or provide greater access to graduates.
For academics, he said partnerships could increase access to specialist data and equipment, job prospects, and a greater understanding of real-world and industrial challenges.
“It’s encouraging to see an increase in the number and variety of partnerships, both to support the next generation of researchers, scientists and manufacturers and to help find the medicines and treatments of tomorrow,” Skingle said.
Elsewhere in the report, it is revealed that more than 550 PhD students are currently being supported by pharmaceutical companies in the UK.
However, that is a decrease overall from 646 to 552.
