Science Bridges: Bradford-China Programme for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medical Technology

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The programme focusses on the development of products aligned with the strategic priorities of both the Chinese and British governments in their respective health delivery policies and associated industries (e.g. diabetes, infection control, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical devices). Its overall purpose will be to provide effective solutions to these needs. Outcomes are expected to be new therapies, enhanced biomaterials and medical devices, and the application and validation of processes to accelerate the discovery and commercialization of new drugs/ medical devices. We have two major Themes: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medical Technology. In the first Theme, emphasis will be placed on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in the second Theme, materials for biomedical applications, and related devices. All the programme activities will involve Bradford-based teams (strengthened by other UK universities, Health Services and companies whenever appropriate) and identified leading Chinese universities and organisations. Building on existing strong links between UoB and Chinese academia, we aim to accelerate product invention, design, and development through stimulating open innovation between the UK and China, for Pharmaceutical Sciences - particularly drug discovery and delivery - and Medical Technology, meeting aligned needs of the UK and China. This will be addressed by three main activities: (i) an Open Innovation project scheme to develop prototypes and products, (ii) reciprocal training programmes based on the two Themes, and (iii) developing state-of-the-art knowledge and commercial networks. We will also provide means for managing exploitation of the outcomes.Each Theme is associated with leading research and KT areas in Bradford: Pharmaceutical Sciences [pharmaceutics, bioimaging (www.ipi.ac.uk) and drug discovery & development (www.cancer.brad.ac.uk)] and Advanced Materials Engineering [polymer engineering (www.polyeng.com), part of the internationally leading Polymer IRC]. Over the past 2 years these groups have developed an exciting third area of combined research, Healthcare Technologies - including a recent joint Chair in Pharmaceutical Engineering Science, and collaborative research and commercialisation projects (see Track Record). All three R&KT areas have extensive but developing (and sometimes connected) links with leading Chinese Universities and co-operative organisations such as Medilink Y&H Ltd, which is taking a major lead on behalf of UKTI on health technology partnerships with China, to help regional high technology companies, including SMEs, develop opportunities and products.