This programme, led by Innovate UK, enables consortia of businesses, academics and other organisations to build networks of expertise in regulatory science and innovation across emerging technology sectors throughout the UK. The networks will develop regulatory science-based tools underpinning smarter, more agile regulation for new products, services and treatments.
The programme comprises two strands: one focused on healthcare, the second on all other economic sectors and innovation areas.
Human health strand
Innovate UK and MRC partnered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Office for Life Sciences to support the development of seven Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs). The centres will shape regulatory pathways across diverse healthcare sectors, bringing innovative treatments to patients faster.
The seven CERSIs are:
- the Digital Transformation of Medicines Development and Manufacturing CERSI, led by University of Strathclyde, to accelerate the adoption of digital tools in medicine development
- the UK Regulatory Innovation Network for Advanced Therapies, led by Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, to streamline regulation of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
- the Regulatory Science Empowering Innovation in Transformative Digital Health and AI CERSI, led by Brunel University, to safely maximise the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) powered healthcare solutions
- the Centre of Excellence on In-silico Regulatory Science and Innovation, led by University of Manchester, to integrate evidence from computational models into the regulatory process
- the Clinical Evaluation & Assessment for Regulation of Diagnostic tests CERSI, led by Psephos Ltd, to help create safe availability of diagnostic tests for patients
- the Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation in AI & Digital Health Technologies (CERSI-AI), led by University of Birmingham, to optimise the regulation of AI and digital healthcare technologies to ensure innovations are safe and effective for patients
- the Centre for Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics, led by University of Liverpool, to develop guidelines for using pharmacogenomics in practice and attract further investment in this area
Non-human health strand
The non-human health strand is an Innovate UK core-funded investment, funding 11 Regulatory Science & Innovation Networks (RS&INs) across sectors ranging from biofilms to agri-robotics, through to digital products regulation.
The 11 networks are:
- Regulations to Ensure Sustainable Circular Use at End-of-Life for Wind, led by Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, to explore regulatory drivers and barriers in the recycling of materials from end-of-life wind turbines
- RetroNetZero Regulatory Science and Innovation Network for unlocking Adoption of Innovation, led by Building Research Establishment Ltd, to advance regulatory science to help policymakers regulate housing retrofit technologies
- Bio-based and Biodegradable Materials Regulatory Network, led by Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association, to advance regulation and create business growth opportunities for BB materials
- Biofilm Alliance: A Network for Regulatory Sciences, Academic Research, and Industry Collaboration, led by University of Southampton, to address challenges in regulatory science which hinder advancements in biofilm control technologies
- Regulatory Science Network for Innovative Aquaculture, led by Esox Biologics Ltd, to design a framework to link aquatic DNA with disease monitoring
- Agri-Robotics Regulatory Network, led by UK Agri-Tech Centre Ltd, to help optimise regulation and standards governing UK agri-robotics
- Novel Foods Regulatory Expert Network, led by Reading Scientific Services Ltd, to look at Novel Food regulation, which could provide smoother pathways for swift market entry of new technologies and products
- Life Cycle Assessment Regulatory Science & Innovation Network, led by University of Sheffield, to strengthen Life Cycle Assessment, a method of evaluating environmental impacts of products and materials
- IBC-Net, led by UK Agri-Tech Centre Ltd, to overcome regulatory hurdles in insect bioconversion (the process of using insects to break down organic waste into protein for animal feed, oils or fertiliser)
- Advanced Regulatory Innovation Eco System, led by Ideaonomy Ltd, to develop an AI-based digital platform to support regulators
- Digital Products Regulatory Innovation Network, led by Oxford Brookes University, to help strengthen quality of products sold online