What is the UKHSA 10-year Science Strategy?
The UKHSA 10-year Science Strategy sets out how the UK Government will prepare and respond to future health security hazards and current threats to save lives. [1]
The new plan, Securing health and prosperity, examines how the UK can utilise its scientific capabilities – including genomics, data science, and diagnostics – to reduce harm, protect livelihoods and strengthen the overall capacity of health security. [2]
Through investment in scientific workforce and fortified ties with industry and academia, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) details ambitions to: [3]
- Predict and anticipate health threats through expert skills in genomics, data science and surveillance.
- Increase understanding of threats to create a more secure environment.
- Bolster scientific evidence to reduce and eliminate health threats.
- Turn scientific evidence and knowledge into practical actions.
- Build on progress made during the pandemic to enhance the impact of science on health and economic prosperity.
What threats are identified in the Science Strategy?
The Science Strategy outlines how the UK faces a wide range of health security threats. These include new and emerging infectious diseases, growing concern around antimicrobial resistance, and public health risks associated with climate change.[4] The severe fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to bolster national health systems and security as well as revealed the significant potential for the UKHSA’s science to protect the public’s health and prosperity for the future.[5]
What are the Strategy’s Priorities and Goals?
As a priority in the implementation of its Science Strategy, UKHSA has already established a new Centre for Climate and Health Security [6]. Its goal is to ensure that we can protect health against the backdrop of a changing climate and environment. This development coincides with a five-year assessment report on the Health Effects of Climate Change.
UKHSA are also creating a Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre that builds on the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. This will help make sure we have the tools we need to protect health and support the delivery of the 100 Days Mission to respond to future pandemic threats. [7]
Is there a role for Partnerships with Industry and Academia?
Yes. UKHSA is working in partnership with industry and academia to advance and expand its role in new diagnostics as well as supporting the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
As an example of this, the Science Strategy states: “Our 10-year strategic collaboration with Moderna will ensure we are better prepared against future pandemic threats, including through an onshore mRNA Innovation and Technology Centre”.[8]
What are the timescales for the Science Strategy?
UKHSA will work towards delivering its strategic vision for science through an operational plan which will be refreshed every 3 years.
Stakeholder’s Comments
Chief Executive of UKHSA, Professor Dame Jenny Harries said:
‘We are already working to continuously protect the public from existing and emerging health threats, but our new strategy will ensure the UK is ready to tackle all current and future health threats quickly and, securing the best health outcomes and greater prosperity for the country.’ [9]
Minister of State at the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman MP added:
‘The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for the importance of health economic resilience and security with big lessons for enhanced pathogen detection, biosecurity, pandemic preparedness and better understanding of the real drivers of health economic resilience.’[10]
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Notes
[1] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA 10-year science strategy launches to secure health and prosperity’, 16 May 2023, link
[2] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA 10-year science strategy launches to secure health and prosperity’, 16 May 2023, link
[3] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA Science Strategy 2023 to 2033: Securing health and prosperity,’ 16 May 2023, link
[4] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA Science Strategy 2023 to 2033: Securing health and prosperity,’ 16 May 2023, link
[6] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA Science Strategy 2023 to 2033: Securing health and prosperity,’ 16 May 2023, link
[7] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA Science Strategy 2023 to 2033: Securing health and prosperity,’ 16 May 2023, link
[8] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA Science Strategy 2023 to 2033: Securing health and prosperity,’ 16 May 2023, link
[9] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA 10-year science strategy launches to secure health and prosperity’, 16 May 2023, link
[10] UK Health Security Agency, ‘UKHSA 10-year science strategy launches to secure health and prosperity’, 16 May 2023, link
