Life science research and development in 2026: A shift from global hubs to regional clusters
As the first quarter of 2026 ends many of the trends expected to shape the life sciences sector are beginning to take form. At the beginning of the year, Deborah O’Neil, Chair of ONE Life Sciences and ONE BioHub, shared her predictions for the year ahead, highlighting the growing importance of place-based research and development and the shift from traditional global research innovation hubs to regional clusters, such as ONE BioHub in Aberdeen.
North East Scotland boasts a rich history of life sciences innovation. From the development of the first full-body magnetic resonance imaging scanner, to the discovery of Staphylococcus aureus, and its role in surgical infections, the region’s scientific legacy is one of global influence.
Today, Scotland, in particular the north east, is rising to meet the challenges posed by modern science. To translate world-class research into high-growth, investor-ready companies, the country is adopting a bottom-up approach to commercialisation, empowering regional innovation ecosystems to build globally competitive businesses and sustain long term investment.
Spin-outs including TauRx Pharmaceuticals, Elasmogen Ltd, Brigid Bio, Mycobiologics and NovaBiotics Ltd showcase the region’s capacity to translate scientific innovation to real world impact, exemplifying the north east’s growing reputation as a driver of a more productive, innovation led economy.
Forecasting and exploring the key trends, opportunities and challenges for the life sciences industry in 2026, Deborah’s predictions have been published in Drug Discovery World, Select Science and SCRIP.
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A key theme highlighted across Deborah’s comments is the proximity of academic excellence, industrial capability and translational focus as the driver of recent cross-disciplinary advances. With competitive operating costs, the ability to scale complex technologies for global markets, and access to an experienced, highly skilled workforce, the emerging ecosystem surrounding ONE BioHub is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for investors. Coupled with the unique advantage of Scotland’s integrated NHS, often described as a ‘living laboratory’, providing opportunities to accelerate innovation into clinical settings and shorten development timelines, the region is exceptionally well positioned to help shape the next decade of life sciences growth.
There are already signs that this shift towards place-based innovation is gathering pace. In Scotland, the Government launched a refreshed Life Sciences Strategy aimed at growing the sector to £25 billion by 2035, reinforcing the importance of regional ecosystems that connect research, healthcare and industry. You can read Deborah’s commentary on the strategy, published in MedNous, here. In London, plans continue for an £880 million Barts Life Science cluster ensuring collaboration between the NHS, academia, and industry and creating a health innovation hub.
If this momentum continues throughout the year, 2026 will be looked back on as one of the pivotal periods in redefining regions at the forefront of the life sciences landscape, including north east Scotland.