Biospecimen procurement
In the UK and Western Europe, there is a high level of concern about the ethics of trade in human tissue, so brokers find it much easier to source samples in other parts of the world. Read the comment from Robert Hewitt, founder of Biosample Hub
Future engineers
This new breed of data-driven service engineer will be able to identify and fix potential problems with machinery before they cause an issue on the line, and, potentially, before a manufacturer even realises there is a problem. Read the comment from Eddie Storan, Head of Global Service, Domino Printing Sciences.
Cannabis and lab facilities
Further easing of import restrictions by the UK Government will provide faster access to patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines — removing yet another barrier in a market expected to grow in the coming years. The use of legal cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans (CBPMs) is expected to be worth £2.3bn by 2024.
Beyond biologics bottlenecks
Novel biologics provide access to targeted treatments for some of our most pressing medical conditions and meet the needs of an ageing global population. Biologics promise fewer side effects and the first steps towards personalised medicine, but the field is still in its infancy.
Biology without limits
The pharmaceutical sector can trace its roots to the isolation of natural small molecules with biological activity. It was this that drove synthetic organic chemistry and led to the development of a new industry.
Ocean action
Our ocean is under threat. Multiple impacts, ranging from the consequences of climate change – increasing sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, sea level rise and deoxygenation – to poor management practises, damaging gear and overfishing has led to more than a third of known marine species threatened with extinction.
EU leads in plastic pyrolysis
Negative consumer sentiment, regulation and a global focus on sustainability have combined to push plastics sustainability to the fore. Future projections of a circular economy emphasise that a combination of recycled and bio-based resources will serve as a feedstock.*
Contracting post-Brexit
In March 2021, a survey found that 74% of British firms suffer from delays with EU markets. Post-Brexit, anyone entering contracts involving the supply of goods – including chemicals - between the UK and EU member states must think about issues such as the risk of delivery problems if long delays at channel ports continue.
Alternatives for leather
Dwindling demand for animal-based products and growing interest in sustainability are driving innovation in leather alternatives, and now is the time to invest, according to new data from Lux Research: The Next Alternative: Leather. Read more in C&I Magazine.
Plugging the skills gap
Despite more people choosing to study STEM subjects at university, the scientific industry is still suffering from a significant skills shortage. Search Consultancy’s 2021 Skills Shortage Report shows 74% of organisations within the sector are currently feeling the strain, with a shortfall of around 173,000 skilled STEM workers. On average, this leaves business understaffed by 17%.