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A Message from Professor Chris Hopkins, President of the Academy for Healthcare Science

As President of the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS), I extend an invitation to collaborate with your professional organisation in advancing the shared mission of strengthening healthcare science across the United Kingdom. Our collective efforts can enhance information exchange, mutual support, and coordinated responses to sector-wide challenges, including workforce development, training standards, service quality, scientific practice, and regulatory frameworks. Despite the diversity of our scientific disciplines, we are united by a common purpose: safeguarding patient care and ensuring the effective integration of science within clinical pathways.

The AHCS recognises the critical importance of interdisciplinary engagement, from clinical practice to policy development and the potential for harmonising our voices to influence systemic change. This is particularly pertinent in the context of the UK’s evolving health and life sciences landscape, shaped by strategic frameworks such as:

• The UK Life Sciences Sector Plan (2025), which sets out a vision to position the UK as Europe’s leading life sciences economy by 2030 and third globally by 2035. The plan emphasises investment in research and development, advanced manufacturing, and health innovation to drive economic growth and improve health outcomes
• The 10-year Health Plan for England (2025), which prioritises a shift from hospital-based care to community-based models, digital transformation, and a stronger focus on prevention. It seeks to integrate new technologies, medicines, and innovations to deliver equitable, high-quality care and better value for taxpayers
• The Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework (2025) in Scotland, which aims to transform health and social care to be more sustainable, equitable, and person-centred, with a strong focus on prevention and community-based care.
• The Healthier Wales plan for Health and Social Care (2024), which advocates a whole-system approach to health and social care, prioritising prevention, person-centred care, sustainability, and integrated community-based services
• The Three-year strategic plan for health and social care in Northern Ireland (2024), which involves a wide range of initiatives based on three central themes – Stabilisation, Reform and Delivery.

Against this backdrop, the AHCS Professional Bodies Council has developed a Two-Year Strategic Plan that articulates a shared vision to:

• Champion the visibility and leadership of healthcare scientists across all four nations, ensuring recognition at the highest levels of health policy and delivery.
• Strengthen partnerships with professional bodies, the NHS, academia, and regulators to align workforce development, innovation, and service transformation with national health strategies.
• Promote inclusivity and diversity, fostering a unified professional identity across disciplines.
• Advance research and innovation, supporting the adoption of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and data science to enhance patient care.
• Invest in future leaders, providing mentorship and opportunities for early-career scientists.

The UK health system faces unprecedented pressures and transformative change. By applying rigorous scientific principles and evidence-based approaches, we can collectively influence reforms to ensure that innovation translates into improved patient outcomes. The NHS and wider health and social care services urgently require visionary ideas delivered by responsible leaders, professionals like you and your teams.

For engagement, support, or to share your perspectives, please contact me at . You are also welcome to join our networks and mailing lists to stay connected with our initiatives.