Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences in Plymouth: A Growing Hub for Healthcare, Research and Innovation

Plymouth is building a strong reputation as a centre for medical sciences, healthcare, clinical research and health technology, creating an exciting opportunity to attract more medical conferences, healthcare events and specialist business meetings to the city.

At the heart of Plymouth's medical sciences sector is Derriford Hospital, part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The Trust is the largest hospital trust in the South West Peninsula and has a strong track record in research and participation in both commercial and non-commercial clinical trials. This provides an important foundation for Plymouth's growing reputation as a destination for medical and healthcare conferences.

A powerful partnership between hospital and university

One of Plymouth's greatest strengths is the close relationship between University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and the University of Plymouth. The Derriford Research Facility sits alongside Plymouth Science Park and close to Derriford Hospital, creating opportunities for collaboration between medical, dental and biomedical researchers, clinicians and industry.

Research at the facility covers areas including cancer, clinical neuroscience, infection, immunity and inflammation, alongside clinical trials, diagnostics and public health research.

This concentration of expertise provides Plymouth with a compelling proposition for medical conferences, clinical research meetings, healthcare symposiums, pharmaceutical events and life sciences conferences.

A growing Medical, Health and Life Sciences sector

Plymouth's medical, health and life sciences industry is already making a significant contribution to the city's economy. The city's Medical, Health and Life Sciences sector includes organisations working across medical devices and diagnostics, biologics and biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and contract research.

The Medical, Health and Life Sciences sector currently supports around 1,153 full-time employees and £140 million in GVA, demonstrating the economic importance of the industry to Plymouth.

The city is also home to a growing ecosystem of health technology and research organisations, linking the expertise of the hospital and university with Plymouth's wider technology, engineering and business community.