About the Medicine, Health and Life Sciences sector

The Medicine, Health and Life Sciences sector includes a wide range of disciplines aimed at improving human health and advancing clinical practices. It covers areas such as clinical medicine, public health, allied health professions, psychology, neuroscience, biological sciences, and agricultural, food and veterinary sciences.

In terms of Life Sciences, Wales is a leader employing over 13,000 people across 280+ companies, with a £2.8 billion turnover. With strengths in Medtech, Diagnostics, Wound Healing, Regenerative Medicine, and Cell Therapy, the sector benefits from world-class academic expertise and a dedicated Life Sciences Hub, exporting 75% of its output globally. Find out more here TAG

The Food and Drink aspect of this sector in Wales is vibrant and strong, with a robust supply chain, skilled workforce, and innovation centres like the Advanced Manufacturing Centre Wales and Aber Innovation. Home to global brands like Kellogg’s, Unilever, and AB InBev, Wales offers cost-competitive property and industrial land, making it an ideal location for growth.

imfographic of Life Sciences sector includes high level statistical information kn strengths in Wales
An external view of a university alongside a path lined with greenery.

Life Sciences Infographic, Trade and Invest Wales , Bangor University 

Medicine, Health and Life Sciences University strengths in Wales 

Collaboration between industry, academia and the Welsh Government work together to make things happen. We have the right business support and the agility to make decisions quickly. Here are just some of the sector strengths across our academia.

  • World leading facilities and expertise within the biotechnology, agri-tech and drink sectors – Innovation and Enterprise Campus, Aberystwyth University
  • Human Sciences Research – Bangor University
  • School of Medical Sciences and School of Health Sciences - Bangor University
  • European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute – Cardiff University
  • Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute – Cardiff University
  • Systems Immunity Research Institute – Cardiff University
  • Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, and the University’s Health and Human Performance Global Academy - Cardiff Metropolitan University 
  • Health Innovation – Swansea University
  • Health and Wellbeing research group – University of South Wales
  • Institute of Sport, Health, and Exercise - University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)

Many of these universities collaborate with the Welsh Government through Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), which fosters innovation in healthcare and social care research.

Wales Conference Ambassadors in The Medicine, Health and Life Sciences sector

  • Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus, Aberystwyth University
  • Dr Nic Hooper, Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University 
  • Dr Petros Mylonas BDS MMedEd PhD SFHEA, Clinical Lecturer in Restorative & Primary Care Dentistry at Cardiff University and a member of British Endodontic Society, Cardiff University 
  • Dr Lee Parry, Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at School of Biosciences, Cardiff University Joint Lead Personalised Prevention at Wales Cancer Research Centre
  • Dr Liba Sheeran, Reader, Director of Innovation and Impact, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University
  • Dr Katie Webb, Professor of Medical Education and an IHI Improvement Advisor at the School of Medicine Cardiff University
  • Dr Matthew Turner, FRCA, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Gwent and Grange University Hospitals
  • Mr Arwyn Watkins OBE, Managing Director, Cambrian Training Company and President, Culinary Association of Wales
  • Professor Martin Steggall, Pro Vice Chancellor Research, University of South Wales  
  • Dr Biao ZengLecturer - Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales  
1 / 7
Profile picture of Dr Lee Parry.

Dr Lee Parry - Joint Lead Personalised Prevention at Wales Cancer Research Centre & School of Biosciences, Cardiff University

2 / 7
bio image of Dr Shubha Sreenivas, Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Biological), Wrexham University

Dr Shubha Sreenivas - Psychology (Biological), Wrexham University

3 / 7
bio image of Professor Paul Mullins

Professor Paul Mullins, Professor of Neuroimaging, School of Hum and and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University

4 / 7
bio image of Professor Katie Webb, Professor of Medical Education, Cardiff University

Dr Katie Webb, School of Medicine, Cardiff University.

5 / 7
Profile picture of Dr Rhian Hayward MBE.

Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus, Aberystwyth University

6 / 7
Bio image of Dr Beverley Pickard-Jones

Dr Beverley Pickard-Jones, Psychology & Sport Science, Bangor University

7 / 7
bio image of Biao Zeng, Lecturer in Psychology, University of South Wales

Dr Biao Zeng, Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales

Get in touch 

If you are a trade or specialist association or professional society. If you work for a not-for-profit or charitable concern.  If you lead a commercial business or specific industry group. Or if you work in an academic setting alongside international colleagues, we would love to hear from you.

You can email, telephone us or complete our online enquiry form on our ambassador Wales homepage. 

Email: ambassadors@meetinwales.co.uk

Telephone: +44 02921 661018

University contacts and capacities 

Related stories