UKRI GCRF: Ignite Medical Innovation Summit, South Africa, March 2019

UCL’s Academic Careers Office (ACO) and the Translational Research Office (TRO) traveled to South Africa as part of the UKRI Global Challenge Research Fund’s (GCRF) initiative, organised by the ACO in partnership with the Collaboration for the Advancement of Medical Innovation (CASMI), to support cutting-edge research and debate addressing medical challenges faced by developing countries. Taking place in Stellenbosch, South Africa on 26th-27th March 2019, the summit brought together selected world leaders from South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Madagascar and the UK in the fields of medical, health and life science. The goals of the summit were to drive and accelerate change in medical innovation by bringing together and engaging participants in related sectors in immersive debates in order to develop innovative ways of thinking and working to challenge and change the future of medical innovation.

The sessions were led by speakers from organisations across Africa and beyond while the full summit was chaired by Professor Sir John Tooke (Chair of CASMI). Under Chattam House rules, the speakers and 10 participants addressed particular issues that arise when bringing new innovation into a healthcare setting. UCL will be providing further support to Ignite participants and workshop attendees with places in a high-profile executive coaching scheme. Additionally, all Ignite summit delegates were offered Fellowships with CASMI, hosted by UCL but involving a network of individuals drawn from various institutions and industrial as well as academic sectors.

Further information about the Ignite Programme.