UCL delegation strengthens ties in Japan for healthcare innovation

Representatives from UCL Translational Research Office (TRO) visited Japan as part of the UK life sciences delegation this October, generating leads for future healthcare innovation collaborations.

Dr Catherine Perrodin and Dr David M. Collier, Senior Business and Innovation Managers at the UCL Translational Research Office (TRO), represented UCL as part of the UK life sciences delegation in partnership with MedCity to participate in BioJapan 2024 in Yokohama and the UK Life Sciences Symposium in Tokyo. 

At the UK Life Sciences Symposium, attended by over 150 stakeholders from the pharmaceutical, SME, and healthcare sectors, Dr Perrodin and Dr Collier presented UCL’s partnership opportunities, with a particular emphasis on UCL’s strengths in neuroscience, oncology, and its world-leading portfolio of cell and gene therapy trials. The event was also attended by the UK Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG. 

The delegation then attended BioJapan 2024, Asia’s largest partnering event and biotechnology exhibition, where they connected with industry representatives from Japan and beyond. They interacted with key stakeholders, including the Life Science Innovation Network Japan (LINK-J), the UK Department for Business and Trade, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). 

Japan has been one of UCL’s key allies since 1863, with longstanding collaborations across universities and industries. UCL’s strategic alliance with its Japanese pharmaceutical partner exemplifies successful global collaboration. The visit also included participation in a UCL alumni event to connect with our community in Japan, alongside Professor Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), and site visits to six partnering companies and healthcare R&D facilities in Japan. 

This visit reflects UCL’s commitment to developing real-world health solutions through a partnership approach, positioning it at the heart of a global innovation ecosystem encompassing research, clinical trials, and commercialisation. With a unique ecosystem backed by world-renowned scientists, multidisciplinary experts, nine partner hospitals, and three NIHR Biomedical Research Centres, UCL is well-poised to be a global powerhouse of biomedical research and an innovation collaborator. 

The trip concluded with many positive leads for future collaborations. The TRO looks forward to further fostering innovation and collaboration within Japan’s healthcare ecosystem. 

Photo 1: Dr Catherine Perrodin and Dr David M. Collier, Senior Business and Innovation Managers at the UCL Translational Research Office (TRO), presented at the UK Life Sciences Symposium in Tokyo, attended by over 150 stakeholders from the pharmaceutical, SME, and healthcare sectors. 

Photo 2:  
Dr Catherine Perrodin and Dr David M. Collier, Senior Business and Innovation Managers at the UCL Translational Research Office (TRO), represented UCL as part of the UK life sciences delegation in partnership with MedCity to participate in BioJapan 2024 in Yokohama. 

Read more: 

• In Drug Discovery Today: Advancing novel therapies for neurodegeneration through an innovative model
• Eisai and UCL confirm an extension of the Drug Discovery and Development Collaboration Agreement
• UCL and Eisai celebrate 10 years of a strategic partnership to tackle neurodegenerative diseases 
• Celebrating 160 years of UCL-Japan friendship 
• Strengthening UCL’s Partnerships in Japan

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