UNITED KINGDOM – The University of Liverpool has entered into a strategic collaboration with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This MOU aims to drive research and innovation that will enhance health outcomes locally and globally.
This partnership brings together the University’s expertise and Roche’s mission of advancing healthcare to address both regional health inequalities and global health challenges.
The University of Liverpool and Roche Diagnostics have a rich history of working together across key research areas such as Biomarkers, Population Health, Automation, and Digital Health.
One notable example is the collaboration led by Professor Sarah Coupland, Head of the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group.
Over the past five years, her team has partnered with Roche on an InnovateUK project involving multiple universities.
This project focuses on developing advanced digital pathology algorithms for the early detection of rare eye cancers, contributing to a unique national Digital Bioresource for rare ocular tumours.
Advancing innovation and health in Liverpool
The MoU represents a significant step toward expanding collaboration in research and innovation.
Together, the University and Roche aim to leverage the potential of the Liverpool City Region’s Health and Life Sciences sector.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the NHS and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to promote economic development and improve health outcomes through joint projects, research centres, workforce development, and programmes.
One major focus is the collaboration between Roche Diagnostics and the University’s Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL).
This partnership will launch the world’s first design studio dedicated to maximising the impact of real-world diagnostic solutions for population health.
By integrating biotech and data science, this initiative will enhance healthcare delivery and ensure more prosperous, healthier communities in the region.
Driving research to improve lives
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Formalising our collaboration with Roche Diagnostics strengthens Liverpool’s role as a hub of health innovation.
Our shared values make this partnership especially impactful, as it supports both healthcare improvements and the city’s economic prosperity.”
Professor Iain Buchan, Director of CHIL, highlighted the goal of addressing health disparities: “By working with Roche, we will find new ways to diagnose conditions sooner, focusing on vulnerable patients who often lack access to timely testing. Leveraging NHS data, we aim to improve early testing and patient care.”
Chris Hudson, Director of Access and Innovation at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, remarked on the potential of the partnership: “This MoU represents a major milestone in advancing life-saving research and fostering innovation.
By combining our strengths with the University of Liverpool, we are excited to drive real-world solutions that will have a lasting impact on global health.”
The MoU was signed at the Materials Innovation Factory during a celebratory event attended by key stakeholders from the University, Roche Diagnostics, LCRCA, and various research and industry groups.
