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A major new report has highlighted an urgent need for 145,000 new hires in the UK life sciences sector by 2035 to sustain its global leadership. The Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth report, published by the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and its partners, calls for urgent investment in training and reskilling to meet the growing demand.
Of these 145,000 roles, 70,000 will be newly created positions, while 75,000 will be required to replace departing workers. Dr Kate Barclay, a skills strategy consultant at BIA, emphasised the increasing importance of workforce readiness, particularly as the sector expands into AI-driven drug discovery and data-led research.
Science Minister Lord Vallance, who contributed to the report, underscored the significance of life sciences in the UK’s economic strategy. He described the sector as a “key pillar” in the country’s industrial growth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the £108 billion industry.
The report urges collaboration between industry and government to enhance training pathways, ensuring the UK retains its competitive edge. With life sciences playing a crucial role in healthcare innovation and economic growth, addressing the skills gap is essential for the sector’s long-term success.
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