The study of life, of organisms and cells, of how humans work and think, is critical to human survival and development. The vast field of Life Sciences, built on centuries of discovery and innovation, has enabled us to control deadly viruses like Tuberculosis, synthesise lifesaving hormones like insulin, and transplant vital organs, saving countless lives. 

Scotland’s formidable legacy in Life Sciences includes Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, Ian Donald’s utilisation of ultrasound for obstetrics which is now used in many fields of medical diagnostics, and the Roslin Institute’s cloning of Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal from an adult cell.

Scotland’s Life Sciences community is one of the largest in Europe & Scotland today is home to over 700 companies specialising in Life Sciences, and is a global centre of research and development in key sectors including Digital Healthcare, Animal Bioscience, Regenerative Medicine, Industrial Biotechnology, Medical Technology and Pharmaceutical science.

Scotland is home to pioneering companies such as Optos who have developed technology to scan the human eye for disease, and Touch Bionics who create bionic hands for amputees. Inventions such as these are changing the lives of thousands of people, across the world.

The work in Scotland’s laboratories, fisheries and businesses is fundamentally supported by the world class research and education in Scotland’s Universities. The Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance pools knowledge and research, ensuring collaboration is at the heart of all developments. Scotland’s 8 Innovation Centres ensure the latest techniques in big data analysis can be applied to aquaculture and medicine.

In Scotland, Life Sciences bring together healthcare professionals, academics & researchers, and the thriving Scottish private sector. It is rare in the modern world that an idea can develop from a single entity - international collaboration and creating connections is essential.

SCOTLAND'S LIFE SCIENCES COMMUNITY: