A new strategic collaboration between life science clusters from Northern Europe and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is set to open new pathways for companies to engage with the UK’s healthcare and research ecosystem. Life science organisations from Copenhagen, Lund, Hamburg, Kiel, and Oslo have come together to launch the Nordic Virtual Office: a joint initiative designed to provide companies in these regions with direct access to the NIHR and opportunities for collaboration with the NHS and leading UK-based researchers.
A Gateway to the UK Healthcare Ecosystem
The Nordic Virtual Office initiative aims to establish a streamlined access point for local enterprises looking to engage with the UK healthcare and research landscape. By partnering with the NIHR, participating companies will benefit from coordinated introductions to relevant clinicians, researchers, and research infrastructures across the UK.
This support is particularly valuable for companies seeking to generate clinical evidence, validate innovations, and gain critical feedback to further develop products and services. The initiative also offers long-term strategic value: for businesses considering UK market entry, the relationships and insights developed through the virtual office may prove especially beneficial.
Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration
The establishment of the Nordic Virtual Office marks a significant step toward deeper cross-border collaboration between Northern Europe and the UK. This initiative builds on previous efforts within the HALRIC EU program and brings together regional organisations with a shared goal of accelerating innovation and international growth in health and life sciences.
About the NIHR
The NIHR is the UK’s largest public funder of health and care research. Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, the NIHR supports, enables, and delivers high-quality research that improves people’s health and wellbeing, strengthens the NHS, and promotes economic growth.
The NIHR funds a wide range of studies, from clinical trials and public health research to social care and health technology assessments. It also provides the essential infrastructure needed to conduct research within real-world NHS settings. The NIHR plays a critical role in translating scientific discoveries into practice, ensuring that evidence-based innovations reach healthcare providers, policymakers, and ultimately, the public.
How will the virtual office work
The involved cluster organisations will promote the initiative throughout their networks, offering monthly group sessions hosted by the NIHR. These sessions will introduce the services and opportunities available through the Virtual Office and provide an overview of how companies can benefit.
Interested companies will be invited to one-on-one advisory meetings with NIHR representatives. These personalized consultations offer the chance to explore specific needs, discuss ongoing projects, and identify potential pathways for collaboration and access to the UK healthcare system.
All consultations are free of charge and coordinated by the Nordic partner organizations together with the NIHR.
How to Get Involved
Companies interested in engaging with the NIHR through the Nordic Virtual Office can pre-book one-to-one advisory slots during the monthly recurring meetings. These sessions provide companies the opportunity to present their ambitions, discuss development plans, and explore potential collaborations with NIHR experts.
To learn more and book a meeting, please contact Stephan Bouman, Head of Project Portfolio Management, Medicon Valley Alliance
E: stb@mva.org
M: +45 2097 8841