The Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham join a £20 million investment to help public health agencies combat COVID-19 and future pandemics.

A new approach to testing for coronavirus (COVID19) is to be trialled by researchers here at the University of Leicester, which could determine whether a person is infectious or not – even before symptoms are present. If successful, the approach could greatly simplify large scale screening for the virus and curb the spread of the disease.

Researchers will use simple, low cost face masks which are adapted using 3D printed strips that can trap exhaled microbes whilst the mask is worn for 30 minutes.

Using the adapted mask to screen for coronavirus could allow very large groups to be checked at once, potentially helping to curb the spread of the virus and avoiding long stays in quarantine.

For further details see: https://le.ac.uk/news/2020/february/28-coronavirus-masks

Universities in Nottingham have today supplied 16 machines to support the national effort in the fight against COVID-19.

A new report has been launched, which highlights the critical importance of the Medical Technologies (MedTech) sector to the Midlands economy.

The report focuses upon the nature and scale of the MedTech sector, its contribution to the regional economy, what Midlands businesses need to achieve growth, and barriers faced.

Hatch Regeneris has undertaken an assessment of the nature and scale of the Midlands MedTech, its contribution to the regional economy, what MedTech businesses in the Midlands need to achieve growth and increased productivity, and the barriers they face in achieving this.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to share your thoughts and support the Midlands Medical Technologies sector! Click HERE

It is fantastic to see the Midlands well represented in successful stage 1 Strength in Places Fund awards. Industry driven Research and Innovation for patient benefit and productivity uplift is core to these programmes. MHI and its partners fully support these initiatives.

The government’s new Life Sciences Sector Deal, published today (5th Dec 2018), highlights the significant role that the Midlands plays in the UK’s Life Sciences sector.