The region has a wide academic base with connected strengths in health and environmental sciences, a strong record of innovation, and active engagement with local communities. Its established partnerships across universities, healthcare and industry support interdisciplinary research and practical impact.
The central south also plays a pivotal role in developing national expertise in life sciences. The region is already addressing Government priorities set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan and NHS 10-Year Plan and is well placed for further growth and investment.
Find out more
To learn more about the story of the central south, you can read the report by the Southern Policy Centre, produced in collaboration with partners across the region.
The region offers a broad academic base with synergistic health and environmental science expertise, a strong innovation track record, and extensive community engagement.
Regional assets
The central south has significant intellectual capital, including:
- at least 300 innovative life sciences businesses
- 6 universities
- 7 NHS Trusts engaged in community and clinical research
It is home to the National Institute for Health and Care Research regional programme of applied research serving local people (NIHR ARC Wessex).
The region also hosts several national assets, including the:
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre
- National Centre for Computer Animation
- National Oceanography Centre
- Future Photonics Hub
- Responsible AI UK
Sector strengths include medical technologies, health data and artificial intelligence and biomedical research. Innovators in the region are targeting national challenges such as healthy ageing, microbial impacts, adolescent mental health, health inequalities and health and the environment.
Innovators are supported by active networks including:
The region also benefits from trials and evaluation infrastructure across two integrated care systems, including the:
- NIHR Research Support Service
- Portsmouth Technology Trials Unit
- Southampton Emerging Therapies and Technologies Centre
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility
Commercialisation and adoption are supported by dedicated programmes such as the Dorset Innovation Hub, SETsquared, the Southampton Science Park Catalyst Programme, Health Innovation Wessex and the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre.