Scotland is a world leader in Life Sciences, with internationally recognised expertise in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, diseases of the central nervous system and regenerative technology. The sector is worth in excess of £3 billion annually to the Scottish economy.
The Scottish Life Sciences landscape can be divided into a range of sub-sectors, including the areas of Stem Cells, Medical Technologies and Bioinformatics. These areas are highly innovative, with strong technological developments a key feature shared amongst the majority of the Life Science community. The global medical technology market, driven by factors such as the ageing population and rising cost of healthcare, is estimated by Scottish Development International to be worth in the region of £300 billion by 2015.
Life Science applies to sport with regards to both public health, and to the performance of elite sportsmen and women. The 2008 Scottish Health Survey highlighted cardiovascular diseases, namely coronary heart disease and stroke, as two of the most common causes of death in Scotland. These areas are a key focus of Life Science research and expertise across Scotland, and the impact of physical activity in reducing the onset of these conditions is recognised by policy makers.
The development of our elite athletes also benefits from emerging Life Science expertise. Research within areas such as biomechanics, physiology and nutrition, and the use of innovative equipment and techniques for motion analysis and computer simulation modelling all contribute towards the production of world class athletes.