New Northern Ireland partnership launched to drive health innovation and economic growth

October 7, 2026 The Belfast Desk 0 Comments

A new partnership bringing together Northern Ireland’s health service, universities, businesses and government has been launched with the aim of improving health outcomes and boosting economic growth.

Northern Ireland health innovation partnership representatives at the launch of the Academic, Health and Economic Partnership — Dr Paul Rice, Department of Health; Professor Ian Bruce, Queen’s University Belfast; Mike Farrar, Department of Health Permanent Secretary; Christine Robinson, Department for the Economy; Jonathan Patton, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust; and Tom Keith-Roach, AstraZeneca UK. Credit: Department of Health

The Academic, Health and Economic Partnership (AH&EP) was formally launched at NICON 2026.

Turning research into patient care

The initiative is jointly led by the Department of Health and Department for the Economy and is designed to help translate Northern Ireland’s health and life sciences research and clinical expertise into practical improvements.

It will bring together health and social care, academia, industry, government and communities to develop, test and expand innovations.

The partnership will identify priority health challenges, support the development and testing of new approaches and seek to accelerate the adoption of proven solutions across health and social care.

Health innovation linked to economic growth

Department of Health Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar said Northern Ireland faced significant challenges including increasing demand for services and a growing burden from long-term conditions.

He said the region also had significant strengths, including its integrated health and social care system, research expertise and innovative businesses.

Christine Robinson, Deputy Secretary of the Department for the Economy’s Economic Policy Group, said life and health sciences represented one of Northern Ireland’s greatest economic opportunities.

The partnership aims to attract investment, support local businesses and create high-value employment while improving services for patients.

Northern Ireland is seeking to strengthen its position as a location for health and life sciences investment, with the partnership intended to create a more joined-up route between research, development and the adoption of new treatments and technologies.

External Link: Academic, Health and Economic Partnership (AH&EP)

Other Health news: iPHARMA investment of £11.7m to boost medicines innovation in Northern Ireland