Dundee has been recognised in Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards, with city researchers and spinouts among the finalists
- Andrew Batchelor
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Dundee’s reputation as a centre for science and innovation has received another significant boost as researchers and spinout companies associated with the University of Dundee have been named finalists at the 2026 Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards.
These national awards celebrate leadership, new ideas, and real-world effects in Scotland’s life sciences sector.
This year’s submissions reflected a sector that is growing in confidence and ambition, placing Dundee in the spotlight once more.
Four finalists from Dundee have been announced across various categories, showing the wide range of work coming from the city.
The categories include recognition for new talent, innovation in animal health, teamwork with national regulators, and projects focused on sustainability that aim to improve health services.
Among those shortlisted is Dr. Andrew Woodland, recognised in the Rising Stars category for leading the Dundee spinout companies Tay Therapeutics and Hawkhill Therapeutics.
Innovation in animal health has also been recognised through RHAPSEDA Animal Health, a Dundee spinout created by Professor Helge Dorfmueller.
Additionally, a significant collaborative project between PhaSER Biomedical and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has been shortlisted for its impact.
Sustainability is another area where Dundee is making a difference. DesignHOPES, a collaboration started in the city, has been shortlisted for its work in using design-led innovation to support greener and more sustainable health services.
Several of the finalist companies operate from the University’s Life Sciences Innovation Hub.
Dundee’s life sciences legacy has also been acknowledged with the nomination of the Abbott Group’s Dundee site in the Outstanding Skills Development category.
This site originated as Shield Diagnostics, a Dundee spinout founded in 1982, demonstrating the city’s longstanding role in developing skills and expertise.
Dr. Paul Davies, Vice-Principal of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, noted that this strong representation is another sign of the city’s growing influence.
He called Dundee one of the UK’s leading centers for life sciences, with researchers, graduates, and spinouts significantly contributing to Scotland’s health and economy.
The Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards will take place on 12 March 2026 in Glasgow, alongside the first Scotland’s Life Sciences Conference. With so many finalists tied to the city, Dundee will arrive not just as a participant but as one of the key success stories in Scotland’s life sciences sector.
