On Thursday 22^nd May, the South East Innovation Hub (HISES) were delighted to attend the 2025 NHS Lothian Research and Development Conference, held at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh. Organised by Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development (ACCORD) in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, this year’s conference centred around the theme “The Evolving Landscape of Clinical Research in NHS Lothian.” HISES were also invited to host an exhibition stand to connect with attendees and showcase the Innovation Hub role in fostering healthcare innovation across the region.

We enjoyed an exciting conference programme  showcasing the value and future of R&D in Scotland, the value of working with industry, some Lothian-led clinical research projects and a number of oral presentations following abstract submissions.

The day featured a range of presentations and discussions with over 10 inspiring and influential speakers.

The programme opened with a warm welcome from Professor Alasdair Gray, NHS Lothian’s Research and Innovation Director, setting the tone for a day packed with insights and ambition. In the first session, we heard from senior NHS leaders such as NHS Lothian’s Chief Executive Professor Caroline Hiscox, who highlighted the critical value of research to NHS Lothian, and Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Scotland’s Chief Scientist for Health, who presented a compelling vision for research-enabled innovation.

Session 2 explored the growing importance of collaboration with industry. Speakers covered a range of groundbreaking work—from cancer and vaccine trials to the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Highlights included insights from Dr Rebecca Sutherland on vaccine research and Professor Michelle Williams on AI-powered diagnostic tools.

During the afternoon’s research showcase, five selected projects gave fascinating glimpses into emerging clinical studies, including maternal health, drug overdose treatment, and AI forecasting in inpatient care. This session truly reflected the diversity and depth of research talent across NHS Lothian.

The final session focused on advanced therapies, with presentations on innovations in haematology, paediatric neurology, and the exciting MND SMART platform—an ambitious approach to tackling motor neurone disease through adaptive trials.

Throughout the day, poster sessions and networking breaks provided opportunities to connect with clinicians, researchers, and innovators working across NHS Lothian and beyond. The conference closed with remarks from Professor Alasdair Gray, who also awarded prizes for the best poster presentations.

The day was an inspiring showcase of innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of research in shaping the future of healthcare across Scotland. We’re excited to bring these insights back to our work and continue contributing to a more innovative, patient-centred NHS.

Poster & Presentation Slides

Conference Posters and Speaker presentation slides can be viewed here https://www.accord.scot/about-accord/nhs-lothian-rd-conference-2025

(Please note that you will only be able to view those posters and presentations where the author has given permission).