Overview

Innovate UK is working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to deliver a grant funding programme directed towards sustainable medicines manufacturing initiatives. This is to promote efficiency and reduce waste and emissions within the pharmaceutical sector. These efforts align with government and industry net zero goals, supporting the sector’s environmental commitments while enhancing the UK’s global competitiveness.

Of the £80M funding for the programme, up to £50M will be invested into “Grand Challenges” - large-scale collaborative research and development (CR&D) awards of up to £10 million, to develop and demonstrate at scale innovative sustainable medicines manufacturing technologies delivered by at least three partners across the medicines manufacturing supply chain.

We define sustainable medicines manufacturing as the process of producing medicines in a manner that minimises environmental impact, conserves natural resources, and ensures economic and social sustainability. This approach focuses on reducing waste, energy consumption and emissions, while enhancing efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. It also includes the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that promote the long-term viability of the medicines manufacturing industry.

Speaker

Mark Talford, Deputy Director, Innovate UK

Mark Talford has over 20 years of experience in research and innovation posts in industry and academia. Beginning his career as a lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bradford, Mark joined BNFL, and later British Nuclear Group, Sellafield following the closure of Bradford’s original course. As a Senior Technical Advisor to the Waste Vitrification Plants Mark was responsible for the delivery of a multi-million-pound annual programme of process improvement research from both UK and overseas contractors.

In 2006 Mark joined Britest Ltd, becoming Technical Director in 2012 and CEO in 2018. At Britest Mark was involved in the scoping and delivery of several pharma, speciality and fine chemicals collaborative innovation projects including the EU F3 Factory and SYNFLOW programmes and the UK AMSCI ReMediES and ADDoPT projects, as well as supporting a variety of pharma and non-pharma MNC’s and CDMOs develop and implement novel primary and secondary manufacturing processes using the Britest process understanding toolkit.

He joined the Innovate UK Medicines Manufacturing Team as Deputy Director in February 2021, where he has overseen the delivery of programmes including the Medicines Manufacturing Challenge Fund, Transforming Medicines Manufacturing, and most recently the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme. A chartered Chemical Engineer, Mark holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in polymer process modelling from the University of Bradford.

Adrian La Porta, Technical Director, Bryden Wood

Chartered Chemical Engineer with design and project management experience concentrated in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sector. Interests include innovation in plant design and service delivery and sustainable process design. Experience encompasses nuclear decommissioning, wastewater treatment and gas processing. Specialties: Active pharmaceutical ingredient plant design. Engineering services business management. Concept and front end design development.

Adam Hawthorne, ISPE UK Board / Senior Engineer

Adam Hawthorne is a Biochemical Engineer with extensive experience in Advanced Therapies, Biopharma, Biotechnology, Lab Design, and both Primary and Secondary Pharma. Adam has played pivotal roles in facility design and project delivery, contributing to significant process and program improvements across Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK.

Adam's professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation. They have led and supported numerous projects, demonstrating a keen ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive technological advancements. In addition to their professional achievements, Adam is an active volunteer within the engineering and life sciences communities. They serve as a Committee Member for IChemE Biochemical Engineering and hold multiple roles within ISPE, including Board Member and Professional Organisation Liaison/Board Sponsor for Sustainability for the ISPE UK Affiliate, as well as Committee Member for the ISPE Southern Region.

The material presented in this webinar has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Pharma Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.