The event consisted of talks and roundtable discussions focused on 5 key areas: IT (including laboratory management systems), digital pathology and AI, cellular pathology, blood sciences and the pharmaceutical sector. Delegates were predominantly a mix of industry representatives and College fellows.

President’s address

Dr Bernie Croal, College President, opened the event with a keynote address that highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the many difficulties and challenges facing healthcare, pathology, laboratory medicine and patient outcomes. He emphasised the many benefits that diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies can gain through working in partnership with the College and vice versa.

Dr Croal gave examples of possible joint initiatives, such as educational activities, and encouraged delegates to share further ideas and aims for future College–industry collaborations.

Industry speakers

A series of speakers working in a wide range of pathology-related sectors then took to the stage. The CEO of the British In Vitro Diagnostics Assocation, Helen Dent, and the Association of British HealthTech Industries’ Executive Director for Diagnostics, Nishan Sunthares, both gave talks on the title ‘The importance of industry and the profession working together for the benefit of healthcare’.

This was followed by an example of where such an approach has been applied successfully in practice. Dr Michael Eden, RCPath Clinical Director for Patient Safety and Quality and a consultant histopathologist, presented his work on automating steps in the cellular pathology laboratory in partnership with the company Axlab. Axlab’s UK Lead, Matt Anderton, also spoke about the benefits of working collaboratively with a process-based approach to solve specific problems in the journey of a cellular pathology specimen.

The morning session also included fascinating talks from Professor Carel Le Roux on the Europe-wide project ‘Innovative Health Initiative’ and on private sector pathology from Sonic Healthcare UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rachael Liebmann OBE.

Exploring the College premises

Delegates then learned more about the College’s award-winning building via a short presentation from Event@No6’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Tiziano Rossi, and tours led by members of his team.

The lunchtime break offered the chance to network and discuss points raised during the morning session, while enjoying the delicious food provided by the talented chef’s team in the Events@No6’s onsite kitchen.

Digital pathology

Professor Darren Treanor opened the afternoon session with an engaging presentation on working with industry in digital pathology. As an early adopter and pioneer of digital pathology in the UK, Professor Treanor discussed his collaborations with various companies to bring digital pathology technology into NHS pathology labs, reflecting on the importance of ensuring success with strong long-term relationships with such partnerships.

He also highlighted how the College’s Digital Pathology Committee has led the way on digital pathology through multi-stakeholder engagement and publication of guidelines and position statements.  

Roundtable discussions

Delegates then participated in roundtable discussion sessions on 5 different topics. These 45-minute discussions on IT (including LIMS), digital pathology and AI, cellular pathology, blood sciences and the pharmaceutical sector were facilitated by experts in each topic area, many of whom had presented talks in the morning session.

Each group discussed key questions, supported by a College staff member who recorded their responses. After the lively discussions, delegates were brought back together. Professor Angharad Davies, Clinical Director for Publishing and Engagement, then invited each facilitator to present the points raised by their group. Several common themes emerged, ably summarised in wrapping-up by Professor Sarah Coupland, College Registrar, in response to a question around the aims for industry in terms of future collaborations with the College, including education, sharing best practice, advocacy and improving automation and efficiency.

The College intends that this event will pave the way for joint initiatives and events that involve industry, College fellows and members in the future. Key points raised during discussions at the inaugural event are informing the areas of focus for the College’s collaboration with industry, which will be guided by a set of principles that ensure such projects are non-biased and transparent.

The benefits to both members and patients will underpin all our work in this area. Further details will be shared with members in the coming months.

We also used the Industry Leaders’ Forum event as a chance to flag the opportunities that our Corporate Membership Scheme opens up for diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies. With increased focus on corporate engagement, the College is looking to involve a wide range of companies in its work. We are also looking to develop longer-term bespoke partnerships with a small number of companies.

Please contact the Corporate and Public Engagement Manager, Penny Fletcher, if you have any comments or questions.

Return to the July 2024 Bulletin

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