In June 2023, the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union called for reinforcing, accelerating, and maximizing the benefits of fair and open research data in Europe, within scientific communities and through research infrastructures, to increase the overall research and innovation performance in Europe and strengthen the outreach to and impact on industry and society.

The call (Lund Declaration) was made in conjunction with a conference in Lund, ‘The potential of research data – how research infrastructures support new opportunities and benefits for the society.’ This was opened by the Swedish Minister of Education, Mats Persson.

From a Medicon Valley perspective, I can only agree and reinforce ‘that we have so much going for us in this area,’ as Vice-Chancellor at Lund University, Erik Renström, said in the subsequent welcome address. He explained how the two giant microscopes (MAX IV and ESS) open new avenues for innovation in material science and life sciences and highlighted how the Hanseatic Life Science Research Infrastructure Consortium (HALRIC) is enhancing collaboration at the infrastructures by connecting universities, hospitals, science parks and private enterprises throughout Scandinavia and down to the Hamburg Area.

In addition to these large research infrastructures, Medicon Valley is also home to complementary infrastructures at the universities and hospitals, with which new technologies and methods to answer medical research questions can be developed.

The Research Infrastructures are far from being used to their full potential. This can lead to missed opportunities for innovation in the Life Science sector.”

However, the Research Infrastructures are far from being used to their full potential. This can lead to missed opportunities for innovation in the Life Science sector. In a global and extremely competitive R&D landscape untapped potential equals missed opportunities. By the end of the day this is missed opportunity for growth and also less innovation benefitting patients and society.

That is exactly what HALRIC wants to change by facilitating 75 pilot projects during the coming three years, involving collaboration with the Research Infrastructures. Medicon Valley Alliance plays a key role as one of the 21 project partners working to make this happen, especially when it comes to ensuring industry involvement in about half of the projects.

To achieve this, we need to make more life science companies aware of the Research Infrastructures and how they can offer opportunities and new approaches for the companies’ R&D journeys, including advanced know-how and technology for sample production and preparation.”

To achieve this, we need to make more life science companies aware of the Research Infrastructures and how they can offer opportunities and new approaches for the companies’ R&D journeys, including advanced know-how and technology for sample production and preparation. By doing so, we will also “light the beacon” and further establish not only Medicon Valley but the Nordics as a go-to place for cutting-edge life science R&D.

The coming Fehmarn belt fixed link is another strong argument to develop joint strategies around resources and expertise in the ÖKS-Hamburg region. HALRIC is therefore also working to establish a forum for strategic life science discussions and Medicon Valley Alliance is excited to take part in this development with other partners such as the City of Hamburg, Region Skåne and Medicon Village Innovation AB.

I hope this column has served as an appetizer and will help boost curiosity in regard to our valuable Nordic research infrastructure and it’s potential for the life science industry. I know the HALRIC consortium is eager to answer whatever questions you might have!

This column was originally written by Niels Abel Bonde, Chairman, Medicon Valley Alliance, for NLS magazine No 03 2023, out September 2023

Photo of Niels Abel Bonde (Photographer: Ida Wang) and illustration of the proposed Fehmarnbelt tunnel entrance on the Denmark side (Credit: Femern A/S)