Specialist clinical research provider picks Birmingham base, strengthening local life sciences ecosystem
A clinical research company has chosen Birmingham’s Millennium Point for a new facility that will focus on bridging the gap between health companies and the clinical trial population.
Selene Clinical Research, which plans to build a team of up to 30 at the new state-of-the-art health facility over the next three years, will make it easier for national and international research programmes to reach and engage suitable patient populations within the West Midlands.
In particular, the company aims to make it easier for pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms to bring clinical studies to women and children – a demographic that has historically been underrepresented in studies – by developing research delivery pathways built around their specific needs.
Selene’s goal is to make the UK a better place to access, deliver and innovate in clinical research by forming strong partnerships with local NHS providers. This will strengthen the local life sciences ecosystem and increase the region’s visibility among global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking UK research partners.
Selene’s mission is to make clinical research more accessible, inclusive and impactful for patients, healthcare providers and innovators alike. We’re especially focused on breaking down the barriers that women and children face in accessing the latest medical advancements.
With its central location and long-standing commitment to supporting STEM education and innovation across the region, Millennium Point stood out as a natural home for us. Birmingham’s established strengths in clinical trials, diverse population and world-class healthcare institutions also made it the obvious choice for our first UK base, and we look forward to contributing to the city’s strong innovation economy over the coming years.
– Bridie Rowbotham, CEO at Selene Clinical Research
Annabella, the eight-year-old niece of Selene’s CEO, Bridie Rowbotham, was one of the main inspirations behind the company’s formation. Afflicted with a rare eye condition typically only seen in older adults, Annabella has had very limited access to suitable clinical research opportunities in the UK, despite having a clear need. Her family has repeatedly had to travel long distances just to reach the specialist care she requires. There have also been limited opportunities for Annabella to participate in relevant clinical research in the UK.
The centre was officially opened by Professor Helen Higson OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Selene’s CEO, Bridie Rowbotham, and Annabella. It represents the first of six NHS integrated research sites set to be rolled out across the UK.
Millennium Point is located within the 210-hectare Birmingham Knowledge Quarter – one of three key sites in the West Midlands’ flagship Investment Zone. The West Midlands boasts one of the UK’s largest concentrations of clinical trial activity, with over half of the UK’s advanced therapy clinical trials taking place in the region. Its thriving life sciences ecosystem also incorporates a diverse, static population of 6.2 million, a network of over 700 medical device companies, 91 local hospitals and clinics and 35 regional centres.
Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter is turbocharging the area’s appeal to the healthcare sector by building on local strengths in diagnostics, digital and data-driven healthcare. Life-changing science starts here – tapping into Birmingham’s talent, creating specialist jobs by bringing exciting opportunities to our city.
Selene Clinical Research exemplifies the region’s disruptive mindset, and I’m confident that Millennium Point will be the ideal base for them to achieve their growth and innovation goals over the coming years.
– Councillor Roger Harmer, Leader of Birmingham City Council