Inaugural meeting January 24th 2024 : 09.30 to 10.30

Online

The vision for this special interest group is to create a forum for companies producing diagnostic technologies which involve the application of sensor systems and/or detection of biological interactions. 

Biosensing for diagnostics is a critical and ever-evolving field in the realm of healthcare and biotechnology. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and technologies aimed at detecting and measuring specific biological markers or molecules through the detection of biological interactions within the device.  These technologies are most often found in point-of-care applications, for example blood glucose monitors or lateral flow devices.  These technologies are designed to provide valuable information about the patient's physiological state, allowing for early disease detection, disease progression tracking, and personalized treatment strategies.

One of the fundamental aspects of biosensing for diagnostics is the development of highly sensitive and specific sensors that can detect a broad spectrum of biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and metabolites. These are designed to interact with the biological sample, like blood, urine, or saliva, and generate a measurable signal, typically electrical or optical, in response to the presence and quantity of specific biomarkers. This information can then be interpreted by healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about a patient's health, enabling rapid diagnosis and facilitating the choice of the most appropriate treatment regimen.

The target membership will focus on companies from across the UK and include the larger well-established companies and the small spin out companies who are creating new innovative devices.  The membership will be open to academics who feed in new technologies to the sector and NHS clinical and research staff how would be end users of the technology.  Diagnostics and biosensing is a very large area and within this special interest group several themes would be identified, such as: Rapid diagnostics including home diagnostics, wearables, point of care testing, diagnostics for infectious diseases and high throughput diagnostics

The SIG aims to provide: unique networking opportunities with industry peers, access to cutting-edge insights and knowledge, and the chance to collaboratively address shared challenges.  Serving as a hub for fostering collaboration on initiatives that directly address the unique needs of our industry. Members will enhance their visibility and recognition within the sector.

Agenda

·         Introduction and welcome

·         Purpose and objectives

·         Industry presentations – CPI, 3 SMEs

·         Interactive feedback

·         Next steps and closing remarks