Want to see Europe’s health and life science debate unfold live? On 8–9 October, the Copenhagen Life Science Summit brings together top decision-makers, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and patient organisations from across Europe.
The first day of the flagship conference under the Danish EU Presidency will be livestreamed from 9:00 am on 8 October.
Livestreaming from the Copenhagen Life Science Summit (external link)
Livestreaming from the Copenhagen Life Science Summit (on this webpage):
Bold recommendations for the european life science strategy
The aim of the two conference days in Denmark is to deliver bold, imaginative, and innovative input and concrete recommendations for the further development and implementation of the European Commission’s EU Strategy for Life Science – A Strategy for European Life Sciences – Positioning the EU as the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030, published in early July.
The conference programme will reflect the entire health innovation ecosystem – from early ideas to large-scale implementation.
The first day will focus on early-stage translational research, regulatory barriers to clinical trials, and the efforts of research institutions to accelerate innovative health ideas in areas such as personalised medicine and prevention. Topics include models for phasing out unnecessary treatments (low value care), platform trials as a driver for more efficient and improved patient care, and the idea of establishing a European Life Science Council.
- In Denmark and across Europe, we not only conduct world-class research and have a strong tradition of partnering with industry – we also have healthcare systems ready to develop and test new solutions that benefit both patients and society. Europe’s strength in life sciences depends on our ability to translate research into tangible results that can be implemented rapidly and at scale. This conference is designed to support the critical decisions needed to move that process forward, says Rasmus Møgelvang, CEO at Rigshospitalet.
Life science as a growth engine
Drawing on everything the life science sector has to offer – from innovation and research to health solutions, investment opportunities, and export potential – Healthcare Denmark will host the second day of the summit. The focus will be on how life science can become a driver for economic growth, new businesses, and improved competitiveness in Europe.
This day will also place Europe’s health ecosystem in a global context and highlight the importance of a strong approach to collaboration between public and private actors across Europe. The debate will be closely linked to the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass and ambitions to position life sciences as a strategic focus area throughout the EU – in order to enhance and secure Europe’s status as a leading global life science region.
- Europe has all the right ingredients for success – but we need to work more effectively across public and private sectors within the European life science ecosystem and use our resources more wisely. There is massive potential to strengthen Europe’s life science industry. We therefore hope that the Copenhagen conference can become a turning point – not just another discussion of challenges, but the start of a meaningful dialogue that helps shape the future of European life science policy, says Jakob Skaarup Nielsen, Chief Executive at Healthcare Denmark.
Three venues – one integrated conference
The Copenhagen Life Science Summit will begin on 8 October at Rigshospitalet with the event “Invest, Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate”, featuring Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund (M).
On 9 October, the summit will continue at the Maersk Tower with “Life Science: A Catalyst for European Competitiveness”, hosted by Healthcare Denmark with participation from Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov (S).
On the evening of 8 October, Healthcare Denmark will host a reception at Copenhagen City Hall, bringing together all participants from both conference days – with attendance from Danish Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde (V).
Further details about the Copenhagen Life Science Summit, the programme and speakers, can be found here.
The conference is expected to culminate in a set of joint recommendations, aimed at translating ideas into action – demonstrating how we can ensure higher quality care, faster access to innovation, stronger preparedness, and better use of funding, data, and the time of healthcare professionals.
Ministerial statements
Christina Egelund (M), Minister for Higher Education and Science:
- A strong life science sector helps secure jobs, growth, and breakthrough discoveries. But it is also a sector facing intense global competition – and the EU is falling behind. That trend must be reversed! This is why the European life science strategy is a key priority during the Danish Presidency. Europe must attract the best and brightest minds, secure sufficient investment, and provide the optimal framework for conducting world-leading research and innovation.
Morten Bødskov (S), Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs:
- EU competitiveness needs a boost. The world is changing fast, and we are standing on a burning platform. Life science is one of our national and European strongholds that we must prioritise if we are to seize future growth and job opportunities. I look forward to welcoming key European life science players to Danish soil this autumn. Collaboration and dialogue are essential to restoring Europe’s competitive edge.
Sophie Løhde (V), Minister for the Interior and Health:
- Denmark holds a strong position in life sciences, but global competition is fierce. To remain competitive, we need to strengthen collaboration across Europe. It is therefore crucial that we provide the right framework conditions for the life science sector and strengthen the entire value chain at the European level. We must improve competitiveness and boost innovation capacity in the EU through, for example, better use of health data and more cross-border clinical trials – so we can together advance the development of tomorrow’s technology and treatments for the benefit of patients and health systems across Member States.