Phil Carvil
Head of Clusters (NW), UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council
For the last couple of years Phil has had the pleasure of working with colleagues and stakeholders in developing High-Tech. regional innovation clusters, in key strategic sectors for the UK. This includes setting up and leading the North West of England’s Health and Life sciences Cluster (HealthTech) and establishing other clusters in sectors such as Space.
The clusters exist to connect key capabilities between stakeholders, national science facilities and innovators in the wider ecosystem to support collaboration, cross-sector innovation and community building.
A scientist by background, he undertook a PhD for the European Space Agency at King’s College London, conducting numerous studies on a SkinSuit which was designed to support astronauts in space and reduce the risk of spinal issues post flight. This has subsequently been used on several astronaut missions.
Passionate about cross sector opportunities, including Health & Space, for 5 years he coordinated the UK’s Space Life and Biomedical Science Association, which among other core activities he led the development of the UK Position Paper ‘Why Space? The opportunity for Health & Life Science Innovation”. He currently chairs the UK’s Regional Space Cluster Advisory board and at a European Level serves as the elected President for the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA).
