East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) is today announcing that its Managing Director Mike Hannay will be leaving the organisation at the end of August to take up the position of Managing Director at a new £23 million Medical Technologies Innovation Facility in the East Midlands.

Working with partners including the NHS, Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) aims to improve patient care by speeding up medical product development and getting innovations to market and into clinical settings as rapidly as possible. There is a real synergy between the aims of facility and that of the EMAHSN which is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England, commissioned by the NHS and the Office for Life Sciences.

The AHSNs work both locally and nationally to spread healthcare innovation at pace and scale – improving outcomes for patients and generating economic growth – which is also the aim of the MTIF project, highlighting how well-placed Mike will be in taking the facility towards its goals. Work has already started on a multidisciplinary research and development building at the University’s Clifton Campus, which will integrate the work of scientists, engineers, clinicians and entrepreneurs, who will work collaboratively to develop products and materials.

A second MTIF building, which will be sited on the Boots Enterprise Zone in Nottingham, will provide access to laboratories, clean rooms, technologies and expertise for processing, prototype development and preparing manufacturing processes. Once launched, the facility is expected to become a major specialist innovation asset within the developing Midlands Engine area.

Mike commented “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the EMAHSN. It’s been great to witness so many great programmes come through the East Midlands and see their successes. There have been some particular highlights including the Atrial Fibrillation (AF) programme which has significantly reduced deaths from AF-related strokes and the growth of ChatHealth a confidential health messaging service that enables young people to contact their local nursing team often at times of crisis in their lives.

“It’s good to know I will be leaving the organisation in a strong position as a significant contributor to the success of the Network’s national programmes. It is also brilliant to see the tangible impact EMAHSN has had on the region’s economic growth by supporting NHS and commercial innovators. I’m pleased to be moving on to a role which will draw on my experience and where I can continue to work alongside such a great organisation. I’m looking forward to leading MTIF in its formative stages and continuing to make a difference to the lives of patients through innovation.”

EMAHSN’s Independent Chair, Martin Hindle said “On behalf of our Governance Board, I would like to thank Mike for his significant contribution over the past three years both to EMAHSN and to the national AHSN Network. On behalf of colleagues, I wish Mike the greatest future success in his new and exciting role.”

Mike joined the EMAHSN in 2016 from ThermoFisher Scientific, where he had worked since 2013 as Vice President for the UK BioPharma Services Division. That role built upon his significant experience both nationally and internationally, including Vice President of Medicines Development at AstraZeneca. During his time as Managing Director at EMAHSN, Mike has also held positions for the national AHSN Network, including Network Chair and is currently AHSN Network Lead for Economic Growth.

The Governance Board will be making arrangements to appoint a successor in the coming weeks.