The University of Birmingham has signed a deal with Bruntwood SciTech to take more than 50,000 sq ft of premium space at Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) – joining PHTA as the anchor tenants at No.1 BHIC.
The space will be home to the the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills (B-CASCS), providing students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their practical learning in simulated environments that mirror real-world healthcare settings and scenarios.
Green screens, microphones, cameras and other high-end audiovisual equipment will be seamlessly integrated into mock hospital wards, consulting rooms and a surgical theatre, ensuring an authentic and engaging training experience. This immersive and realistic approach will equip students with the comprehensive practical skills necessary for navigating complex healthcare environments.
The Centre will also provide a high fidelity environment for surgical skills training, with both cadaveric and simulated facilities.
Professor Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham said: “By establishing our Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills at BHIC, we are providing the next generation of healthcare professionals with access to essential cutting-edge facilities. These state-of-the-art resources will enable students and postgraduate trainees to engage in practical learning experiences that mirror real-world healthcare environments.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bruntwood SciTech, as this partnership will drive innovation and deliver impactful healthcare solutions within Birmingham’s leading life science ecosystem. Together, we are creating a dynamic environment that fosters academic and clinical excellence, benefiting not only our students but also the wider community and healthcare industry.”
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills to BHIC, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector in the West Midlands. The Centre represents a transformative opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, providing students and postgraduate clinicians with unparalleled hands-on experience in a simulated environment, and opportunities for co-located companies to access the UK’s brightest healthcare minds.
“This facility fosters a dynamic community where students and businesses can collaborate and drive impactful healthcare innovations. Through partnerships with clinical start-ups, academic leaders, and established enterprises, our ecosystem at BHIC will translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible healthcare solutions. It serves not only as a hub for research and development but also as a catalyst where innovation can flourish and shape the future of healthcare.”
Professor Gino Martini, PHTA’s CEO, said: “We consider training and upskilling to be a business-critical part of what we offer at PHTA, and are excited at the prospect of sharing No.1 BHIC with the University’s medical and life sciences students – many of whom may go on to become entrepreneurs in the sector themselves. We hope that by being co-located with PHTA – where businesses and clinical-academics collaborate to bring healthcare solutions through to patients – students will be inspired to innovate.”
Situated at the heart of a critical cluster of health excellence near the University of Birmingham’s Medical School and several major hospitals, BHIC will accelerate life sciences research and create opportunities for collaborations between businesses, the University and NHS partners. Spanning 657,000 sq ft upon completion of the entire campus, BHIC will integrate cutting-edge research with commercial opportunities, creating a pioneering location for start-ups, SMEs and established enterprises in medtech, precision medicine and digital healthcare. It is being developed in partnership between the University of Birmingham and UK’s largest property provider to the science, technology and innovation sectors, Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
No.1 BHIC is scheduled to open in the coming months, with the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills welcoming its first cohort of students in 2027. The introduction of such a Centre aligns with Bruntwood SciTech’s goal to support the growth of the region’s highly skilled talent, economic growth, attract investment and promote regional healthcare innovation.
