Phase 1 of Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge a success
This month, the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office (CSO) announced the successful completion of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge: Phase I. Prof. Alexander Baldacchino is the clinical lead on the initiative, which is jointly funded by the CSO and UK Government Office of Life Sciences. NHS Fife manages and administers the scheme on behalf of Health Innovation South East Scotland (HISES) Innovation Hub. Honorary Prof. Frances Quirk has also been closely involved through her role as Assistant Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge at NHS Fife.
A total of 11 projects were funded to collaborate with Test Bed Research Partners across the UK to develop technology solutions aimed at reducing drug deaths. This work was informed by extensive consultation with subject-matter experts, healthcare professionals, and those with lived experience of substance use. Innovations ranged from digital platforms to direct those at risk to emergency services to wearable biosensors to identify physiological signs of overdose. The teams behind these projects will now have the opportunity to apply for Phase II funding to support the development, testing and validation of their ideas for up to 12 months.
Congratulations to all involved! Read more
