Cross-Sector Hub event set to help advance obesity research and innovation across Scotland
The Academy of Medical Sciences Cross-Sector Hub in Scotland will host its fifth event this December bringing together people from different disciplines and sectors to explore how research and innovation can help address obesity in Scotland
The free event titled ‘Advancing Obesity Research and Innovation in Scotland' will take place in the St Andrews Suite of the 200 Conference & Events venue, located at 200 St Vincent Street, on Monday 7 December.
The urgent need for this type of cross-sector collaboration is underscored by current health statistics.
In Scotland, two-thirds of adults are overweight or live with obesity, while many children across the country are at risk of developing this serious chronic medical condition. Addressing obesity is a major public health challenge that is vital to reducing many other directly related, life altering illnesses including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
To confront this challenge, the event will connect professionals in the health and life sciences with engineers, regulators, policymakers, investors, patients, and the public to explore cutting-edge research and innovation on obesity and its complications—acting as a powerful catalyst for delegates to share expertise, forge important collaborations and discover new opportunities.
The event will be chaired by Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government. She said: “Scotland’s internationally renowned research and innovation ecosystem is well-placed to make progress in tackling the complexities of obesity. By leveraging our deep clinical expertise, we can drive forward everything from real-world deployment of advanced anti-obesity therapeutics to digital transformation and addressing health inequalities.
“Our next Cross-Sector Hub event provides the perfect setting to strengthen connections and enhance our collective ability to attract, support, and deliver flagship studies for this major health challenge.
“It is also a chance to showcase exciting developments as our work with the Academy of Medical Sciences progresses and grows.”
Several prominent speakers in the field will also share their expertise:
- Professor Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine, University of Glasgow and Honorary Consultant, Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Professor Christian Delles, Professor of Cardiovascular Prevention; Head of the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow; and Honorary Consultant Physician with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- Professor Carmel M. McEniery, Research Professor, Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge; Fellow and College Lecturer in Physiology; Director of Studies for Preclinical Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Churchill College, Cambridge
- Professor Bhautesh Jani, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care Research at University of Glasgow, academic general practitioner, and National Clinical Lead, NHS Research Scotland Primary Care Network
The event will include inspiring presentations from early career researchers, a cross-sector workshop on obesity research and innovation, and an ‘Ask the Experts’ session. It will also provide excellent networking and collaborative opportunities through presentations and interactive tasks, with colleagues from across the ‘triple helix’ of NHS, industry, and academia.
Dr Rachel MacDonald, Head of Programmes at The Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “The Cross-Sector Hub aims to enhance interaction across different disciplines. This event presents a great opportunity to connect people working in health and life sciences with those in fields beyond, bringing different perspectives to the shared health challenge of obesity.”
Call for Abstracts
A limited number of short oral and poster presentations are available to all delegates on a competitive basis.
To be considered for these, please submit an abstract of 250 words summarising your work by 16 November 2026.
Please note that if you submit an abstract, you are still required to register for the event.
- Find out more about the event
- Find out more about The Academy of Medical Sciences
Publication date: 10th November 2026
