The Government has appointed industry expert Steve Bates OBE as the new Executive Chair for the Office for Life Sciences.[1] In his new role announced on 22 July 2025, Bates will act as an ambassador both domestically and internationally for the UK life sciences sector.
The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a cross-Government unit which drives policy and delivery in the Life Sciences sector, supporting the Government’s ambitions on economic growth and improved health that sit at the heart of the Government’s Plan for Change.[2] The OLS is currently overseen by the Health Secretary and Technology Secretary but will now also report to the Business Secretary.
Bates is a recognised industry leader, having served as CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association since 2012. He sits on the UK Life Sciences Council and was a founding member of the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce. Bates was made OBE for services to innovation in 2017 and became a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2020.[3]
Steve Bates OBE publicly commented on his appointment:
“I look forward to selling the sector’s great story to the globe. It’s a privilege to help life science businesses start, grow, scale and renew in the UK ecosystem to deliver economic growth, prosperity and health.”[4]
Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle MP said:
“The life sciences sector plays a unique role, as a catalyst for both economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for people across the UK. Its ongoing success will be pivotal to both our Plan for Change, and our modern Industrial Strategy.”[5]
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting MP said:
“Under [Bates’] leadership, I’m confident the Office for Life Sciences will continue to drive groundbreaking research and fulfil the Plan for Change’s goal to transform healthcare for patients across the country.”[6]
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP said:
“This single front door for industry to engage with government will be key to achieving our life sciences mission, as will appointing talented leaders like Steve – boosting the sector to deliver on our Plan for Change to grow the economy.”[7]
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Notes
[1] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[2] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[3] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[4] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[5] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[6] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
[7] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Office for Life Sciences, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, The Rt Hon Petery Kyle MP and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, ‘New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain’, 22 July 2025, Link
