Emerging technologies and skills: what new investment means for MPCE
Recent Government announcements on quantum technologies, AI and technical skills could create new opportunities for medical physics, clinical engineering and technology (MPCE). The challenge is ensuring investment in research and innovation translates into practical benefits for healthcare and patients.
£50 million for quantum technologies
The Government has announced £50 million through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) competitions to support businesses developing quantum sensing, navigation and communications technologies, including portable medical diagnostic devices. Further investment will support quantum supply chains and specialist apprenticeships.
Quantum technologies could have applications in medical imaging, diagnostics and precision measurement. MPCE researchers and industry partners have an important role in developing and evaluating these technologies, including their safety, effectiveness and potential clinical use.
New investment in AI research and capability
A Government package to strengthen UK AI capability includes investment in research, cyber security, semiconductors and specialist skills. It also includes a new AI Biosecurity Lab, with £100 million in Government funding and up to £200 million in support from AI companies.
Although not specifically targeted at healthcare, these developments could support innovation in imaging, diagnostics and medical technologies. MPCE expertise will be important in evaluating applications, ensuring appropriate governance and supporting safe adoption in clinical practice.
In Northern Ireland, £7.5 million has been awarded to Queen’s University Belfast to expand its Cyber-AI Hub, supporting research and collaboration between academia and industry. Although not healthcare-specific, the investment highlights the importance of cyber security and AI assurance for medical technologies and digital clinical systems.
Developing diverse digital and technical careers
The Government’s Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan aims to create or fill 20,000 entry-level roles each year. Major technology employers have also pledged 10,000 work experience opportunities over three years, helping young people explore careers in the sector.
More widely, new Government and industry initiatives aim to address barriers to women’s participation and progression in technology careers, including workplace culture, career development and investment bias. Research also highlights the value of early engagement, visible role models and linking STEM learning to real-world applications. For MPCE, attracting diverse talent and supporting progression across clinical services, research and industry will be important to developing future capability.
In Scotland, the UK and Scottish Governments have committed a combined £20 million to establish two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, supporting specialist engineering and advanced manufacturing skills. As these pathways develop, there is an opportunity to encourage greater participation by women and other underrepresented groups in technical careers, an ambition equally relevant to MPCE.
In Wales, £2.5 million of UK Government funding will support the expansion of Bangor University’s M-SParc science park on Anglesey, including a STEM centre and facilities for innovation and business growth.
These programmes demonstrate the value of connecting education, research and industry to develop specialist technical skills and broaden routes into MPCE careers.
Turning investment into clinical benefit
Across the UK, these developments underline the importance of collaboration between healthcare, research, education and industry. For IPEM, the priority is to ensure MPCE expertise is recognised and involved in shaping new technologies, supporting their safe adoption and translating investment into improvements in patient care.