Health innovation in our DNA: Birmingham’s genomic evolution
This blog was written as part of the 2025 Birmingham Economic Review, an annual report produced by University of Birmingham/City-REDI in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Read the full report.
By Dr Claire Lemer, Chief Officer for Strategy and Innovation, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Just under 75 years ago two young scientists, James Watson and Francis Crick, building on the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins identified the structure of DNA, unveiling the beautiful double helix. Since that day the rate of discovery has been astounding. Only last month a gene therapy trial showed for the first time that a devastating inherited disease Huntingdon’s (that causes fatal neurological decline) could be treated successfully.
As the discoveries flooded the research world the NHS started to appreciate the potential impact and need to embrace these innovations, and so small academic laboratories have been developed into a regionally structured network of laboratories. In the West Midlands we are fortunate to host the largest of these, the Central and South Regional Genomic Medicine Service, running laboratories that deliver testing from tissue samples and blood for 7 million people. Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust lead on the oversight of these core analyses for our partner organisations, enabling access to life changing information for patients from Shropshire to the Isle of Wight.
We are now embracing the next phase of Genomic Medicine. We are able to provide testing for cancer patients and those with rare diseases faster than ever before. These tests now enable greater diagnostic certainty, identify the best treatment regimes and provide crucial insight into prognosis. We are starting to be able to develop individualised treatment regimes including modifying genetic material for both research and routine care.
To enable us to do more for our heterogeneous, increasing young population we are looking to embrace automation, and step into the world of analytics supported by novel equipment and deep technology. We are moving access to testing from hospitals to GP practices. We are supporting clinicians to understand and access testing.
We are informing families and patients about the choices they have and how to navigate the ethical and clinical landscape. We are training the highly skilled workforce to be able to review and analyse the massive data flows from the biological samples. Alongside partner academic organisations we are pushing the boundaries of research to ensure that patients are supported and specifically that patients in our region have access to the latest tests.
To do this we are building relationships with commercial entities and academic institutions trying to harness the wealth of talent and commitment we have. By bringing genomic medicine and research into the evolving life sciences strategy of the Midlands we will create a plethora of commercial opportunities.
Our vision is to be the place that patients, staff and companies choose to come to, because of our deep knowledge when there is a clinical need or scientific query that relates to genetics. Where once our reputation was forged in cutting edge industrial processes, we want our future to be built in the very life blood of our genetic code.
Dr Lemer is a Consultant Paediatrician who has led medical and neonatal services at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. She has also worked at the Department of Health and World Health Organisation. Dr Lemer joined Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in 2024 as Chief Officer for Strategy and Innovation.
