A Vision for Change: Making the case for an Eye Health Modern Service Framework (MSF)
October 2026
Today, the health system in England is struggling to meet growing patient demand for eye care services. As of May 2026, over 600,000 people were waiting for secondary eye care treatment in England, representing the second largest waiting list in the NHS.
3.5 million are people expected to be living with sight loss in the UK by 2050, compared with 2.5 million currently. While the risk of visual impairment increases as people get older, this figure includes babies, children and young people who live with blindness from infancy and across their whole lives.
Eye conditions currently cost the NHS and social care alone £3.9 billion a year, with costs compounded due to delays in access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also been estimated that eye conditions cost the UK economy upwards of £25.3 billion per year (expected to rise to £29.9 billion a year by 2030 and £33.5 billion a year by 2050).
At the same time, it is estimated that around 50% of sight loss is avoidable if detected and treated early enough. Reducing the prevalence of eye conditions by just 1% per year could save the UK economy up to £3 billion by the end of the decade.
Mindful therefore of both the potential impact on patients, as well as the public purse, MSD brought together several leading experts to assess the need for an Eye Health Modern Service Framework (MSF). The result of said discussion with clinical, trade, academic, patient organisation and professional societies can be found here.
“This report is only the beginning of the conversation. In recognition of the evidence presented in this report showing that eye health meets the threshold, we are calling on the Government to make its own assessment of the applicability of an MSF for eye health and bring together experts from across the eye health sector to co-create a shared vision for the future.”
The Government is introducing a new suite of Modern Service Frameworks (MSFs) as a major lever for translating national ambitions for the NHS into routine clinical practice. Led by the National Quality Board (NQB), MSFs will accelerate progress in conditions where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. Early priority areas for MSFs included cardiovascular disease, sepsis, frailty and dementia and severe mental health, with two of these already having been published by mid-2026.
The Government confirmed that for any proposals for additional MSFs to be considered by the NQB, they must meet a clear set of criteria. This report brings together evidence against each of these criteria and ultimately sets out the case for why eye health should be considered as a priority candidate for the next wave of MSFs.
We implore policymakers to consider the very real benefits that could arise from instigating a new national framework for eye health – together it should be said – with a community that is more than willing to discuss a bold new vision for change.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Health Equity Innovation
This September, MSD UK’s LEAD (League of Employees of African Descent) network joined forces with Eli Lilly’s embRACE network to host the annual Health Equity Hackathon, bringing together students, industry professionals and volunteers for a day focused on tackling some of the most pressing health equity challenges facing society. Following a competitive selection process, 65 students from a wide range of academic backgrounds were chosen to participate in the event.
Health equity is about ensuring that everyone has a fair and equitable opportunity to live a healthy life. Achieving this requires addressing the social, economic and structural factors that can influence health outcomes, so that a person’s background, ethnicity, location, income or lived experience does not determine their health prospects. Throughout the Hackathon, students were challenged to think creatively about how these barriers can be addressed through innovative and practical solutions.
Hosted in London, the event featured a full day of collaborative problem-solving, with students working in teams alongside MSD and Lilly facilitators and industry professionals. Participants explored real-world health equity challenges before developing and refining their ideas, ultimately presenting their solutions to senior leaders and judges from both organisations. The winning team was recognised for delivering an innovative, practical and patient-focused solution.
Beyond the competition itself, the Hackathon provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain first-hand insight into the pharmaceutical industry. Through networking sessions, career conversations and interactions with colleagues from across MSD and Lilly, participants learned more about the wide range of career paths available within the sector and the role that collaboration plays in improving patient outcomes.
The enthusiasm, innovation and teamwork shown throughout the day left a lasting impression on organisers, volunteers and students alike. In a message following the event, the organising team highlighted the passion, collaboration and commitment demonstrated by participants, noting the positive feedback received from students and the collective effort that made the Hackathon possible. The event was supported by volunteers from across both MSD and Lilly, whose contributions helped create an inspiring and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The winning team addressed the challenge of improving access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) testing in communities most at risk. Their solution proposed a network of accessible community-based CVD testing and education kiosks, designed to bring preventative healthcare closer to underserved populations, increase awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and empower individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health. The idea impressed judges with its patient-focused, inclusive and practical approach to tackling health inequalities, demonstrating how innovative thinking can help improve access to care and support better health outcomes.
From Placement to Profession: Our Future Talent Programme
September 2026
Ever wondered where a student placement might take you? How about why you should consider one in the pharmaceutical industry?
At MSD in the UK, our Future Talent Programme is designed to empower students to make a real-world impact from day one, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on, professional experience while learnings new skills and working on innovative projects in the healthcare sector.
We caught up with Harry and Poppy; previous MSD student placements who have since secured full-time roles to ask what drew them to the programme.
Pictured: Poppy, Clinical Research Associate and former MSD placement student
It’s nice to catch up with you both! Firstly, can you tell us about what you studied at university?
Poppy: I studied Biomedical Science . At school, I had always loved science and maths because I enjoyed subjects with clear answers. Human health particularly interested me, but at 18 I was not yet sure which area of science I wanted to pursue. Biomedical Science felt like the right choice because it gave me a broad foundation while allowing me to explore that interest further.
Harry: I also studied BSc Biomedical Science at the University of Birmingham. I’d always been interested in (and good at) science, particularly more the human biology side of things. And while I most enjoyed studying concepts such as human biology, disease, and principles of pharmacology, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to become a doctor or a pharmacist in the future. Hence, Biomedical Science seemed to be a good fit.
It sounds like university was helpful in figuring out where your interests lie. From that experience, what led you to explore opportunities in pharma?
Poppy: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered in the pathology laboratories at my local hospital. It gave me an opportunity to contribute to the response while also experiencing what it was like to work in the NHS, which was a career path I was considering at the time.
The experience made me realise that I wanted to build on the laboratory skills I had developed while having more contact with healthcare professionals and contributing to the development of new treatments and diagnostic tests.
My university course included a year in industry, and when I saw an internship advertised for a Clinical Trial Coordinator within Global Clinical Trial Operations, I was intrigued. I knew very little about the role or clinical trials, but it seemed to bring together the areas I was looking for in a career.
Harry: I got a flavour for lab work during my time at university; however, I quickly discovered that it just wasn’t quite for me. I thrive being in a collaborative and social environment, and I hated the idea of being couped up in a lab room by myself all day. That’s not to say lab work is a bad career, far from it! It just wasn’t the right fit for ME.
During university, I completed a business-focused module which I really enjoyed. I was drawn to the idea of a career where I could combine both business and commercial acumen with my knowledge and passion for science. Pharma seemed to match that perfectly.
I was drawn to the idea of a career where I could combine both business and commercial acumen with my knowledge and passion for science. Pharma seemed to match that perfectly.
And it’s great that you landed at MSD! Can you tell us more about your student placement at MSD?
Poppy: I completed a placement in Global Clinical Trial Operations as a Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC) intern.
The year was split into two halves. During the first, I focused on the CTC role and learnt how a clinical trial operates—from setting up a study at a hospital and ensuring patients received the latest trial documents to reviewing finances so that hospitals were paid for their work.
In the second half, after specialist training, I accompanied Clinical Research Associates (CRA) on visits to hospitals conducting the research, known as trial sites. We checked that each trial was being conducted in line with its approved plan, or protocol, and that appropriate oversight and patient-safety measures were in place.
The placement gave me a real insight into everything required to run a clinical trial at a site—there was much more involved than I had ever imagined.
Harry: My placement year was in the Regulatory Affairs department as an Associate Scientist. I gained insight into the execution and management of regulatory submissions to health authorities, whether that be for a new product, or an update to an existing product.
I also had the opportunity to work on a project where I created a best practice guide and presented this back to my team, becoming a subject matter expert in doing so (a fancy title for someone who’s most knowledgeable in a particular area within your team!).
Being a student, I quite liked being thought of as an ‘expert’! But it was great in teaching me to take ownership in leading projects, as well as practicing my presentation skills.
The placement gave me a real insight into everything required to run a clinical trial at a site – there was much more involved than I had ever imagined.
Sounds like you got involved with a lot! Was there anything about the placement which surprised you?
Poppy: I was surprised by how much trust and responsibility the wider team gave us. We were encouraged to take ownership of our work, develop expertise and become valued members of the team rather than simply being treated as placement students.
We were also encouraged to network beyond our immediate teams. That exposure helped me understand the range of careers available within the pharmaceutical industry and gave me the confidence to decide that this was the area of science in which I wanted to build my career.
Harry: The 7AM wake-ups – now that was a shock after being at uni for two years! And how tiring working Monday to Friday 9-5 can feel at first (you quickly get used to it!).
Joking aside, I think I was surprised to learn of just the vast wealth of different job roles and careers available to you within the pharma industry. There are roles I never knew existed, until I was within the company and could learn for myself. I think this insight is so valuable when you’re considering your next steps after university, as you have a greater understanding of what’s available out there to you than you would if you didn’t do a placement.
And do you have any standout highlights from your time here?
Poppy: What I enjoyed most was the combination of learning, responsibility and teamwork. There were eight interns in my department, so we worked closely and supported one another throughout the year.
I also valued the freedom to explore projects beyond my day-to-day role. One highlight was helping to develop a head and neck cancer recruitment newsletter for healthcare professionals, designed to raise awareness of our trials and support patient recruitment. Opportunities like this made me feel that I was making a meaningful contribution rather than simply observing.
Harry: During my placement year, I joined one of MSD’s Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs). I became a core team member of the UK Rainbow Alliance, putting my passion for advocating D&I into practice. I got to work on some really cool initiatives – the best being our participation in the Pride in London parade. It was so much fun getting to stand together in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community with my colleagues and show our support.
In fact, I enjoyed my time in the EBRG so much, that I ended up stepping into the role of co-lead – a role I’ve now been in for almost 2 and a half years! So it provides you with a great stepping stone into a leadership role at an early stage in your career, which looks fantastic on your CV.
Pictured: Co-leads of the Rainbow Alliance,Harry (left) and Rhianna (right), representing MSD at Pride in London
Students are such a valued part of the team at MSD and it’s amazing to hear you’ve got so much out of it. How would you say the experience helped you grow?
Poppy: My placement opened my eyes to a completely new area of science. Alongside gaining practical knowledge of clinical trials, I developed essential professional skills, particularly communication, teamwork and confidence. I regularly contributed to meetings and delivered presentations to large groups. Towards the end of my placement, I presented at a departmental meeting attended by more than 100 people – something I would once have found very daunting.
The placement also helped me secure a role as an Associate Clinical Research Associate immediately after graduating, and I have since progressed in the role. I am now preparing to begin a Master’s in Health Economics and Health Policy Analysis. My interest in this area was sparked by a clinical trial I worked on in general medicine, showing how one opportunity can continue to shape the next stage of your career.
Harry: My genuine advice is that doing a placement year is the best thing you can possibly do during your time at university to advance your job prospects for when you graduate. Sadly, the job market these days can be tough, especially with more people graduating than ever before. So you need to consider how you’re going to gain a level of experience and develop yourself professionally so that it differentiates you from others. Doing a placement year does just that.
You learn so many different things: what it’s like to work in an office, collaborating with colleagues of all ages and backgrounds, how to build your professional network, developing key skills which are vital in taking back to university with you – such as presentation and time management skills.
My genuine advice is that doing a placement year is the best thing you can possibly do during your time at university to advance your job prospects for when you graduate.
And finally, do you have a message to anyone considering a student placement?
Poppy: I would strongly encourage anyone considering a student placement to apply. A placement gives you practical experience, builds your confidence and helps you understand what you enjoy—and what you may want from your future career. Be open to roles you have not heard of before; they may introduce you to an area you never knew existed and spark an interest you did not know you had.
Harry: It’s the best thing you can possibly do for your future career prospects, professional and personal development. Do it – you won’t regret it one bit.
But do make sure you get your interview prep nailed down – student placements are notoriously competitive. Let your passion for the opportunity shine through!
Interested in hearing more and applying? Our Future Talent Programme is opening soon.
Make sure you don’t miss out. Register to our Future Talent Community to receive updates on when applications go live.
Discovery through intelligent multitasking: Science powered by AI
June 2026
Did you know that large language models (LLMs) can serve as highly capable multitaskers?
These are advanced artificial intelligence systems trained on vast amounts of text data, enabling them to understand, generate and interact using human-like language across a wide range of topics. Today’s household names for LLMs, or rather the systems you might be familiar with, could be Google Gemini, ChatGPT or Deepseek. When configured as AI agents, LLMs can perform multiple tasks in parallel, with each being tailored to a specific function. At MSD Research Labs (MRL), this capability is helping researchers stay focused on what matters most: advancing critical drug discovery and development.
In today’s data-rich research environment, AI agents are proving to be invaluable partners. They assist scientists in navigating complex datasets, refining hypotheses, and executing both routine and specialised tasks with remarkable efficiency. What once required significant time and resources can now be streamlined, freeing up researchers to concentrate on high-impact work.
A long-standing aspiration in the field of artificial intelligence is the creation of systems that can independently learn, reason, and contribute to scientific breakthroughs, what some refer to as an “AI scientist”. While this vision remains firmly in the future, recent progress in agent-based AI is bringing us closer to that horizon. These agents can now coordinate large language models, machine learning (ML) tools, and other technologies to form dynamic, conversable systems capable of reflective learning and reasoning.
Rather than replacing human expertise, AI enhances it. By breaking down complex challenges into manageable subtasks, AI agents can take on roles that support targeted problem-solving and the integration of scientific knowledge. One of their greatest strengths lies in automation: repetitive tasks such as data cleaning or initial analysis are efficiently handled by AI, allowing scientists to focus on strategic thinking and innovation.
At MRL, this human-AI collaboration is not just a forward-thinking vision, it’s a reality that’s accelerating the pace of discovery.
Fifty Over 50: Giving people growing older with HIV a voice
June 2026
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A unique listening project in partnership with several leading HIV organisations, with a mission to hear from people who are growing older with HIV.
While the Fifty Over 50 project was developed several years ago, the experiences and insights it captures remain highly relevant today. As the population of people growing older with HIV continues to increase, the themes identified through this work, from multimorbidity to stigma and quality of life, remain central to ongoing discussions around care, policy and support.
Thanks to decades of clinical research, innovation and cross-sector collaboration, HIV has largely become a chronic condition in the UK. The UK has led the way in achieving the UNAIDS targets of 90% of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, of those with a known HIV diagnosis 90% receiving treatment, and of those receiving treatment 90% having an undetectable viral load.
The progress which has been made through improvements in testing and treatment has been remarkable, and new diagnoses of HIV continue to decrease in the UK. However, as the number of people who are now growing older with HIV increases, this brings with it a host of new or additional challenges.
The Fifty Over 50 project, coordinated by MSD in collaboration with the Whole Person Care group of HIV community and professional organisations, is a unique listening exercise which set out to give people growing older with HIV a voice. Fifty Over 50 brings together first-hand accounts from a diverse range of people living with HIV aged 50+, and highlights how for many in the HIV community being well is about more than just viral suppression, it’s also about living well.
Ben Lucas, Managing Director for MSD in the UK and Ireland, commented:
“I am immensely proud that MSD have worked with all the individual contributors and organisations that form part of Fifty Over 50 – providing a platform for people to share their experiences and shine a light on the changes that are needed to support people living with HIV to live well across the entirety of their life.”
Learn more about Fifty Over 50 and hear what our contributors had to share in the e-book here.
Six New Global Grants Reinforce MSD’s Commitment to Maternal Health
May 2026
The UK White Ribbon Alliance becomes an MSD for Mothers Grant Recipient
MSD recently announced the latest recipients of its Global Grants program, as part of MSD for Mothers, the company’s global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life. Maternal mortality persists as a reality for too many women, and MSD for Mothers Global Grants are designed to extend access to quality maternal health care around the world by helping address the unique needs of women in local communities.
The six new grantees will support underserved communities in Ireland, Kazakhstan, Romania, Tanzania, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Each grantee has developed customised interventions tailored to their community’s unique needs, with a shared goal of improving access to, and quality of, maternal health care. Each grantee’s work supports MSD’s Access to Health commitment, within which the company has made a public commitment to advancing solutions for people in low- and middle-income countries, as well as underserved populations in high-income countries.
The White Ribbon Alliance is expanding the UK Free From Harm training, aiming to equip 2,000 maternity care providers to be better able to prevent obstetric violence, strengthen workforce resilience, and improve outcomes for women through trauma-informed, equity-centred care.
Obstetric violence, a form of gender-based violence, manifests through disrespect, coercion, and mistreatment of birthing individuals by healthcare professionals. These harmful practices are often rooted in systemic issues, including patriarchal healthcare systems, racial discrimination, and hierarchical structures. The training was developed to combat these injustices by fostering respectful, trauma-informed, and human-rights-based maternity care. It provides healthcare professionals—particularly midwives—with the tools to identify, prevent, and challenge harmful practices during childbirth.
Since 2012, the MSD for Mothers Global Grants program has contributed nearly $50 million to date, supporting over 90 projects focused on reducing maternal mortality – including through disaster response, innovative digital tools, health education and more – across more than 45 countries.
As MSD continues to integrate access to health into its global business – working alongside governments, nonprofits and communities to strengthen health systems, improve outcomes and build more resilient pathways to care worldwide, these grants represent another critical step toward improving the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the months after.
Find out more about our global MSD for mothers programme and grant award opportunities here.
Supporting the HIV community and marking World AIDS day
December 2025
Colleagues from across our UK business have been demonstrating their support for the HIV community over the last few months, with a range of activities and initiatives.
20 of our colleagues came together for a volunteering day, organised by our UK Rainbow Alliance Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), with Positive East – an East London-based charity dedicated to supporting people living with and affected by HIV.
MSD is a proud sponsor of Positive East’s annual RED RUN, which raises awareness and funds for HIV services across the UK. In preparation for the 2025 event, our volunteers made a vital contribution by assembling over 1,800 runner packages to be sent to participants ahead of the big day. They alsopacked finish line bags filled with medals, and educational resources providing crucial information on HIV and STI testing and access to support services. This marked the third year running that the Rainbow Alliance has partnered with Positive East to offer our colleagues an opportunity to use their volunteering hours and give back to the local community.
A reflection from one of our volunteers: “Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this volunteering event. It was a wonderful and rewarding day. I’m grateful to have been part of the team and to have supported such a meaningful cause”.
The RED RUN, held annually in Victoria Park in East London, is the UK’s largest HIV community event, supporting 31 HIV charities across the country. 35 colleagues from across our business walked, ran, and even sashayed the 5km or 10km route, alongside another 1,800 people taking part. The inclusive event welcomes all ages and abilities, fostering a spirit of community over competition.
Our colleagues also marked World Aids Day earlier in November with an internal panel focused event that led to engaging conversation on HIV, including shared insights from colleagues and their lived experience. Attendees left with an improved understanding of how to be allies to the HIV and LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
We were lucky enough to be able to display one of the 42 panels of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in our London Moorgate office, which offered an opportunity for colleagues to reflect, remember and celebrate all lives lost to HIV. The quilt offered a reminder of how far we have come in the fight against HIV, and the work still left to do.
Supporting Lung Cancer Patients and Carers Along the Treatment Pathway
November 2025
Empowering Patients and Carers Through Knowledge and Engagement
Supporting individuals diagnosed with lung cancer and those who care for them is key throughout every stage of the lung cancer treatment pathway. To address this need, MSD in the UK, with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF), have co-created the booklet “Understanding Treatment Options in Lung Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Carers”.
This comprehensive resource is specifically designed to support Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients and their carers.
Lung cancer treatment pathways continue to evolve and can often seem complex or overwhelming. Navigating these pathways and having access to reliable and clear health information can enhance the experiences of both patients and carers1.
The booklet draws on insights from individuals living with lung cancer and healthcare professionals connected to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF). These perspectives have shaped a step-by-step companion guide to help patients and carers understand lung cancer treatment options. The booklet offers clear definitions, outlines treatment options, provides prompts for key questions to ask at each stage, and includes tick boxes to help track progress, with the aim to encourage active involvement and discussion in care.
The Importance of Involving Patients and Carers
Research shows that when patients actively participate in their treatment decisions, outcomes and overall experiences improve2. A lung cancer diagnosis may bring forth a wide range of emotions, not only for the individual, but also for those who support them. The booklet encourages patients to communicate openly with their healthcare team and to seek out services that promote both their physical and emotional wellbeing. “Understanding Treatment Options in Lung Cancer” outlines the range of available treatments, including prehabilitation and rehabilitation.
At MSD in the UK, our commitment is to place patients at the heart of all we do. We aim to inspire patient communities to engage proactively with healthcare systems and empower them to advocate for their own health. This booklet was developed to provide patients and carers with the information and support they need to navigate the complexities of the lung cancer treatment pathway and to have informed, meaningful discussions about their care.
1 The Patients Association. Advancing Health Equity Through CORE: A New Approach to Inclusive Communication. 2024; Available from: Advancing Health Equity Through CORE: A New Approach to Inclusive Communication | The Patients Association [Accessed October 2025]
2 NHS England. Involving people in their own care. n.d.; Available from: NHS England » Involving people in their own care [Accessed October 2025]
Inspiring Minds and Driving Equity: MSD’s 5th Hackathon
September 2025
The 5th edition of the Health Equity hackathon, hosted by MSD’s LEAD (League of Employees of African Descent) UK Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG) network in collaboration with Eli Lilly’s embRACE, brought together curious undergraduates from across the country, to propose innovative solutions to health equity challenges.
Over 70 students from a range of academic and cultural backgrounds brought inspiring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to health equity challenges. They collaborated in small teams, with the support of a facilitator, to propose solutions to address disparities in health equity. Teams worked across 4 themes, including access to healthcare in older adults, the impact of mental health on outcomes, driving diversity in clinical trials and improving health literacy.
Group photo of Hackathon participants and colleagues from MSD and Lilly
After ‘hacking’ their problem statement, students presented solutions to senior leaders from both companies who served as judges. Despite an incredibly high standard, the judges managed to select winners from each theme. These groups then went on to present in the final round in front of a full auditorium, with Ben Lucas (Managing Director, MSD UK and Ireland) and Christopher Stokes (President and General Manager of Lilly, UK and Northern Europe) sitting on the panel as final round judges.
The winning solution won praise for being innovative, inclusive and patient-focused. It addressed the challenge of improving health literacy in underserved and ethnic minority communities to better understand, access, and use health information to achieve better outcomes. The winning team proposed connecting junior/resident doctors to young people aged 11-16 years old. Through creating this ‘Junior to Junior’ connection, their initiative aimed to increase awareness of the health system and build trust in communities.
Excerpt from the winning solution
Selfie with the winning team!
“I was genuinely impressed by the depth of insight and creativity the students brought to their solutions. Their work demonstrated by their strong technical skills and a deep understanding of social impact allowed for innovative, inclusive and patient-focused outcomes to be designed. The diverse, empathetic approaches to health equity and their ability to tackle complex challenges with passionate and energetic actionable ideas were standout qualities. Judging the event was a privilege and a powerful reminder of the value of fresh perspectives in addressing systemic health issues.”
– Jasveen Chugh, Pharmaceuticals Business Unit Director, MSDUK
In addition to raising awareness of the importance of health equity, across the 2-day event, students were also able to gain a real insight into what a career in the pharmaceutical industry can offer them. Through hearing from, and networking with, a range of colleagues from senior leaders to current placement students (some of whom took part in previous hackathons), they gained an understanding of the diversity of roles available for them to apply for.
Post-event networking session
Hackathon co-hosts Fiona Noah (MSD) and Paige Boateng (Lilly)
MSD is proud of the hackathon’s role in empowering and developing future leaders and forming a pipeline of diverse talent; by attending the hackathon, the participants and winning group will be accelerated through both MSD and Lilly’s early talent programme assessment stages.
Fiona Noah and Mauranda Lewis, Co-Lead’s of LEAD UK offered their reflections on the day:
‘As the leaders of LEAD UK, we’re really proud of how this year’s Health Equity Hackathon went. What stood out most was the students’ passion, drive, and tireless effort. Their creativity, determination, and dedication to tackling tough health equity challenges was inspiring and showed the future leaders and innovators in the making.
The quality of ideas, collaborative spirit, and innovative solutions shared throughout the day was truly impressive. It’s amazing to be able to contribute to an initiative that not only sparks innovation but also champions representation and access in healthcare’
Sharing Learnings & Best Practice at NHS ConfedExpo
July 2025
MSD at NHS ConfedExpo 2025
NHS ConfedExpo 2025 provided a platform for healthcare leaders and innovators to come together to share learnings and best practices to shape the future of health and care in the UK. Over two days in Manchester, MSD engaged with key stakeholders to share insights, foster collaboration, and showcase how we are supporting the NHS in delivering cutting-edge, patient-centred solutions.
Our Role as a Sponsor
As a sponsor of this year’s NHS ConfedExpo, MSD colleagues showcased our partnership with the NHS through a dedicated stand that highlighted our collaborative efforts to save and improve lives.
MSD Sponsored Sessions: Driving Innovation and Patient-Centred Care
MSD was delighted to host two insightful sessions that sparked meaningful discussions around healthcare innovation and improving patient diagnosis and management:
Exploring Cancer Patient Experience in a Digital World
This session explored the transformative potential of the NHS’s shift from analogue to digital systems, with a focus on enhancing the cancer patient journey. Attendees examined how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can facilitate earlier cancer diagnoses, empower patient self-referrals, and streamline care pathways—ultimately improving patient experiences and outcomes. The discussion included examples of pilot projects within NHS trusts leveraging AI tools to reduce diagnostic delays.
Pathways to Progress: Optimising Diagnosis for Patients with Breathlessness
Breathlessness is a common symptom across conditions, yet it remains frequently under-recognised and poorly managed. MSD’s session highlighted the urgent need to improve diagnostic pathways through collaborative and innovative approaches. The discussion emphasised the importance of streamlined referral processes, enhanced access to diagnostics via Community Diagnostic Centres, and increased awareness of dedicated breathlessness pathways to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes. Aligning with national efforts to shift care from hospitals to community settings, the session underscored the critical role of strong clinical leadership and cross-sector collaboration in creating a more responsive, equitable healthcare system for patients living with breathlessness.
Watch Our Highlights Video
Discover the key insights and takeaways from NHS ConfedExpo 2025 by watching our highlights video on the MSD UK LinkedIn page. Click here to watch.
Learn More
To find out more about MSD’s partnerships and our ongoing initiatives to support healthcare innovation, visit our Partnerships page.
GB-NON-11721 | July 2025
Forward-looking statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
No Duty to Update
The information contained in this website was current as of the date presented. The company assumes no duty to update the information to reflect subsequent developments. Consequently, the company will not update the information contained in the website and investors should not rely upon the information as current or accurate after the presentation date.
