Call all Fellows and Members!
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) is seeking a Chair to lead its New Technologies Expert Group. This group explores the impact of emerging technologies on pharmaceutical medicine, covering discovery, development, regulation, and vigilance processes.
Key areas of focus include external therapeutic devices (e.g., mechanical ventilators), implantable devices, in vitro diagnostics (particularly novel molecular and companion diagnostics), wearable technologies, and digital therapeutics (e.g., apps supporting behavioural interventions). While there is some overlap with eHealth, it is not a core focus of the group. Additionally, the group examines how innovations in these areas influence traditional medicines.
As Chair, you will drive the group’s work through report writing, stakeholder engagement, consultation responses, and more, shaping the future of pharmaceutical technology.
Remit
The New Technologies Expert Group plays a key role in assessing and shaping the impact of emerging technologies on pharmaceutical medicine. Our remit spans discovery, development, regulation, and vigilance across a range of innovative areas, including therapeutic and implantable devices, in vitro diagnostics, wearable technologies, and digital therapeutics. The group evaluates how these innovations interact with traditional medicines, ensuring their safe and effective integration into healthcare.
Recent Activities
- MHRA Consultation on Medical Devices Regulations: Routes to Market and In Vitro Diagnostic Devices
- We contributed to this consultation by providing expert input on regulatory pathways for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics. Our focus was on ensuring a robust yet agile framework that supports innovation while maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance.
- NHS Change – The 10-Year Health Plan for England
- The group engaged in discussions around technological advancements in healthcare, including integrating AI-driven diagnostics, digital therapeutics, and next-generation medical devices into NHS services. Our contributions aimed to shape policies that promote equitable access, regulatory clarity, and sustainable implementation of new health technologies.
Through these activities, the New Technologies Expert Group continues to influence policy, regulation, and industry practices, ensuring that emerging medical innovations benefit both patients and healthcare systems.
Operational
The New Technologies Expert Group operates remotely, offering flexible participation for its members. The Chair serves a three-year term, beginning from the date of their first meeting.
While the group’s workload varies, the Chair should expect to dedicate approximately three hours per week on average. This includes leading discussions, overseeing projects, and engaging with group members.
Any conflicts of interest or related concerns will be managed as they arise, ensuring the group’s work remains transparent, ethical, and impactful.
Experience (desired but not essential)
While specific expertise is not mandatory, the following experience and skills would be beneficial for prospective members of the New Technologies Expert Group:
- Expertise in New Medical Technologies – Background in implantable devices, in vitro diagnostics, digital therapeutics, or AI-driven healthcare solutions.
- Regulatory and Policy Knowledge – Understanding of regulatory frameworks, market access, and healthcare policies impacting medical technology.
- Engagement with Industry or Academia – Experience collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic institutions, or healthcare organizations.
- Patient Advocacy and Public Health Awareness – Interest in patient-centred care, clinical trial participation, and ethical considerations in emerging medical technologies.
- Stakeholder Collaboration – Experience working with regulatory bodies, NHS, international health organizations, or professional associations.
- Strong Communication Skills – Experience in report writing, stakeholder engagement, or public speaking.
- Leadership or Project Management Experience – Particularly in multidisciplinary teams.
If you are eager to contribute to the future of pharmaceutical medicine and medical technology innovation, this is your opportunity to get involved. Join FPM’s New Technologies Expert Group today!
How to join
If you would like to join this group, and are a Member (MFPM) or Fellow (FFPM) of FPM, please email fpm@fpm.org.uk with your CV and a short cover letter (max 300 words) outlining your experience and interest in the role.
FPM welcomes and actively seeks to recruit people to its activities regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. FPM aspires to reflect the diversity of its members in all its committees, senior roles and staff in general.
Closing date for applications: 17:00 (UK time) on Friday 28 February 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.