Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE was formly a Minister in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Curia is delighted to announce the appointment of Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE as the new Chair of its Health, Care and Life Sciences Research Group.
A former Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Stephenson brings extensive ministerial experience to the role. During his time in government, he was responsible for secondary care and the life sciences sector, and was a member of the Life Sciences Council. Most recently, he was appointed Chair of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
Stephenson takes over from Lord James O’Shaughnessy, who has chaired the group since its creation. Under Lord O’Shaughnessy’s leadership, Curia delivered a number of high-impact, cross-party research initiatives, helping to shape thinking on NHS reform, integrated care, and the implementation of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy.
Stephenson’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for UK health and life sciences policy. With the Government expected to release its refreshed Life Sciences Industrial Strategy shortly, alongside a new 10-year plan, there is a growing need for practical, collaborative and evidence-driven policymaking. Curia, which was established to develop workable solutions for public service delivery, plays an important role in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE met up with members of Curia’s Health, Care. and Life Sciences Research Group, Psyomics, to hear about their extensive work with NHS mental health at NHS ConfedExpo 2025.
The Health, Care and Life Sciences Research Group brings together leading voices from across the health and care ecosystem. Its advisory board includes:
- Professor Gillian Leng CBE, former CEO of NICE
- Professor Mike Bewick, former Deputy National Medical Director, NHS England
- Professor Ann Keen, former Labour Health Minister
- Paula Sherriff, former Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Social Care
Ben Howlett, Chief Executive of Curia, welcomed the appointment:
“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Stephenson as Chair of the Health, Care and Life Sciences Research Group. His leadership across both government and the NHS brings invaluable insight at a critical time for health and life sciences policy. I would also like to extend our deep thanks to Lord O’Shaughnessy, whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in shaping Curia’s work to date.”
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE said:
“I am pleased to take on the role of Chair at Curia’s Health, Care and Life Sciences Research Group. Lord O’Shaughnessy has laid strong foundations, and I look forward to continuing his work, developing innovative, actionable policy ideas that support the delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan and help realise the ambitions of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy. I’m excited to contribute to this vital agenda at a time when the integration of care and innovation has never been more important.”
If you would like to find out more about membership of our Health, Care, and Life Sciences Research Group, please contact Curia’s Partnerships Director, Ben McDermott, ben.mcdermott@chamberuk.com.