The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is delivering on two key objectives:
- Unleashing Innovation: award funding to catalyse development and approval of innovations that effectively treat drug and alcohol addictions, improve and sustain recovery, and prevent harm and deaths from problematic drug and alcohol use.
- Creating a Pioneering UK-wide Drug and Alcohol Research Ecosystem: develop a globally leading capability within third sector and NHS treatment providers, the criminal justice system, and community settings to evaluate, trial, and deploy all types of drug and alcohol addiction treatments and technologies.
Who should attend
Researchers, innovators, treatment providers (NHS, third sector, charities etc) and organisations (such as local authorities, criminal justice settings, and community organisations) interested in participating in or informing the development of innovative approaches through collaborative R&D. Investors and representatives of funding bodies or organisations are also invited to attend.
Further information on the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme can be found on gov.uk.
Agenda overview
Morning: Context, inspiration and scope
09:30 – 10:00 Registration and networking: Arrival, refreshments, and informal introductions
10:00 – 10:15 Welcome and opening remarks: Introduction to OLS and the purpose of the sandpit. Objectives for the day
10:15 – 11:15 The challenge: Addressing addiction: Societal impact, unmet needs and opportunities. Policy drivers and funding landscape
11:15 – 11:30 Refreshments
11:30 – 12:30 Q&A and open discussion
12:30 – 13:15 Lunch and networking
Afternoon: Co-creation and consortium building
13:15 – 13:30 Introduction to afternoon activities: Explanation of breakout structure and expected outputs
13:30 – 14:30 Lightning talks from participants: 2-minute pitches on expertise, capabilities and interests to spark connections
14:30 – 16:00 Breakout session: Exploring ideas and developing consortia Groups by theme
16:00 – 16:15 Report back and plenary discussion: Presentation of key project concepts and consortium ideas. Feedback and cross-pollination
16:15 – 16:30 Closing remarks and next steps: Post-sandpit process overview, application deadlines and available support
