Mark Cook
Chair, Life Sciences Scotland

Mark Cook
Chair, Life Sciences Scotland

Mark has spent 30 years in roles within the health sector including biologicals/pharmaceuticals, medical technology, consultancy and is experienced in raising funding plus has successfully led a pharma company startup to an exit.

In February 2022 Mark became Co Chair of the Life Sciences Industrial Leadership Group in Scotland, he also continues to support decision making for non-medicine technologies through membership of the Scottish Health Technology Group plus, in conjunction with the Chief Scientist Office, raises the profile for the Life Sciences Sector in Scotland.

Life Science is a sector that is actively growing, will provide careers for our population at higher than average salaries, will increase the tax base of Scotland and do societal good by bringing forward innovative and transformational changes that will improve the health of our population.

The opportunity for digital and AI innovations to drive the health and wealth of Scotland is massive and Mark sits on several groups that aim to harness this including the strategic board of CHAI (Causality in Healthcare AI Hub) and the Governemnt Startegic Unlocking The Value Of Data Group.

Current focus for the Life Sciences ILG is the refresh of the sector strategy with a 10 year revenue goal of £25 billion by 2035. The recently published UK Industrial Strategy and the subsequent UK Life Science Sector Plan gives us a base to work from to ensure that we align both with national opportunities whilst promoting our own areas of growth and expertise to the benefit of Scotland.

Mark has become a full part of the triple helix and on 1st August 2025 was appointed Chairman of Dumfries & Galloway Health Board by Cabinet secretary Neil Gray.