Next Generation Science

The following scientific trends will help us shape our A Better Tomorrow™ ambitions:

Synthetic Biology: a multidisciplinary field combining biology, engineering and computer science that offers an array of applications. These include re-engineering metabolic pathways in micro-organisms to produce more sustainable bioingredients or biopolymers that will simplify supply chains and reduce the use of arable land. This approach unlocks opportunities in life sciences and manufacturing, including co-locating the production of raw materials and ingredients, leading to reductions in shipping and storage.

Our biotechnology company KBio provides us with the opportunity to accelerate the development of plant-based technologies. We aim to deliver increased capabilities at KBio to 1) strengthen and diversify its existing portfolio, 2) increase the opportunity for significant future drug discoveries, and 3) maximise the success of our own tobacco biotechnology ambitions. Through harnessing the power of the tobacco plant, we aim to bring innovation that will have a positive impact on global health.

Microfluidics and related emerging technologies: enabling tools for applications in tissue engineering and cell biology. These technologies allow the creation of ‘humans on a chip’ generating entire micro-scale biological systems based on human cells to recreate anatomical structures of the human body. The aim is for physiological and pharmacological applications in disease modelling and drug evaluation, ultimately replacing animal testing.

There has been considerable investment and innovation in the area, particularly efficacy science, but work remains for these approaches to be accepted by regulators for safety science.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI is the simulation of human processes by machines e.g. robots or computers. ML is a subcategory of AI that utilises algorithms and statistical models to learn and recognise patterns from data, which can be applied to make faster predictions or decisions. Applying AI/ML into systems and processes can lead to the generation of more efficient data-driven insights, from fundamental science through to final product design.

Diagnostics: advances in diagnostics are being driven by the integration of science and technology along with data analytics. This is characterised by an evolving landscape of personal connected devices, wearables and digital twins used to measure physiological parameters, and via digital health platforms to provide real time data and insights directly to the individual and/or clinicians. Not only are these developments resulting in more personalised approaches to health monitoring and diagnosis, they are also leading to predictive capabilities and opportunities for interventions.

The establishment of a robust and intuitive data management infrastructure is essential to drive developments in predictive capabilities and digital twins - from high throughput chemical analysis to clinical monitoring. A co-ordinated approach to data management and analytics reduces the chances of siloed data. This enables a faster turnaround of results and insights, the removal of bottlenecks, and the minimising of knowledge loss across organisations.

In parallel with investments in infrastructure and data, the development of external scientific networks is crucial. New business models and revenue streams can be created through ecosystems by allowing co-operation and collaboration. The creation of these scientific network ‘accelerators’ is the perfect vehicle through which to drive technical developments, where cross-functional teams, in combination with external third parties, are tasked with executing complex science or innovation challenges in short sprints.

While co-operative and collaborative accelerators may involve a degree of risk, the adoption of agile practices coupled with the opportunity to pivot quickly and test faster offers significant benefits in terms of outcomes. These include shorter iteration times for technology and product development, greater diversity of ideas, and long-lasting interpersonal and third-party relationships. The accelerator approach not only facilitates networking, idea sharing and collaboration, but also provides the opportunity for personal development and the identification of talent.

Btomorrow Ventures (BTV), our corporate venture capital arm, plays a key role in our science strategy, accelerating change through investments, M&A and venture-building labs. For example, bringing together advances in science with BAT global capabilities to help shape innovative ideas through fast-paced research initiatives. Investments involve longer-term partnerships that go beyond financial investments, combining our global corporate reach with the accelerated innovation of start-ups to generate value for both parties. BTV provides access to innovative technology via minority investments. This unlocks innovation through Research & Development (R&D) collaborations and by enabling a test-and-learn approach, which has been applied in the new Wellbeing & Stimulation product category.

The integration of science into product(s) catalyses innovation, drives differentiation and secures Intellectual Property (IP) protection. Scientific rigour contributes to the validation of product claims and ensures safety, consistency, and reliability. Having agility in our science, being open to the latest ideas, collaborating, and embracing innovative approaches are all key to our continued business transformation.