The future is diversity. That is the central, take-home message of our cover feature this month on diversity and inclusion in pharma and healthcare (p16). As John Pinching writes, ‘the totems of difference and parity provide genuine opportunities for tangible change’, and ‘improved outcomes, a greater understanding of the human condition and an environment which includes everyone are all within our reach’. Stephen Frost argues there is still much to be done to achieve a fully inclusive culture in the industry, but notes that diversity is now higher pharma’s agenda (p20), as clearly shown by our interviews with Certara’s Demetrius Carter and Teva’s Kim Innes on page 19.

Elsewhere (p22), Paul Midgley and Oli Hudson, of Wilmington Healthcare, look at how patients are increasingly being empowered to manage their conditions at home as the coronavirus has eroded the lion’s share of NHS resources, and what lasting impact this might have on the structure of care provision. On page 38, Carsten Wierwille considers how COVID-19 is creating a new normal where healthcare services are designed to offer digital, contactless solutions by default rather than as an alternative to physical interactions.

We also delve deep into science with a really fascinating tour of 3D bioprinting on page 26, showcasing advances in the field and what could be achieved in the next decade, while on page 32 geneticist Jarret Glasscock pits RNA against DNA in a battle of the bases to determine which biomolecule will ‘reign supreme for biomarker discovery’.

Finally, a reminder that the PharmaTimes Marketer of the Year, Communications Awards and Sales Awards are open for entry, while both International and the US Clinical Researcher of the Year competitions are pushing ahead, with finals days to be held virtually for the first  time in response to the coronavirus pandemic (visit www.pharmatimes.com/competitions for more information).

I hope you enjoy the issue!