The biopharmaceutical industry operates globally, with major companies thriving in countries renowned for life sciences research. Hence, for those interested in international living and life sciences, the United States isn’t the sole option for career opportunities. Here, we present a compilation of the finest countries for life sciences research. If you’ve been exploring similar prospects, read on!
THIS ARTICLE COVERS:
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- France
- Switzerland
- South Korea
- Australia
Bonus Information: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
United States of America
United States of America The discussion on the best countries for life sciences research undoubtedly begins with the USA, holding a prime position due to its dominance in high-quality life sciences research globally. Life sciences account for nearly half of the nation’s natural science output, with significant contributions from chemistry, physical sciences, and earth and environmental sciences. The sector recorded sales of $450 billion last year, with six of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Amgen, and Johnson & Johnson, headquartered in the USA. These three alone provide employment to over 240,700 individuals worldwide.
Below is a list of the top 10 institutes in the US for life sciences research:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- National Institutes of Health
- University of Michigan
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Northwestern University
- Yale University
China
Following the USA on our list of best countries for life sciences research is China. Despite previous disparities in life science research, China’s influence in the global life sciences sector has surged over the past decade. Within just a year, the country’s share in life sciences grew by an impressive 14%, the highest among all countries in this top 10 list worldwide. Furthermore, developments in China’s life sciences sector have expanded access to medical products and fostered several innovations in research.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in China dedicated to life sciences research:
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Peking University
- Tsinghua University
- Nanjing University
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Zhejiang University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Sun Yat-sen University
- Fudan University
Germany
Discussing the best countries for life sciences research without mentioning Germany would be remiss. With a growth rate of 1.5% between 2017 and 2018, Germany maintains a robust performance in life sciences. In 2016, the country’s pharmaceutical revenues reached $40.7 billion, with Bayer AG being the largest pharmaceutical company employing around 30,000 individuals across 19 locations in Germany alone. Additionally, in recent years, Germany has emerged as a premier destination for researchers, offering a relatively low cost of living, stable growth, and increased investment in research and development in life sciences.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in Germany dedicated to life sciences research:
- Max Planck Society
- Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
- Leibniz Association
- Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- University of Münster
- University of Würzburg
- Free University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
Japan
Japan secures its place on our list of the best countries for life sciences research, known for its profound respect for human resource development, cutting-edge technology, and diverse scientific fields. Japan consistently strives to maintain its position in global research endeavors. To enhance the outcomes of its high-quality scientific research, Japan is implementing funding strategies for selected institutions to bolster international collaboration. The country’s pharmaceutical market presently stands at approximately $70 billion.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in Japan dedicated to life sciences research:
- The University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Tohoku University
- RIKEN
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Nagoya University
- Kyushu University
- Hokkaido University
- National Institute for Materials Science
United Kingdom
Next on our roster of best countries for life sciences research is the United Kingdom. It’s no surprise that two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, hail from the UK. In 2015, the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries contributed £30.4 billion to the UK economy. The UK boasts a distinctive health and life sciences ecosystem, marked by diverse scientific breakthroughs and leadership in pioneering services, technologies, and treatments. The country aims to increase its R&D expenditure to 2.4% of GDP by 2027.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in United Kingdom dedicated to life sciences research:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of York
- University of Sheffield
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- University of Bristol
- University of Bath
- University of Manchester
- University of Glasgow
Canada
Canada secures its place on our list of best countries for life sciences research, with the sector representing nearly half of the nation’s share in the Nature Index. The country boasts an extensive network of research firms, laboratories, universities, and hospitals collaborating with the life sciences sector across various domains such as bio-health, bioenergy, biotechnology, and agro-biotechnology. Canada is emerging as a global leader in life sciences and biotechnology, with its domestic pharmaceutical market and manufacturing sectors employing over 26,000 and 100,000 people, respectively. Notable Canadian companies like Apotex and Cobalt contribute significantly to life sciences research.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in Canada dedicated to life sciences research:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- Western University
France
France earns its spot on our list of best countries for life sciences research, showcasing remarkable potential across various fields, underpinned by substantial research expenditure equivalent to 2.24% of its GDP annually. This commitment has enabled France to establish itself as a hub of high-quality scientific research.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in France dedicated to life sciences research:
- French National Centre for Scientific Research
- Sorbonne University
- The French Commission for Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy
- The National Institute for Health and Medical Research
- University of Paris
- University of Paris-Sud
- University of Strasbourg
- University of Toulouse
- University of Lyon
- Aix-Marseille University
Switzerland
Switzerland earns its place on our list of best countries for life sciences research. While renowned for its prowess in physical sciences, Switzerland is equally influential in life sciences. The country hosts a unique global life sciences cluster, boasting a dense network of biotechnology, medical technology, and nanotechnology companies, along with chemical and pharmaceutical giants such as La Roche, Novartis, and Syngenta. Switzerland’s life sciences industry boasts the highest labor productivity among leading international sites.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in Switzerland dedicated to life sciences research:
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Lausanne
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
- Paul Scherrer Institute
- European Organization for Nuclear Research
South Korea
Next on our compilation of top countries for life sciences research is South Korea. Beyond its picturesque natural landscape, South Korea is making strides in life sciences research. The country allocates 4.3% of its GDP to R&D, positioning it as one of the most innovative nations globally. Approximately 32% of South Korea’s degrees are in STEM fields, indicating a high level of scientific education.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in South Korea dedicated to life sciences research:
- Seoul National University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Institute for Basic Science
- Yonsei University
- Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Korea University
- Hanyang University
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Australia
Lastly, Australia makes it to our list of best countries for life sciences research. With life sciences contributing significantly to its high-quality research output, Australia is witnessing growth in its life sciences industry, fueled by advancements in medical devices and biotechnology. Australia is increasingly recognized as an attractive workplace for professionals in the life sciences sector, emerging as a world-class hub for research. Notably, the University of Queensland, followed by the University of Melbourne and Monash University, leads the country’s efforts in life sciences research.
Below are the leading 10 institutions in Australia dedicated to life sciences research:
- University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
- Monash University
- The University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
- The University of Adelaide
- University of Wollongong
| Country | Rank |
| United States | 1 |
| Germany | 2 |
| France | 3 |
| Singapore | 4 |
| Switzerland | 5 |
| Japan | 6 |
| Italy | 7 |
| 8United Kingdom | 8 |
| Spain | 9 |
| Canada | 10 |
FAQs
Bonus Information: Preclinical, a life sciences recruiting company, has evaluated the global life sciences industry, considering factors such as country turnover, innovation in the life sciences sector, and the availability of jobs. The company has compiled a list of the best countries for life science jobs globally.
Which country is best for life science research? Some of the top countries for life sciences research include:
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- Canada
- France
- Switzerland
- South Korea
- Australia
Which country pays researchers the most?
Switzerland reportedly offers the highest salaries to researchers.
What topics are studied in life science?
Life science encompasses a wide range of topics, including biology, botany, zoology, and ecology.
