N8 launches Industry Innovation Forum
A new Industry Innovation Forum (IIF) led by the N8 Research Partnership, in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board and HEFCE, officially launches at Leeds today (31 January).
The initiative brings together global companies involved in R&D, government bodies and experts from the N8 universities. It aims to maximise linkages and market pull between private-sector research and development, industrial and consumer needs and the world-class research base in the UK.
The IIF will be launched at a high-profile dinner attended by key representatives from government, industry and academia, key partners, and the Minister of State for Universities and Science, David Willetts.
The first meeting will focus on Advanced Materials Technologies, which are linked to the aerospace and consumer goods sectors. Discussions will be business-led, and will quickly encourage links between all parties.
Professor John Fisher, Executive Director of the N8 centre for regenerative medicine, Regener8, added, "The N8 Industry Innovation Forum is focused on providing large and small companies with easy and quick access to the critical mass of the N8 universities knowledge base.
"We have listened to our industry partners and have designed the Forum so that businesses can talk to us about their key needs and challenges in a particular area. We can match these with science solutions and possibilities from the research base, across a range of disciplines from eight leading universities.
"The first meeting in Advanced Materials Technologies presents huge opportunities for ideas and applications across a range of sectors in the UK including chemicals, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and aerospace, and we are committed to using the 'power of eight' universities working together to stimulate innovation and jobs in the UK."
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