The 2018 Business of Science conference will return on Thursday 17th May with a raft of high-profile speakers, including Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool, Professor Dame Janet Beer DBE and Richard Carter, managing director UK and Ireland for BASF.
The event, which was launched two years ago, explores the commercialisation of great science, while highlighting the latest developments in ground-breaking innovation and invention.
Discussing the event, which will be held in Liverpool this year, Steve Bennett, managing director of Business of Science Limited, said: “The development and commercialisation of science has been fundamental to growth in the North and the UK as a whole for many years, and Liverpool is one of the cities playing an important role in that.
“From finding the worldwide cure for Malaria, to leadership in the Internet of Things and Industrial Strategy, Liverpool is a city where the relationship between science, innovation, business and skills is thriving.”
A number of forward-thinking organisations and individuals in the science and technology sector are already confirmed as speakers, including representatives from The University of Liverpool, BASF, Eversheds, University of Manchester and Victrex.
A combination of presentations, panel discussions, breakout and interactive sessions will cover topics such as productivity, regulation and Brexit, providing plenty of opportunity for delegates to challenge current and future thinking about science and business, and how they interact.
“This year, we’re taking the agenda up a notch to really hone in on the key issues on the national science agenda today and investigate new formulations to combat commercial pressure. You can expect more interaction and more in-depth discussion from a host of high-level speakers.” Steve concluded.
Returning headline sponsors, BASF will again be joined by Grant Thornton, Arup, Pannone Corporate and The Skills & Growth Company. The Knowledge Quarter Liverpool; North West Business Leadership Team and Victrex have also come on board. Other partners and supporters include TransitionPlus, Wakelet, Fatsoma, Active Profile, Rare Digital and LookOut.
Richard Carter, managing director UK and Ireland for BASF, said: “BASF is delighted to be lead sponsor for the Business of Science conference and pre-conference dinner for the third year.
“The North of England has long been recognised as a hub for science and innovation, so it’s great to have the opportunity to support an event that not only celebrates that, but to work with industry leaders to develop it even further.”
In the leadup to the event and new for this year, a series of thought leadership dinners are being hosted by the sponsors to discuss some of the most pressing issues in science and business in more detail.
And following the successful launch in 2017, the Business of Science leadership and special recognition awards will also return for another year, acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated outstanding business contributions in an area of science and innovation.
The 2018 Business of Science awards will be presented at the pre-conference dinner at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre on the evening of Wednesday 16th May 2018, followed by the conference on Thursday 17th May 2018. For more information on the conference, speakers, partners and leadership award, or to buy tickets for the event, visit: www.businessofscience.co.uk
