Well Met, the conferencing office of Leeds Beckett University, is pleased to welcome The Business of Science Conference, a national event created to explore the commercialisation of science, including innovation in STEM and skills development, to Cloth Hall Court, Leeds.
It’s the first time the conference, now in its fourth year, has been held in Leeds. The city is recognised as a leader in science and innovation and organisers are keen to widen the scope and audience in Leeds and the surrounding region. The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and will explore themes including the commercialisation of 2D materials, the science of water and the interactions of science and society.
Clare Vidler Conference Manager at Well Met, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming over 200 businesses and leaders involved in the business of science to Cloth Hall Court on Thursday 16th May. It is the first time that this prestigious event has been held in the city and we are delighted to be hosting it.”
Keynote speakers include Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council, Jake Berry MP and minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Pip Clode, concept team leader at Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains.
Steve Bennett, founder and managing director of Business of Science Ltd, said: “As a UK leader in science and innovation and at the forefront of medical technologies, Leeds is the perfect place to host the fourth Business of Science Conference.”
“We’re expecting the conference to be bigger and better than ever, with organisations that are passionate about driving innovation forward are joining us, as well some of the world’s leading influencers in the industry on hand to explore the real economic impact of science in the UK today.”
There’s a broad breadth of breakout sessions and discussion panels covering a range of topics such as the business of space, with representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), diversity in STEM subjects, the business of health and the future of science and emerging technologies, and inevitably, Brexit.
New for 2019 is the Innovation Award, open to individuals of all ages, from primary, through secondary school and into later careers, has given the innovators of the future, the chance to submit their ‘science dreams’. The winner of this new award will be announced at the end of the conference. Winners of the annual Business of Science Leadership and Special Recognition Award – acknowledging individuals demonstrating outstanding business contributions in science and innovation – will be announced at the pre-conference dinner at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Leeds city centre on Wednesday 15th May.
