12:30 to 5:30 pm, Gibson Hall, 15 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3BA
Today, 30th May, Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Universities UK (UUK) will be holding a major event bringing together senior representatives from the business and university sectors to discuss how the current successes in collaboration can be built on to ensure that further productive collaborations between UK researchers and business and industry.
Commenting in the event Professor Rick Rylance, Chair of Research Councils UK, said:
“UK business-university relationships are a real success story and have huge potential for economic growth especially in emerging sectors such as the creative industries. The Research Councils already have active relationships with over 2,500 businesses and the number continues to grow. Today’s event focuses on just some of the ways in which we can strengthen these partnerships to ensure that the value of the research base is fully realised for the future economic and social wellbeing of the country.”
The event will explore how both sectors can work together to ensure that the UK is a global hub for research, bringing benefits to business, industry and to the prosperity and wellbeing of the nation. The discussion will look at the broad opportunities and barriers to collaboration as well as, drawing on current success stories how strong, productive relationships can be built.
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, commented:
“Our universities already work with global brands as well as local employers to strengthen their businesses and support the economy, both locally and nationally. Today’s event will explore the ways in which we can learn from these successes, and how we can best address some of the challenges that arise from such collaborations. Developing and deepening relationships between universities and businesses will be central to the generation of economic growth in the UK.”
Speakers at the event include leading figures from both business and universities:
- Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham United FC;
- Lord Bilimoria, Founder and Chair of Cobra Beer and President of the UK India Business Council;
- Professor Sir Tim Wilson, author of the recent review into Business-University collaboration and former Vice Chancellor of University of Hertfordshire;
- Professor Julia King, Chair of Universities UK Policy Network for Employability, Business and Industry and Vice Chancellor, Aston University.
Discussion at the event, as well as contributions to a high level round table chaired by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science held earlier in the day, will be fed into a joint report on university – business collaboration to be released by RCUK and UUK in the autumn.
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Further information
Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon
Notes to editors
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
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Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities.
Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities
in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members
to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 134
members and offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it promotes the
strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. www.universitiesuk.ac.uk