York scientists highlighted for contribution to UK economy
Posted on 2 June 2008
At a recent event at HM Treasury, run by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), a wide range of research and innovation at the University was highlighted for its economic and social impact:
- Professor Neil Bruce’s research on new, more environmentally friendly industrial solvents. Neil Bruce has founded a spin-out company, Bioniqs, to develop new ways of designing novel ‘green’ solvents for manufacturers.
- Professor Rod Hubbard has spent almost 30 years developing methods for visualising and exploiting the structure of protein molecules, including software distributed worldwide by Accelrys for molecular graphics and structure-based drug discovery with the company, Vernalis.
- Professor Jenny Southgate has harnessed her research on the basic biology of bladder cells to develop models of the lining of the human bladder. This work has contributed to pre-clinical evaluation of drugs and furthered studies into bladder cancer.
Bioscience researchers in the UK have not only pursued excellent, world-class research, but they have also been active in ensuring that we all benefit from their efforts
Ian Pearson MP
The event, ‘Bioscience: Biomillions’, illustrated how the UK’s excellent bioscience research base, principally funded by BBSRC with over £400M of public money each year, is delivering substantial economic and social impact. Other high impact bioscience research on show included work to understand and defeat hospital superbugs, research to understand ageing and to develop ways to encourage healthier ageing, and research to help farmers increase crop yields and to cope with a changing climate.
Participants in the event included researchers from York and other bioscientists being highlighted for their contributions, dignitaries including Ian Pearson MP, the Minister of State for Science and Innovation, industry leaders, policy makers and leading academics.
Mr Pearson said: "Bioscience researchers in the UK have not only pursued excellent, world-class research, but they have also been active in ensuring that we all benefit from their efforts.
"In order to remain globally competitive and meet the future challenges of living within our environmental and population limits, it is vital that bioscience researchers continue to maximise the positive economic and social impacts of their research and activities."
Steve Visscher, BBSRC Interim Chief Executive, said: "The UK’s world class bioscience research base underpins major economic and social sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, healthcare and the environment. Our researchers are amongst the best in the world in terms of the quality of their science but they are also making huge contributions to quality of life for people through economic and social impact."
The event also highlighted the success of BBSRC initiatives such as the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme in developing the innovators of the future, and the Business Plan Competition in facilitating the birth of new companies.
ENDS
Contact the BBSRC Media Office:
- Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299, email: matt.goode@bbsrc.ac.uk
- Nancy Mendoza, Tel: 01793 413355, email: nancy.mendoza@bbsrc.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
- BBSRC recently presented ‘Bioscience: Biomillions’ at HM Treasury to give scientists, policymakers and industry leaders the chance to meet and celebrate the quality of UK bioscience and its contribution to our economy and society. Nearly 50 top academic researchers were highlighted for their research and social and economic impact.
- Full details of ‘Bioscience: Biomillions’, including a complete list of all the bioscientists highlighted for their economic and social impact is available at: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/publications/corporate/bioscience_biomillions.html
- More information about BBSRC knowledge transfer and economic and social impact activities is available at: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/index.html
- The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around £420M in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
- The University of York’s Department of Biology is one of the leading centres for biological teaching and research in the UK. The Department undertakes research across the whole spectrum of modern Biology, from molecular genetics and biochemistry to ecology.
- The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) is a highly acclaimed research centre, based in the Department of Biology. CNAP is dedicated to realising the potential of plant- and microbial-based renewable resources, using biology to benefit society and to provide a sustainable future.
- The Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis, in the Department of Biology, was opened in 1992, funded by the generosity of the late Jack Birch OBE and York Against Cancer. The focus of the Research Unit is the investigation of human carcinomas, with special emphasis on bladder cancer, the fifth most common adult cancer.
- The Department of Chemistry at the University of York has an excellent reputation for both teaching and research. It has 47 members of staff including many winners of international prizes, over 420 undergraduate students, approximately 130 postgraduates (mainly studying for PhDs) and 80 research fellows. The department was graded 5A in the last Research Assessment Exercise.