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York hosts major chemistry and industrial biotechnology conference

Posted on 12 September 2017

The University of York will host a major chemistry and industrial biotechnology conference this month.

Bringing together the UK’s leading researchers, industry innovators and investors and government agencies, the Chemistry and Industrial Biotechnology Showcase 2017 is held on 20 – 21 September.

Hosted by the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), programme themes will highlight the many applications of chemistry and industrial biotechnology, ranging from healthcare to functional materials, from low carbon fuels to synthetic biology.

Conference sessions on topics such as medicine and healthy ageing, exhibitions to view the latest technologies and a unique pitch event to form new business relationships will take place.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour York’s Biorenewables Development Centre and attend a BioVale breakfast meeting on ways to deal with food waste.

Simon McQueen-Mason, Director of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) and conference speaker, said: “Industrial biotechnology and chemistry will provide the new technologies that will allow continued prosperity as we transition from a petroleum-dependent society into the age of renewables. Research at York is paving the way for many of these developments, and we are delighted to be hosting the UK’s leading showcase event for this sector.”

Chris Warkup, CEO of KTN, said: "KTN has chosen York this year to host our bi-annual flagship Chemistry & Industrial Biotechnology conference as it is in close proximity to major hubs of the chemicals industry in the North East, Yorkshire/Humber and North West.

“York is also central to the growing Bioeconomy activities in the UK, with a leading cluster of industry, academics and government engaged in developing opportunities to derive value from bio-based materials, creating new market opportunities for more sustainable products.”

Deborah Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York and Chair of the BioVale Steering Group, added: “We’ve long had significant research strengths in chemistry and industrial biotechnology at the University, and in the last few years we have supported the growth of a new sector - the bioeconomy - by bringing together regional researchers with industry to solve real-world challenges. These collaborations are helping us turn biomass and bio-based wastes into resources that will ultimately enable the transition away from petrochemicals.

“We are delighted to be hosting the KTN’s flagship event in York this year, just as we finish our government-commissioned Science and Innovation Audit highlighting the growing opportunities for the ‘Bioeconomy of the North of England.’”

Registration and more information about the event is available here: http://ib-showcase2017.meeting-mojo.com/.

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