A new Industry Innovation Forum (IIF) has been launched by the N8 Research Partnership to further improve collaboration between industry and the North’s research-intensive universities.
Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts officially opened the forum, which is a joint venture between government, the Technology Strategy Board and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
Mr Willetts said: “This initiative will give companies of all sizes access to the resources and expertise of eight research-intensive universities, driving innovation and providing them with informed solutions to the challenges they face.”
An event, attended by more than 100 industry and university partners and focusing on advanced materials technology, was held at University of Leeds to mark the start of new venture.
Professor Keith Burnett, Chair of the N8 Research Partnership said: “We have listened to our industry partners and designed the Forum so businesses can talk to us about their key needs and challenges. We can match these with science solutions and possibilities from the research base, across a range of disciplines, from eight leading universities.”
Sir Alan Langlands, HEFCE Chief Executive, added: “I congratulate the N8 universities on coming together for this innovative proposal.”
The N8 Research Partnership is a collaboration between the universities of Liverpool, Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York.