Region Hosts UK’s Largest Medical Networking Conference

25/11/2009

The UK’s largest medical networking conference will take place at York Racecourse this month, sponsored by Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward.

BioProcess UK, which is now in its sixth year, continues to provide a key networking forum for those interested in biological medicines, and will this year provide a stage for three local companies to increase their profiles.

Absynth Biologics, based in Sheffield, develop vaccines and anti-bodies to treat infections including MRSA; York-based Avacta provide innovative point-of-care and laboratory-based technologies and services; and Neotherix, also from York, are a regenerative medicine company specialising in tissue regeneration and repair.

The conference takes place at York Racecourse on November 25 and 26, and includes a welcome address from Yorkshire Forward Deputy Chair Linda Pollard, who will address delegates on the theme of this year’s event – Driving Competitiveness Through Innovation.

Linda said: “Yorkshire Forward is delighted to be the main sponsor for this event and we are very pleased to welcome delegates from across the country to our region. Healthcare Technologies is one of Yorkshire Forward’s identified priority sectors, and hosting events like this one will only encourage the growth of the sector in our region.

“Despite challenging economic times, Healthcare Technologies is one of the sectors in which we are still anticipating growth, and Yorkshire Forward is committed to supporting this growth through initiatives including co-funding a collaboration project between the Bioprocess UK Knowledge Transfer Network and the RDAs in the North.

“The region has eight research-intensive universities, all of whom are involved in world-leading research in biological and regenerative medicines, and that will provide a solid platform on which to build the future of the industry in Yorkshire and Humber.”

Professor David Goodall, from York-based ultra-violet imaging detector design company Paraytec, and Bradford University’s Professor Rob Forbes are speaking at the event.

Prof. Goodall said: “Yorkshire Forward’s support via their R&D grant scheme was critical to help Paraytec develop our award winning area imaging systems. As a result, we have developed a strong consortium of international partners who are working with us to develop applications that can help a number of key markets in healthcare technologies.”

Prof. Forbes added: “Bradford University is at the forefront of drug delivery in the region, and I know that we – and a lot of others – would find it hard to find funding without the help of Yorkshire Forward, who are instrumental in promoting the industry across Yorkshire.

“It’s brilliant to see such a prestigious event coming to our region because it gives Healthcare Technologies businesses in the area a chance to showcase their products and the talents of their staff.”

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Murphy, Press Manager on 0113 3949904 or email Daniel.murphy@yorkshire-forward.com