INNOVATION leaders from science parks across the UK visited Lancaster University to explore how dedicated innovation centres can shape the future of the UK's knowledge economy.
The two-day event showcased Lancaster's cutting-edge capabilities in data science, cyber security and health innovation to more than 140 visitors from across the UK.
Delegates received a tour of some of the University's flagship innovation assets including its Data Immersion Suite, Data Cyber Quarter and Health Innovation Campus.
Dr Mark Rushforth, Associate Director of Enterprise and Innovation at Lancaster University, said: "I was delighted to be able to speak to delegates to showcase the work which has gone into ensuring Lancaster University provides an environment where we can deliver highly-impactful research and innovation.
"We have made strategic developments across our campus, creating facilities to support collaborative work in areas including cyber security, health, nuclear engineering and data science - all areas which align with the UK's Industrial Strategy.
"We are committed to ensuring our campus offers the knowledge exchange opportunities, collaboration space and state-of-the-art technology which support the research and innovation ambitions of the University, and its partners."
Laura Kornas, Head of Partnerships and Engagement for Health and Social Care, spoke to delegates visiting the University's Health Innovation Campus about building a powerful ecosystem where researchers, NHS partners, innovators and ambitious businesses work side-by-side.
Laura said: "Lancaster University offers similar opportunities to a science park in terms of co-working space and cutting-edge facilities, while also providing access to ideas and knowledge which help organisations find solutions to ongoing challenges - as well as a valuable network of interconnected partners.
"The conference was a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on the significant learning journey we've been on as a University, while showcasing our positive trajectory and ambitious future growth plans. We're looking forward to future."
Professor Simon Cook, Professor in Practice for Data and Cyber Research, also spoke about the strategic vision behind the University's cyber security-focussed LENS facility, and the University's cyber research capabilities within its Data Cyber Quarter.
Wider discussions across the conference focused on the UK's industrial strategy, the integration of artificial intelligence into operations and the development of a skilled innovation workforce.
Other speakers included Innovate UK, the CBI, The National Centre for Universities and Business, Siemens and ARUP. The event closed with a fascinating session by applied futurist Tom Cheesewright covering AI, data and the future of decision-making.
