University of Liverpool leaders and researchers contributed to important policy debates about the future of the Liverpool City Region, the North of England and the wider UK at the Labour Party Conference this week.
Across four days, the University worked with partners from government, business, healthcare, higher education and local government to take part in a range of conference events, highlighting the contribution universities can make to policy and to the communities and economies they serve.
Health, work and opportunity were among the themes explored at an expert roundtable discussion hosted by the University's Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL). Senior figures from healthcare, local government, industry and academia considered how new technologies, data and partnership working can help people live healthier lives and stay connected to work.
The event marked the launch of CHIL's Keep Britain Working Prospectus and highlighted the Liverpool City Region's strengths in health and life sciences innovation. Former Health Secretary Rt Hon Alan Milburn joined leaders from organisations including the NHS, The Health Foundation, Liverpool Health Partners and Health Innovation Manchester.
Speaking after the event, Rt Hon Alan Milburn, said: "Bringing together leaders and experts from across health, government, academia, business and communities, from Liverpool and across the country, gave us a real opportunity to share ideas and challenge ourselves about what needs to change. By combining that national expertise, ambition and strong partnerships, we explored how data and AI can be used responsibly to improve health, support people into work and create opportunities, with lessons that can resonate far beyond the city."
The North's potential for growth was another focus during the conference. Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor, joined leaders from government, business and higher education at an event organised by the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster which focused on the UK's future industrial strategy, exploring how innovation and collaboration can support growth across the UK. Professor Jones highlighted how our Liverpool-Oxford partnership is helping to connect and activate the Oxfordshire and Liverpool City Region innovation ecosystem, providing a coherent UK pathway from research and company creation through to scale-up, industrialisation and global market growth.
He also took part in an event hosted by LabourList and the N8 Research Partnership, exploring how the North can build on its strengths in research, innovation and skills to attract investment and support economic growth.
The role of universities in supporting cities was explored at an event organised in partnership with Centre for Cities and the University's Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place. Professor Richard Black, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, joined the panel to discuss how universities can support innovation, develop talent, attract investment and work with local partners to help cities grow.
The University's international links were also represented, with the Vice-Chancellor taking part in the Liverpool in India roundtable organised by Liverpool City Council. The new University of Liverpool campus in Bengaluru was highlighted as an important opportunity to strengthen education, research, talent exchange and innovation links between Liverpool and India.
Alongside these events, the University contributed to a wider programme across the conference, including discussions on digital inclusion, transport and the role of technology in society.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: "The Labour Party Conference has given us a valuable opportunity to be part of some important conversations about the future of Liverpool, the North and the wider country.
"From health and economic growth to skills, innovation and our international partnerships, there is a clear role for universities in bringing research and expertise into these conversations and working with others to turn that into action. I'm pleased that colleagues from across the University have been able to contribute to such a broad programme this week, and to highlight the work we are doing with partners locally, nationally and internationally."
