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01
July
2026
|
12:42
Europe/London

ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ helps accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world patient therapies by bridging the gap between academic researchers and global industry leaders.

Manchester connects world-class science with global pharmaceutical pathways

ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ working alongside global healthcare leaders, has successfully hosted the inaugural Research Innovation Forum, a major initiative designed to drive commercial acceleration and health innovation across Greater Manchester.

Held on 28 May 2026, the forum brought together our leading academic researchers and senior scouting teams from pharmaceutical giants including AstraZeneca, GSK, and Sanofi. The event was designed to connect "investment-ready" research projects with companies actively looking to develop them further, accelerating the pathway from early scientific discovery to clinical application.

The forum forms a central pillar of the University's strategy to expand the commercial footprint of its Biological Services Facility (BSF). To meet the accelerated demands of global pharmaceutical partners, the BSF is leveraging its world-class infrastructure and advanced capabilities to play a leading role in preclinical service provision. By connecting industry with our expert researchers, the programme accelerates collaboration and strengthens the region’s ability to attract private investment.

Showcasing Global Research Excellence The day featured comprehensive presentations showcasing our University’s most innovative research across high-priority therapeutic areas. Researchers highlighted pioneering projects ranging from immunology programmes studying how the environment affects health, to innovative uses of advanced materials like graphene in medical treatments.

Further highlights included groundbreaking work on cancer treatments, stroke therapies, and specialist facilities, such as the BSF’s unique European research colony used to study biological rhythms. The event was also enriched by international perspectives, with Professor Karin Loré from the Karolinska Institute sharing insights into global vaccine research collaborations.

Institutional Support for Innovation-led Growth The initiative is strongly backed by senior University leadership, who emphasised the critical need to translate research into practical solutions that benefit patients and society more quickly. Registrar, Secretary & Chief Operating Officer of ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ Patrick Hackett  outlined the importance of working seamlessly with external partners, while Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Andy Trafford, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation, championed the institutional commitment to refining commercial pipelines.

Dr Maria Kamper, Strategic Director of the BSF and lead organiser of the event, said: "Our goal with the Research Innovation Forum was simple: to tear down the traditional barriers between academic discovery and industry execution. By aligning Manchester's exceptional scientific minds with the operational agility and world-class infrastructure of the BSF, we are creating a seamless pipeline that allows pharmaceutical partners to confidently accelerate their preclinical timelines. This is about turning incredible science into patient impact, faster than ever before."

The University aims for this forum to be the first of many, cementing partnerships that will turn scientific discoveries into new treatments and position Greater Manchester as a globally competitive leader in health innovation and life sciences.

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