Previous Sponsors

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Lead Sponsor)

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK’s principal funder of basic and strategic biological research. BBSRC supports research and research training in universities and research centres throughout the UK, including BBSRC–sponsored institutes; and promotes knowledge transfer from research to applications in business, industry and policy, and public engagement in the biosciences. BBSRC is supported through the Science Budget by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Innovation and invests around £350 million per annum in the biosciences, funding research in some of the most exciting areas of contemporary science. BBSRC’s research portfolio includes areas as diverse as plant and crop science, animal welfare, stem cell biology, diet and health, brain science and cognition, structural biology and cell signalling.

BBSRC places a strong emphasis on facilitating the application of the research it funds for the benefit of the UK economy and society in general. This is achieved through support for collaborative research projects between academia and industry, the implementation of BBSRC’s Technology Strategy to target research in areas of industrial need and a range of mechanisms that support knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of research.

Web address:http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk

Adamson Jones (Senior Sponsor)

AdamsonJones is a modern, client-focused patent and trade mark firm offering a full range of intellectual property services in the UK, Europe and throughout the world.

Our principal activities are in the fields of:

Based in BioCity, the UK’s largest bioscience and healthcare innovation centre, we work primarily in the bioscience, pharmaceutical and healthcare fields, and act for clients with interests ranging from molecular biology to pharmaceutical chemistry to medical devices.

Web address: http://www.adamson-jones.co.uk

Nottingham City Council and Science City (Senior Sponsor)

The Government has awarded Nottingham, along with only five other cities in the UK, the title of ‘Science City’. This recognises the outstanding nature of past achievements and present strengths in science in Nottingham. The Science sector is a priority for the City with anticipated, further significant future growth potential in terms of research and development, commercalisation and job creation. Nottingham City Council, along with key partners in the City such as the universities and BioCity, are working pro-actively to support further growth of the sector in Nottingham.

Web Address: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Web Address: www.science-city.co.uk

GxP International (Senior Sponsor)

GxP International (gxpi) provides the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries with cost-effective, results-focussed regulatory compliance, quality assurance, project management, validation, process engineering and training services. Using its combination of manufacturing, development, research, quality, engineering and project management knowledge and experience gxpi can deliver pragmatic, cost-effective services and support to your business. The three principal categories of service offered are Consultancy, Contract Solutions and Training.

Web Address: http://www.gxpi.co.uk

PricewaterhouseCoopers (Dinner Sponsor)

The member firms of the PricewaterhouseCoopers network provide industry focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 140,000 people in 149 countries across our network work collaboratively using connected thinking to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

Web Address: http://www.pwc.com/uk

UK Trade & Investment (Reception Sponsor)

UK Trade & Investment provides advice, support and information to companies of all sizes in the UK looking to build business overseas.

Whatever the size of the enterprise, UK Trade & Investment’s network of dedicated staff, located in 200 embassies and consulates around the world, provides UK companies with an exclusive range of services and support - combining commercial expertise and impartiality with unrivalled local access and knowledge.

To contact UKTI please call 0207 215 8000

Web Address: http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Connect Midlands (Reception Sponsor)

Investment Readiness coaching for early stage science, engineering, technology, and high growth companies, seeking to raise private equity finance from £15,000 to £3.5m, through a programme of high quality showcasing events to investors and the Connect InvoRed programme which includes;

- Popular Amber workshops and seminars where companies learn what an investor looks for and how to create a winning investment proposition.

- Support and assistance to build management capability and routes to market via our vibrant Green stream network of coaches, consultants, members, professional service providers, and investors.

Web Address: http://www.connectmidlands.org/

Nelsons (Reception Sponsor)

Nelsons’ Commerce & Technology Group provides advice on a wide range of matters, including commercial contract and partnership law, UK and European Union competition law, and intellectual property issues.

The team has extensive experience of negotiating, preparing and drafting agreements for both national and international use, ranging from all kinds of supply and purchase contracts to specialist agreements for technology rights and IT procurement. It also works closely with the firm’s commercial litigation team which advises on resolving a wide range of disputes, including trademark, patent, passing off and other intellectual property matters.

One of the largest law firms in the East Midlands with offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, Nelsons has gained recognition for its expertise in Legal 500 and Chambers, two leading independently-researched legal directories. Acknowledged as a ‘regional heavyweight’ by Legal 500, Nelsons is also currently the Midlands' highest ranked firm in the Lawyer Magazine’s UK’s Rising 50 survey.

Web Address: http://www.nelsonslaw.co.uk/