Two GW4 Alliance universities, Bath and Bristol, showcased why the region is a powerhouse for research, development and innovation at a recent event hosted at the Bristol & Bath Science Park for MPs, policymakers and business leaders.
The West of England Research, Development and Innovation Showcase, which took place on Friday 13 February, was an opportunity to highlight emerging R&D opportunities and discuss ways of working together with a view to future investment in innovation.
Innovation capabilities
The event took place over two sites: Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), the University of Bath-led centre of excellence supporting the transport industry in the transition to net zero; and Isambard-AI, the UK's fastest and most powerful supercomputer, led by the University of Bristol. It was the final event of a series of regional engagements supported by Wellcome convened with the GW4 Alliance.
Parliamentarians and local authority leaders attending included Lord John Eatwell; (Chair of the University of Bath IPR Advisory Board), Claire Young MP (Thornbury & Yate); Sadik Al-Hassan MP (North Somerset); Claire Hazelgrove MP (Filton & Bradley Stoke) by video; as well as local authority leaders Cllr Maggie Tyrrell and Cllr Ian Boulton (South Gloucestershire Council) and Cllr Andrew Brown (Bristol City Council).
Complementary strengths
During a roundtable discussion hosted in IAAPS, chaired by GW4 Director Melanie Knetsch, guests heard from the Vice-Chancellors of both Bath and Bristol about the two universities’ complementary regional research and innovation strengths, and from researchers and innovators focused on engineering biology, motion capture technology and clean transport.
From Bath, Professor Chris Brace spoke about the role IAAPS is playing in the region to support industry in the net zero transport transition. Professor Polly McGuigan provided an overview of the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications and its applications across sports science, health and the creative industries. Dr Lucy Martin, Director of the Brunel Centre, provided a scene setter based on upcoming Brunel Centre-analysis assessing regional opportunities for R&D.
Powering growth and innovation
In her video address Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, highlighted that the West of England is one of the most productive parts of the country - already delivering innovation and impact, challenging participants to think about how the region can better tell its story in-line with national priorities.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath said: “Universities like Bath play a key role in supporting growth, productivity and skills. Through assets such as IAAPS, we are unlocking the West of England’s innovation potential by working closely with industry to turn world-class ideas into practical solutions and high-value jobs.
“This event was a valuable opportunity to join GW4 partners and the University of Bristol to share our strengths with policymakers and to hear their priorities. R&D works best when universities respond to the needs of business and government and we are committed to supporting sustainable growth across the region and beyond.”
Unlocking new opportunities
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol said: “At the University of Bristol, we are proud to play a leading role in driving the West of England’s research and innovation strengths. With exceptional facilities like Isambard-AI and deep partnerships across our region, we are helping to turn cutting edge discovery into real world impact.
"This event highlighted the momentum we can achieve when universities, industry and policymakers work together through the GW4 Alliance. By continuing to collaborate, we can unlock even greater opportunities for our communities and for the UK’s future growth.”
Harry Vincent, Senior Officer, Global Government Relations (UK) at Wellcome added: “Groundbreaking research takes place in every corner of the UK. However, without sustained public investment and policy certainty, regional scientific innovations, spinouts and startups, including from the West of England, risk losing out to competitive global destinations.
“As the largest non-governmental funder of science in the UK, we are keen to work with regional partners such as GW4. Our goal is to reach politicians from all parties to make a positive case for science, enhancing the potential for UK research to solve the urgent health challenges facing us all.”