New life science programme addresses sector knowledge gaps

Life sciences membership organisation for the North of England, BioNow and Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP), the largest science park operator in the UK, have launched a series of seminars, workshops and events aimed at addressing shortfalls in knowledge and best practice across life sciences.

The three features will be held at Alderley Park, which is the North East’s leading facility in life sciences. The events were created as a response to feedback and requests from businesses based in the park, as well issues arising across the sector as a whole.

The first event, ‘Quality by Design’, is being delivered in conjunction with pharma company, Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services and will detail the latest thinking on medicinal product development through a series of lectures and hands-on exercises with leading scientists and industry experts.

Alderley Park’s managing director Dr. Chris Doherty said: “When it comes to developing new medications, two of the most obvious areas of focus are whether drugs are safe, and whether drugs work. But alongside that, companies also have to factor in the practicalities of drug design and manufacture. Without due consideration, these are the hurdles that can prevent promising, early-stage drugs getting to market.

“The ‘Quality by Design’ event is the first in a series that blends both practical and academic content. They will appeal to not only businesses and industry professionals at Alderley Park and the North, but also to the wider life science and pharmaceutical sectors.

“We have unparalleled facilities here and programmes of events like this give us the ideal vehicle to showcase them. The conference centre is developing a deserved reputation as a world-class meeting venue and, with Manchester Airport on our doorstep, we’re ideally suited to appeal to the international scientific community."

Dr Geoff Davison, CEO of BioNow, added: “With more than 1,000 businesses and 150,000 students, the life science sector is key to the North’s economic development.

“We’ve taken on board the feedback of our members and highlighted a number of key areas where additional training and information could genuinely help them to both grow, and commercialise their research. There is a genuine sense of collaboration at Alderley Park and I’d like to thank Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services for coming on board to deliver the opening event.”