Birmingham’s clean up
Science Capital paves the way forward for concerted action on climate change
Hotel du Vin, Birmingham on Wednesday 16th June 2010
Getting
politicians and business to agree on how to build a green economy is
not easy. While BP chief executive Tony Hayward is being told to clean
up the "nightmare well" in the Gulf of Mexico, US President Barack
Obama is calling for a "new future" of clean energy.
City
regions are often left to find a constructive way forward. Birmingham
is taking a lead in the UK by bringing its business, financial and
scientific leaders together to look at energy alternatives, develop a
common strategy and to build new partnerships.
Over 80 experts
will gather at Hotel du Vin, Birmingham on 16 June 2010 to discuss the
latest climate and energy policy recommendations.
The West
Midlands boasts one of the largest concentrations of know-how needed to
plan and build a low carbon world. So, according to organiser Professor
Michael Overduin, it was the logical place to host the inaugural event
of Science Capital. This new organisation is based in Birmingham, will
bring together leading scientists and business experts from the area,
and aims to stimulate the region’s economic growth by directly linking
innovators and investors.
The gathering is taking place as the
Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition prepares a national strategy
for adapting to a changing climate. Julia King, Vice-Chancellor of
Aston University and appointed last year as the UK's Low Carbon
Business Ambassador, will offer the latest thinking from the
government’s Climate Change Committee.
Supported by Birmingham
City Council, the meeting is designed for those who develop and support
new fuel, solar and biomass technologies and are developing strategies
for reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. Representatives from seven
local universities are converging, and Catherine Burke of Martineau is
moderating the discussions.
The event is in central Birmingham
and although sold out, will release its results to the public at
www.sciencecapital.co.uk. David Hall from Anthony Collins Solicitors
agrees: "there is a real need for an accessible, open network for us to
realise the opportunities for all parties in the region".
This
is only the first of the grand challenges tackled by Science Capital
and Birmingham Science City. Future events focus on Innovative
Healthcare on 15 September as part of the British Science Festival,
followed by the Digital World event on 13 October and are open to all.
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Issue data 15 June 2010
Further information from:
Michael Overduin
Director, Science Capital
Mobile: 07810 444 960
michael@sciencecapital.co.uk
Background on Science Capital:
Science
Capital is an independent, inclusive and apolitical membership
organisation directed by Michael Overduin (University of Birmingham),
Brian Miller (FD Solutions) and Vernon Blackmore (Netnak). It was
developed as a sister organisation of the Lunar Society, and was
established as a separate company limited by guarantee in March
2010. The company is based at 8th Floor, 134 Edmund Street,
Birmingham, B3 2ES. Its mission is to bring together scientists
and business experts, innovators and investors (see also
www.sciencecapital.co.uk).
Brief description of the event:
The
event, Food, Fuel & Future: Strategies for a Changing World, takes
place on 16 June 2010. Julia King, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University,
will present current thinking from the Committee on Climate Change.
Malcolm McIntosh directs the Asia Pacific Centre for Sustainable
Enterprise at the Griffith Business School, Queensland, Australia and
will speak on the emerging low carbon economy from the perspective of
the Asia Pacific region. Tim Jones, from the University of Warwick will
present third-generation solar cells being developed at Molecular
Solar. Kevin Kendall directs the University of Birmingham’s Fuel
Cell Group, and is part of the £80million Science City Consortium. He
will present on hydrogen fuel cells, whole-systems optimisation and
vehicle downsizing.
What the aim of the event is:
This
inaugural Science Capital meeting brings together scientists and
business experts active in energy, low carbon technologies and climate
change policy. Through engaging talks and lively discussions, Science
Capital explores scientific and technological advances alongside the
investment and legal frameworks needed to make them a commercial
reality.
What is special/different about the event:
Engaging
seminars are offered by leading researchers from across the West
Midlands who will present their latest ideas and products, and thereby
gain exposure to the region’s business leaders. As an accessible
membership organization, Science Capital is open to all those who are
interested in developing an innovation-led economy and in
commercializing research discoveries.
Who it is targeted at:
The
speakers are drawn from across the region’s array of universities and
research intensive companies. A panel discussion will engage the
audience’s questions and discuss strategies. Scientists,
investors, policy makers and business experts will be provided with
opportunities to build the relationships needed to grow successful
companies.
What's in the future for Science Capital:
Events
in central Birmingham on 15 September and 13 October will focus on
innovative healthcare and digital technologies, respectively; further
details are posted on www.sciencecapital.co.uk.