July 2016
Director's Update - How to ensure future success for Research.
Welcome to the summer issue of the N8 Research Partnership Newsletter.
It has certainly been a tumultuous couple of months on the national education, policy and political landscape. The universities like others have watched on as the country has begun a process of change with uncertain outcomes and major implications for the nation, its constituent regions, and the Higher Education sector.
Often it makes sense to focus on what one can control, not on what one can't. Over the last two months, the North of England has begun to grasp some of the details that could enable a Powerhouse region to function and flourish. A swathe of interesting regional policy ideas and proposals have emerged from recent reports. Coordinated working across Northern cities and bodies will be key to translating these into practice.
All of these identify innovation as at the heart of Northern future economic success.
N8 is at the heart of the Northern innovation agenda, and will continue to drive forward programmes with a regional focus and international importance. N8 AgriFood had a hugely successful launch recently, with 500 delegates embracing cross-sectoral research opportunities and a high level of energy and excitement about what we can collectively do to address this global issue.
In this newsletter, we also include an overview on the potential of one economic capability, Life Sciences, to play a key role in the regional economy.
Shortly, N8 will publish a landmark report on what the N8 universities already contribute into the Northern economy, through research, industry partnership, and direct and indirect generation of investment and jobs.
Much is uncertain currently in the university sector, with a forthcoming White Paper, new national leadership, and an uncertain European research funding landscape. N8 will continue to work on finding solutions and acting collaboratively - we welcome those who want to work with us to build a successful future for the research sector, the economy of the Northern region, and beyond.
Please feel free to contact me for more information, or to get involved in our programmes.
Dr Peter Simpson
Director, N8 Research Partnership
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