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N8 Research Partnership March Newsletter

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

Northern Powerhouse N8 blog

Putting flesh on the bones of the Northern Powerhouse concept

Over the last few weeks, three substantive events have been held that address what the Northern powerhouse is, and what it could become.

Find out more about the Great North Plan, NIER and Finding True North.

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N8 BBC News - June 2016

The N8 AgriFood Launch on BBC News

BBC News covered the N8 AgriFood programme launch - "Scientists hungry to deliver food system paradigm shift."

Read the full coverage below.

 

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Professor Nick Wright

Innovation in the New World

"The North of England has a proud tradition of innovation that is not just historical but thriving in the present."

Read the latest N8 blog, by Professor Nick Wright - Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Newcastle University.

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ELRIG Drug Discovery 2016

Liverpool to host ELRIG flasghip Drug Discovery event

ELRIG’s two-day Drug Discovery 2016, featuring world-class speakers on the latest scientific breakthroughs and new approaches in drug discovery research, returns to Liverpool in the autumn after several years away.

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#heshow2016

N8 partner with the HE Show 2016

N8 Research Partnership will be a key supporter and active partner at the Higher Education Show 2016 - the largest annual free-to-attend gathering of higher education professionals, and aims to help HE institutions to improve their strategies in order to remain competitive in the global market.

Find out more about the event.

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Sir Keith Burnett - Life after Brexit

Life after Brexit: what next for British universities?

N8 board member Sir Keith Burnett gives his view on what BREXIT could mean for British universities and advocating a continuation of the close cooperation which does not stop at national borders.

This piece first appeared in Times Higher Education.

Read the full blog below.

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Dr Peter SImpson, N8

N8 and the Life Sciences Northern Powerhouse Proposition

Dr Peter Simpson, Director of N8 Research Partnership, argues that regardless of the implications of BREXIT, the North can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal and must continue to work collaboratively to push forward its compelling offer as a region of new innovation and world class science.

Read the full blog below.

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Urban Living Partnership

N8 Universities playing key role within Urban Living Partnership Pilots

Three of the N8 universities - Newcastle University, University of Leeds and University of York, are leading three of the recently announced Urban Living Partnership pilot schemes, which aim to drive tangible improvement of city living.

Find out more.

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