In its third year, Creating a Scientific Superpower will highlight the UK’s potential in science and innovation. Exploring the challenges of establishing an environment that attracts global talent and international business, while facilitating the journey from spin-out to IPO, and securing venture capital during a period of economic uncertainty. The conference will feature dynamic discussions focused on unlocking the UK’s potential as a scientific superpower, creating a globally competitive ecosystem, and driving national productivity through innovative manufacturing and advanced R&D.
We will be showcasing the emerging linkages between regional clusters that are accelerating growth in innovation and technology sectors nationwide, while drawing upon insights from successful global clusters. Guests will be able to connect with leading scientists, government ministers, business leaders, and investors to actively contribute to shaping the UK’s journey towards becoming a scientific superpower.
Agenda:
08:00 – Registration and Networking
09:00 – Welcome
09:05 – Opening Keynote: Making Britain the Best Place to Innovate Chi Onwurah, Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation – Invited
09:20 – Panel Discussion: What does a good industrial strategy look like?
Chair: Professor Greg Clark, CBE, Chair, Connected Places Catapult – Confirmed
Rt Hon Greg Clark MP – Confirmed
Vicky Pryce, Chief Economic Adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research – Confirmed
Professor Irene Tracey CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford – Confirmed
Professor Diane Coyle, Bennett Professor of Public Policy, University of Cambridge – Invited
10:10 – Keynote: The Special Relationship: Why PsiQuantum came home from the US PsiQuantum
Mark Thompson, Chief Technologist and Co-Founder – Confirmed
10:25 – Break
10:50 – Panel Discussion: Is the UK Investable?
Chair: Tim Smith, News Editor, Sifted – Confirmed
Euan Ashley, Associate Dean – School of Medicine, Stanford University – Confirmed
Spencer Collins, EVP and Chief Legal Officer, Arm – Confirmed
Andrew Williamson, Managing Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital – Confirmed
Sheelpa Patel, CMO, Oxa – Confirmed
Dave Moore, CEO, Pragmatic – Invited
11:40 – Panel Discussion: Powering Progress: Innovative Projects Connecting the UK
Chair: Barbara Ghinelli, Chief Scientific Advisor, Advanced Research Clusters – Confirmed
Darius Hughes, General Manager, Moderna – Confirmed
Kata Escott, CB; UK Managing Director, Airbus – Invited
Martin Soltau, Co-CEO & Executive Director, Space Solar – Invited
Nicola Hodson, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland – Invited
12:20 – Lunch
13:05 – Keynote: Making the UK a Scientific Superpower
Andrew Griffith, Minister of State for Department of Science, Innovation & Technology – Confirmed
13:25 – Panel Discussion: Innovation Constellation – Connecting Clusters to Accelerate R&D Across the UK
Chair: Dr. Andy Williams, Chair, Oxford–Cambridge Supercluster Board – Confirmed
Dipesh Shah OBE, Chair – Oxford to Cambridge Pan–Regional Partnership – Confirmed
Sir John Peace, Chair, Midlands Engine – Confirmed
Pam Smith, CEO, Newcastle City Council – Confirmed
Lou Cordwell OBE, Greater Manchester Business Board– Invited
14:10 – Keynote: Leveraging the NHS and the UK’s Unique Position
Roland Sinker, National Director for Life Sciences, NHS England – Confirmed
14:25 – Break
14:50 – Panel discussion: Innovative Sectors Driving the Future of Healthcare
Chair: Sarah Haywood, Managing Director, Advanced Oxford – Confirmed
Dr Jon Wilkinson, Director of Business and Innovation, ICR (London Cancer Hub) – Confirmed
Professor Rafael Carazo Salas, Founder and CEO, CellVoyant – Confirmed
Dr Keri Hildick, Chief Strategy Officer, Perspectum – Invited
Dr. Annelise Vuidepot, Chief Technology Officer, Immunocore – Invited
15:30 – Panel Discussion: Creating a Global Supercluster
Chair: Dr Tim Moonen Co-Founder & Managing Director, Business of Cities – Invited
Steve Rees OBE, Vice President of Discovery Biology – AstraZeneca – Confirmed
Emma Frost, Chair, UK Innovation Districts Group – Confirmed
Hans Bishop, President, Founder and Board Co-Chair, Altos Labs – Confirmed
Beth O’Neill Maloney, Executive Director, Kendall Square Association – Invited
16:15 – Keynote: Unlocking Britain’s Untapped Potential
Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer - Invited
Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Invite
Sponsored by:
AstraZeneca
Advanced Research Clusters
Oxford to Cambridge pan-Regional Partnership
Bidwells
In association with:
UK Cities & Partners
UKSPA
Oxford to Cambridge Arc Universities Group
