Role of universities in national growth and innovation highlighted at flagship engineering council event
Manchester Met’s leading role in excellent research with impact and excellent education was showcased this week at the annual Engineering Academics Network Congress.
One of the highlights of the event was the prestigious annual lecture given by the Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, Chi Onwurah MP.
During the ‘Engineering Science’ lecture, Ms Onwurah spoke about how the UK can ensure science benefits everyone and took questions from an audience of more than 100 academics, students, local dignitaries and the public.
The lecture was preceded by a roundtable discussion, led by Manchester Met’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Nick Brook, to discuss how regional growth can be encouraged through education, industry and devolved authority partnerships.
Professor Nick Brook, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “At Manchester Met, we are proud to play a vital role in shaping a more innovative, skilled, and sustainable future for the UK and the Greater Manchester region.
“We play a vital role through the current Innovation Accelerator and Investment Zone funding. Our Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMMIC) and our leadership in digital and clean energy innovation, are at the forefront of solving national challenges from the heart of Greater Manchester working closely with regional business.
“Our commitment to employer-led education, including the UK’s largest degree apprenticeship programme, ensures that we are not only developing the future workforce but directly supporting regional growth and productivity.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Chi Onwurah MP to Manchester and to host the Engineering Professors Council annual lecture and congress with our partners – reinforcing the importance of universities as strategic partners in delivering the UK’s science, skills and innovation ambitions in partnership with regional industry and local devolved authorities.”
