CBA News

The Chemical Business Association (CBA) were proud sponsors of this year’s Business of Science Conference, which took place at the University of Leeds on 18^th May

The event, first held in 2016 to celebrate the commercialisation of science, innovation and technology, featured several notable industry speakers, including Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Indro Mukerjee, CEO of InnovateUK, Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, and Kully Thiarai, Creative Director & CEO of Leeds 2023.

By invitation of the organiser, Steve Bennett, several members of the Association’s Future Council attended the conference, as well as a day of talks prior to the event. The pre-conference session, named the Future Leaders Forum, had the aim of encouraging networking and further engaging young people with the conference and industry.

During the conference, several Business of Science Leadership Awards, which celebrates notable and diverse leadership and significant contributions of individuals to the commercialisation of science and innovation, was awarded. The winners of the sixth annual awards were:

• Private Sector SME Award: Dr Mandy Ridyard, Finance Director at Produmax and Yorkshire Space Hub Chair
• Private Sector Large Award: Steve Foots, Group CEO at Croda International PLC
• Public/Charity Sector Award: Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer at Defra
• Sustainability Award: Professor Mike Berners-Lee, Director at Small World Consulting
• Special Recognition Award: Professor Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at UCL

There were also Innovation Awards,  with primary, secondary and 18+ categories to recognise those who have shown a desire to solve problems through science with the entries being judged by conference attendees.

Commenting on this year’s Business of Science Conference, CEO of the CBA, Tim Doggett who also attended the Conference said: “The Business of Science Conference provided an excellent opportunity for industry professionals of all ages and stages of their career to have productive conversations, network, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. Additionally, through the Innovation Award, it served to inspire the next generation. I am proud that the CBA are a partner and supporter of Business of Science which provides such a stimulating experience for industry professionals, young people, and future STEM leaders alike.”

Welcoming more than 200 delegates in 2023, the Business of Science Conference aims to nurture and encourage business and science innovation and collaboration throughout the UK while celebrating the role played by the City of Leeds in the development of science and innovation.

Steve Bennett, Founder & Managing Director, Business of Science Ltd commented “We were delighted to receive the support of the CBA at BoSC23, both at the Conference and through the Future Leaders Forum where members of the CBA’s Future Council were strongly involved. The role of the CBA in supporting science and innovation supply chains is crucial in the commercialisation journey and we are delighted to have their involvement. The Conference has always provided opportunities to establish and develop mutually beneficial relationships throughout STEM-related industries and the CBA’s inclusive approach to this is welcomed. We are proud of their involvement and look forward to continuing to work with the organisation closely in the future.”

Sponsoring the event alongside the CBA were headline sponsors The University of Salford, as well as BASF, the Chartered Institute of Management, HGF, Hoare Lea, Leeds Trinity University, NEXUS Leeds, NobleNet, In Professional Development, IVE, Innovate UK KTN, William Blythe and WISE.