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The inaugural conference of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences — UK-PharmSci 2010, The Science of Medicines — takes place at The University of Nottingham from Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 September.
The conference takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre on University Park, and welcomes some of the world’s foremost experts in the pharmaceutical sciences. It aims to showcase the best pharmaceutical talent, alongside new research and technologies.
‘The Science of Medicines’ will be chaired by Kevin Shakesheff, Head of the School of Pharmacy at The University of Nottingham and Professor of Advanced Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering.
Subjects covered during the three-day conference range from materials science and delivery technologies to anti-infectives and biopharmaceutics. Speakers at the event include Professor Ravi Kumar of the University of Strathclyde, who will deliver the RPSGB Science Award Lecture, ‘What makes medicine’, and Professor Graham Buckton from the University of London. Speakers range from established academics to young science researchers, and the programme aims to encourage collaboration in this multi-disciplinary field.
Professor Shakesheff said: “We’re delighted to welcome the UK’s premier pharmaceutical sciences conference to the University. Here at Nottingham we’re recognised as being leaders in the field, so it’s appropriate that the first such event should take place on our campus.”
On Friday, the final day of UK-PharmSci 2010, five teams of entrants from the UK and India will compete for two prizes to help them develop their biotechnology and pharmaceutical business ideas into commercially viable ventures. Contestants will pitch to a distinguished panel of judges, featuring entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and senior industry figures, and chaired by Italian entrepreneur Stefano Pessina, Executive Chairman of Alliance Boots.
Since February, online master classes by industry experts and entrepreneurs covering different aspects of innovation and business strategy have prepared teams for the competition. Finalists were shortlisted in May and these teams of research scientists and biotech entrepreneurs have had access to bespoke mentoring support since then to help develop their entries.
For more information on the conference visit
www.ukpharmsci.org
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 100 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and Times Higher (THE) World University Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to RAE 2008, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranks the University 7th in the UK by research power. In 27 subject areas, the University features in the UK Top Ten, with 14 of those in the Top Five.
The University provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain's “only truly global university”, it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in both 2006 (International Trade) and 2007 (Innovation — School of Pharmacy), and was named ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2008.
Nottingham was designated as a Science City in 2005 in recognition of its rich scientific heritage, industrial base and role as a leading research centre. Nottingham has since embarked on a wide range of business, property, knowledge transfer and educational initiatives (www.science-city.co.uk) in order to build on its growing reputation as an international centre of scientific excellence. The University of Nottingham is a partner in Nottingham: the Science City.)