10 Things You Didn't Know About North West Science

North West Science and Technology has led todiverse industries ranging from providing education
many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, suchto Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong
as Britain's first aeroplane, the birth of the firstlinks to universities as well as research institutes
test tube baby, splitting the atom, and the world'sand centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad,
first computer. Science and Technology ishelp to ensure that Science and Technology in the
continuing to develop rapidly in this region, andNorth West is second to none.
many global brands, ranging from medical7. Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology
research to military aircraft have significantsites have been set up throughout the North
research and design facilities in the North West.West, and Manchester is aiming to become one
Over 25% of the region's £106 billionof the UK's first six Science Cities by 2015.
economy comes from Science and TechnologyManchester Science Park is internationally
companies.recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one
1. North West universities play a key role inof the most successful of its kind. Tenants include
Science and Technology, and have a combinedspecialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital
turnover of over £1.2 billion, almost 1% ofmedia.
the region's total economy. Leading companies,The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus,
including those in the Aerospace Business,near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading
automotive supply and manufacturing companies,companies in diverse industries ranging from
nuclear energy and medical research are closelyhealthcare research to business support services.
linked to North West universities. More thanThe nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the
50,000 North West students graduate everybest-resourced science facilities in the UK.
year, including 25,000 with life science degrees.Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of
Over 69,000 science students are trained everyLiverpool, is the fastest growing science park in
year.the UK, and contains computer games, website
2. The Aerospace Business in the North West hasdesign and software companies as well as
a turnover of £6 billion, and is responsiblesolicitors specialising in intellectual property and
for producing military and commercial aircraft andtechnology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home
components which are used both in the UK andto the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is
exported worldwide. Extensive R&Dset to become the leading biopaharmaceutical
programmes ensure that the latest technologiesdesign centre in Europe, and helps to create and
are available to create the most advanced planesdevelop new medicines
in the world. Countries all over the world rely onWest Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven,
the North West Aerospace Business for theirhas over 60 companies on site, ranging from
military and commercial aircraft requirementsecology to engineering, many of which are
3. The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in theinvolved in the Nuclear Energy Industry.
North West, and sales of chemicals contributeA Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for
over £10 billion to the economy, equatingdevelopment this year, and will be located close to
to approximately 20% of the UK chemistrythe top-ten ranked university. This exciting new
industry. Approximately 220,000 people areproject will combine the renowned academic
employed in this sector. In 2005, the Departmentknowledge and resources of the University with
of Trade and Industry announced that as part oflocal businesses know-how and the Lancaster
the Technology Programme, one of the 19 newEnvironment Centre.
Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in8. With Manchester recently voted the most
Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to sharecreative city in the UK, and Liverpool's reputation
knowledge and research between businesses,as one of the leading cities for computer game
academic institutions such as universities, anddesign, the North West is at the forefront of new
trade associations.technologies as well as traditional Science and
4. The North West and Cumbria in particular, isTechnology. The use of ICT in education, website
widely acknowledged as the centre of the UKdesign and internet technologies, TV and film
Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to theproduction, as well as other media industries, is all
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The researchflourishing in the region, thanks to Science and
and development work done in this region has ledTechnology.
the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear9. As well as looking to the future, the region's
energy is part of a viable solution to meeting thescientific history is preserved through museums
energy needs of the UK.such as the World Museum in Liverpool, Quarry
5. There are over 50 research institutes, many ofBank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and Wigan Pier. Visual
them multi-institutional, as well as traditionaldisplays as well as hands-on activities,
R&D departments. The North West is homedemonstrations and different media show how
to the Research and Development departmentsScience and Technology has changed our lives,
of several of the worlds leading companies, andfrom mechanising everyday tasks to
business R&D investment in this region isrevolutionising manufacturing methods.
greater than in any other part of the world10. As well as the outstanding Science and
except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of theTechnology facilities, the North West is a popular
top 10 companies by R&D spending havebusiness location thanks to its fantastic
significant facilities in the North West.infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international
Pharmaceutical development, including the largestairports, and a great motorway system, the
cancer drug research centre in the UK, AerospaceNorth West is closer than you may think. In
Businesses, manufacturers of consumer products,addition, the North West has many Areas of
as well as the Chemistry Industry and NuclearNatural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of
Energy are well represented in the North West.living is high.
6. The North West's seven science parks areThere has never been a better time to see how
home to many knowledge-based companies inNorth West Science and Technology can help you.