Liverpool to host Innovate UK KTN 2024 Microbiome One Health Conference
Innovate UK KTN’s second annual Microbiome One Health Conference will take place in Liverpool this year, hosted by the University’s Microbiome Innovation Centre.
The conference, to take place 10-12 September 2024, will bring together academics, industry scientists, entrepreneurs and funders interested in microbiome research and innovation from a wide range of sectors including human, animal, plant and environment. Delegates will have opportunities to share learning about advances being made in microbiome research and innovation and forge new connections and collaborations with others operating within the UK’s microbiome innovation community.
Gabriela Juarez Martinez, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN said “Following the success of our inaugural conference in Glasgow last year, we are delighted that this year’s Microbiome Conference will take place in Liverpool. There are a number of initiatives in the city region which make Liverpool an exciting place to be when it comes to microbiome activity, and we are looking forward to working with our host, local partners and our Innovation Network to develop a rich and appealing programme.”
Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre (MIC) is home to over 50 academics carrying out a breadth of microbiome-aligned research spanning human, animal, plant and fundamental microbiome. The centre offers access to leading technologies – including biobanking and capabilities for multi-omic analysis - and an impressive track record of external collaboration with partners including Unilever. Liverpool is also home to LYVA Labs, an innovation consultancy which recently ran a microbials accelerator programme to support SMEs to scale their businesses and secure funding for the commercialisation of innovative microbial technologies. Liverpool City Region is one of 12 UK areas selected for Investment Zone status, with the Life Sciences sector set to receive £160m government investment over 10 years, and attracting over £300m private investment in the first five years.
Professor Jo Fothergill, MIC Centre Director, said “We can’t wait to welcome the UK Microbiome community to Liverpool. This is an exciting time of growth and development for the MIC and other local partners and we look forward to showcasing and sharing that with everyone. We also know that there are so many developments in the UK microbiome community nationwide and we are eager to learn more about the great work of colleagues and partners nationally in order to understand how we can advance microbiome science and innovation collaboratively going forward.”