Manchester is proving itself to be at the forefront of global science as it will welcome ‘Europe’s greatest scientific gathering’ in 2016.
Manchester will host Europe’s largest science conference and generate almost £8.3million after being named European City of Science.
The city, which was awarded the privilege yesterday at a ceremony in Denmark, will hold the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in the summer of 2016.
A biennial, pan-European convention, ESOF is dedicated to scientific research and innovation.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Copenhagen, Manchester Lord Mayor Susan Cooley said: “We’re thrilled that Manchester is now recognised as the European City of Science and will be pulling out all the stops to build on the incredible effort that has made ESOF 2014 such a huge success here in Denmark.
“Manchester has a long and proud association with scientific achievement from the work of John Dalton on atomic theory to the first programmable computer and the recent discovery of the advanced material, Graphene.
“And with Manchester presently making significant progress across numerous exciting areas of discovery including artificial intelligence, smart textiles, and acoustics technology, there has never been a better time for the city to be recognised in this way.”
The association behind ESOF is EuroScience, a European grassroots organisation of scientists and those who take an interest in scientific developments.
ESOF is the voice of European researchers, across disciplines and countries and promotes dialogue with researchers worldwide.
The 2016 event is expected to bring 4,500 delegates to Manchester, whilst generating approximately £8.3million for the economy and attendees will include global scientific and technology leaders.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, ESOF Champion for 2016, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Europe’s greatest scientific gathering.
“This will bring to Manchester outstanding scientists and technology business leaders from all over the world and will open our doors to those at the very first stages of a scientific career.
“The University of Manchester is proud of its scientific heritage but ESOF will help us to look to the future and the ways in which breakthroughs in research can revolutionise the economy and make a real impact on the challenges facing our society.”
