Innovate UK Announces Global Expert Missions in Engineering Biology

The missions will bring together a delegation of UK experts in engineering biology, including representatives from academia, industry, and policy. Notable participants include Zoe Woods, CEO of Change Bio; Louise Horsfall, Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology at Edinburgh University; and Rick Mumford, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor at the Food Standards Agency.

Global Expert Missions

The Global Expert Missions aim to explore the engineering biology landscape in Canada and Switzerland. These fact-finding visits will allow Innovate UK to understand how it can support organisations in collaborating internationally to drive innovation and growth. The missions will focus on the use of engineering biology processes within agri-food, clean technology, and environmental solutions.

The missions will take place in Canada and Switzerland. The Canada GEM will visit Montreal, Toronto, and Saskatoon, while the Switzerland GEM will visit Lausanne, Berne, and Zürich.
The Canada GEM is scheduled for 20-27th September, and the Switzerland GEM will take place from 19-25th October.

The value of GEMs

Engineering Biology is recognised as one of the critical technologies outlined in the UK government’s Science and Technology Framework. These missions will help Innovate UK understand the opportunities and challenges in the engineering biology sector in Canada and Switzerland, and identify key areas for international collaboration. The insights gained will inform future funding calls and collaboration strategies.

The missions are organised in coordination with the Science Technology Networks in Canada and Switzerland. The delegation will meet with key stakeholders from policy, academia, and businesses to share the UK’s strengths, understand the local landscape, and identify collaboration opportunities. The findings from these missions will be turned into reports and disseminated publicly and with relevant Innovate UK and government departments.

Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting missions as Innovate UK continues to drive innovation and international collaboration in engineering biology. Follow #EngBioGEM on LinkedIn for updates on the team’s journey as they go!