Member Article

Manchester officially named ‘European City of Science’ in Copenhagen handover

Manchester has been officially named the European City of Science at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This title will be held for two years as Manchester builds towards hosting Europe’s largest general scientific conference, ESOF - the EuroScience Open Forum – in summer 2016.

ESOF is a biennial, pan-European convention that is dedicated to scientific research and innovation. It has just completed its 2014 programme in the city of Copenhagen.

The association behind ESOF is EuroScience, a European grassroots organisation of scientists and all those taking an interest in scientific developments. ESOF is the voice of European researchers, across disciplines and countries; promoting dialogue with researchers worldwide.

The 2016 event is expected to bring 4,500 delegates to Manchester, whilst generating approximately £8.3m for the economy. Attendees will include global scientific and technology leaders.

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 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.”

Klaus Bock, ESOF Champion for 2014, said: “ESOF has without doubt become an event that puts the very best of science on the global agenda. One of the truly great successes of ESOF2014 was the very active involvement of so many students and young scientists through initiatives like the European Student Parliament and the Future Academy and that has contributed to a wonderful atmosphere during the event.

“The quality of the scientific debates and presentations has been fantastic and Manchester has a lot to live up to; however, with such a rich scientific history we are certain that the city will deliver a brilliant event in 2016.”

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 if it’s 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.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .