The Yorkshire Science and Technology NetworkPart of Yorkshire Forward's KnowledgeRICH programme, The Yorkshire Science and Technology Network (YSTN) is an ongoing series of networking and showcase events which aim to increase collaborations between innovative companies based in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and the outstanding technology research base that exists within the region's Higher Education Institutions.
The Network was launched in March 2005, and has become a big success with companies and academics in the region.
John Foster, Managing Director, Fosters Bakery.
"We attend a number of business briefings and this is without doubt the highest quality event that we attend. We also find it amusing that as we meet more delegates at each event they invariably ask us what on earth a baker is doing in this forum. The fun is enlightening them about the various technologies we are using and about our R&D commitment. We think that YSTN keeps us sharp in our innovative thinking and there's not been an event yet when we haven't left the meeting with something for the business."
Our members enjoy free exclusive events where they can meet others working in science and technology and forge strong links with potential collaborators. We openly invite our members to determine what the events cover, so it's entirely focused on their business needs. Also in attendance at each of the events are our Knowledge Transfer Champions (KTC's), a group of 60 academics, identified as having a strong track record of working with industry, and experienced in knowledge transfer.
We organise four networking events a year and we have recently introduced the launch of YSTN science showcase events to increase our members' awareness in emerging sciences being undertaken in the region. Future YSTN and showcase events include the "Atlas of Ideas" - discussing emerging trends within China, India and South Korea in the globalisation of Science and Innovation, Pervasive Technologies, Nanotechnology and Materials Analysis/Research.
Previous YSTN speakers include Tim Berners-Lee, founder of the World Wide Web, Professor Colin Pillinger, Project Leader of the Beagle 2 Mission to Mars and Nigel Crouch, Senior Industrialist at the DTI, and lead on the Sunday Time "Best 100 Companies to work for" lists
Our members always come away with something – new contacts, meetings planned, fresh ideas or great inspiration.
Chris Baker, Managing Director at Stone and Sky Ltd
"The YSTN is one of the best networks that I'm involved in. It provides a great opportunity for me to share experiences and ideas with the some of the most innovative companies and commercially-minded academics from across the region. The events provide an inspiring environment and I always come away with new insights from the speakers. Through the network I have made contact with experts at the Design Futures CIC (based out of Sheffield Hallam University) and a future collaboration with us and them is looking very likely "
For more information about the forward programme and to become a member, please visit www.ystn.co.uk
