Earlier this autumn, th Oxford Science Park hosted an event bringing together leaders from the life sciences industry, Oxford’s universities, and key figures from the city’s innovation ecosystem to discuss ways to leverage Oxford’s strengths in collaboration.
Those attending the event, which took place at Magdalen College, heard from the University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey; Dr Kay Penicud, VP Head of Research Partnerships at Apollo Therapeutics; Sir John Bell, President of EIT Oxford; and John Derrick, Managing Director at JP Morgan Private Bank.
A key theme was the importance of creating space specifically designed to foster collaboration amongst life science companies, universities, hospitals, research institutes and others seeking to find solutions to global health challenges.
Collaboration space is integral to the science park’s latest development, The Daubeny Project, which is designed by the international design practice, Scott Brownrigg. The design, which comprises three buildings over 450,000 sq ft will include spacious receptions and atriums to help foster not just innovation and collaboration, but employee wellbeing.
The Oxford Science Park CEO, Rory Maw, who chaired the event, said: “This event provided a forum to highlight the benefits of locating a company in Oxford, of accessing its thriving ecosystem to accelerate innovation with global impact.
"Although there are advantages to working virtually, it remains the case that great minds truly flourish when they come together in person to collaborate on ideas and projects. For us, it was essential that the design of The Daubeny Project considered this from the outset to create an exceptional space worthy of the pioneering people who will work there.”
Sir John Bell spoke about collaboration being at the heart of EIT Oxford, an ambitious research campus, currently under construction, which aims to find solutions for some of the most pressing global challenges.
The Institute will bring together innovative thinkers from around the world to expertly designed collaborative gathering spaces to promote this interdisciplinary work.