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Top boffins gather in Manchester for Europe's biggest science event

Xinhua, July 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

More than 4,500 scientists, researchers, innovators and policy makers gathered here Saturday for the start of EuroScience Open Forum 2016 (ESOF).

Delegates have come from 90 countries for Europe's biggest science event, being held for the first time in Britain.

The five-day forum is regarded as the high point of Manchester's year as the European City of Science 2016, with Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) as one of the principal sponsors of the festival which runs until July 27.

The event brings together the international scientific community to discuss latest developments and discoveries and future prospects, from flying cars to quantum computers the wonder material graphene, and synthetic meat as a food of the future.

But the recent decision by Britain to quit the EU will also figure prominently, particularly after warnings from academics this week that scientific research could be hit by Brexit.

The program includes 150 seminars, workshops and debates from world leading scientists, including Nobel laureates.

Rowena Burns, chief executive of MSP, said: "ESOF has come at the perfect time for Manchester and we are very proud to be a key partner, involved in showcasing all that our region represents in terms of innovation and scientific discovery.

"No one could say that 2016 has been uneventful and there are many uncertainties ahead. Manchester is a global place and has long been a center of research and scientific breakthroughs. There's a belief in collaboration here that goes beyond borders.

"Manchester will continue to focus on its opportunities, collaborating with partners internationally to drive economic growth and our flourishing science sector.

One of the sessions on Monday, hosted by Manchester Airport and China's Hainan Airlines, will explore how scientific developments are driving innovation in the aerospace sector and helping frame the next generation of air travel. It will include throwing a spotlight on Manchester's role in this work, and comes after the recent launch of Britain's first ever direct air link between Beijing and a provincial airport in a Britain.

The four times a week service by Hainan Airlines is the only direct link to Beijing from Britain outside of London. Endit