Topics including artificial intelligence and animal conservation will be the subject of TED-style talks at a symposium at Chester Zoo to relaunch Cheshire Science Corridor. Tony McDonough reports

A science symposium with TED-style talks will take place at Chester Zoo this week in a relaunch of the Cheshire Science Corridor.

A number of experts will address the event at the zoo on Wednesday, September 13. The science corridor will be officially relaunched under the banner – A place with more possibilities.

Home to more than 7,000 businesses, the Cheshire Science Corridor, stretches 40 miles along the M56 from Capenhurst to Macclesfield.

It is home to science and technology assets including Alderley Park, the UK’s largest single life sciences campus, and Daresbury Sci-Tech, home to the UK’s fastest industrial supercomputer.

It also takes in Birchwood Park, the UK’s centre for nuclear engineering and Origin in Ellesmere Port, where the ambition is to create the world’s first net zero industrial cluster.

Newest members of the Cheshire Science Corridor, led by Cheshire and Warrington LEP, include Chester Zoo and the University of Liverpool.

They are forging relationships with public and private sector partners and utilising their collective expertise to create a regional cluster in animal health sciences.

This week’s symposium will cover a number of topic including artificial intelligence and animal conservation. The 100 or so expected attendees will be urged to help shape the Cheshire Science Corridor’s future blueprint. Speakers include:

• Simon Dowell, conservation science director, Chester Zoo.
• Mathieu Isidro, communications and outreach manager at Square Kilometre Array based at Jodrell Bank.
• Professor Paul Lunn, dean of the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Campus in Neston.
• Dr Kath Mackay, director of life sciences at Bruntwood SciTech.
• Denise Massey, managing director of the Energy Innovation Centre in Ellesmere Port.
• Dave Roberts, managing director of EA Technology’s VisNet business.
• Madison Rose, chief executive and sounder of Aspedan.
• Yulanda Duff, founder and director of The Millennial Introvert Lifestyle and co-chair, LEP partnership engagement board.

LEP chair Clare Hayward said: “Cheshire Science Corridor is a hotbed of science, technology and engineering.

“It is a phenomenal cluster of scientific talent, world-class innovators who are forging new discoveries that are revolutionising industry, energy, health and space.

READ MORE: Chester Zoo recovery accelerates as revenues hit £50m

“The symposium will allow us to hear from the best of Cheshire and welcome new members as we launch the brand and marketing campaign for Cheshire Science Corridor and shape its future blueprint.”

Running from 9am to 3pm, the event will also include a panel session, complimentary lunch and guests will have free entry to the Zoo after the symposium. Click here to register.