Researchers, innovators and industry leaders from along the M62 corridor and the North of England have gathered today at The Heath Business & Technical Park in Runcorn for the CheM62 Research Network Meeting.
Sponsored by LCC Technologies and XtalPi, the event is exploring one of the most important questions facing today's scientific community: how academic research is translated into real-world impact.
CheM62 has long provided a valuable forum for connecting universities, researchers and businesses across the region's chemistry and life sciences ecosystem. This year's programme places a particular focus on entrepreneurship in academia, bringing together speakers who have successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities of commercialising scientific innovation. The agenda also includes a panel discussion featuring academic and industry perspectives, alongside presentations from emerging researchers representing universities across the North West and beyond.
Paul Colbon, CEO and co-founder of LCC Technologies opened the entrepreneurship session with a talk titled: "Should I start my own spin-out company?", helping to frame a discussion around one of the most significant decisions many academic researchers face. Joined by fellow panellists from the Universities of Leeds, York, Glasgow and Liverpool, the session will provide practical insights into the realities of turning research into successful ventures.
"One of the strengths of the UK life sciences sector is its ability to bring together world-class academic research and commercial expertise," says Colbon. "Events like CheM62 create the conversations and connections that help ideas move beyond the laboratory and into applications that can deliver real impact."
The event also highlights the growing role of The Heath as a hub for science-led businesses and collaborative innovation. Home to a diverse community of technology, healthcare and life science organisations, The Heath provides the ideal setting for bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and industry partners from across the region. Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in guided tours of LCC Technologies' laboratory facilities, offering a practical insight into the scientific capabilities that exist within The Heath's innovation community.
For organisations operating within the life sciences sector, the event reflects the type of collaboration that increasingly drives innovation: close engagement between universities, specialist technology companies and growing businesses. By providing a venue where these communities can meet, share knowledge and build new partnerships, The Heath continues to strengthen its position as a destination for science and technology enterprises looking to grow and collaborate.
As the North West's life sciences sector continues to expand, events such as CheM62 play an important role in nurturing the networks, talent and entrepreneurial thinking needed to support future growth. With leading academics, industry experts and early-career researchers all under one roof, the 2026 meeting is providing another valuable opportunity to connect ideas with opportunity.
