Nexus, the new innovation hub at the University ofLeeds which opens in early 2019, has further strengthened its team with new appointments to meet growing interest from the medical technology, data and engineering sectors
Nexus director, Dr Martin Stow, pictured, said that enquiries from start-up companies, spin-out ventures and expanding research and innovation initiatives, were gathering pace as the new centre nears completion.
He said: “We’re building our team to ensure we can seamlessly connect businesses to academic expertise, facilities and talent across the University.Nexus is all about helping organisations to harness ideas and translate them into real business opportunities.”
Dr Stow, a biochemist by training, has spent the past 25 years working in senior worldwide R&D and strategic leadership roles within the healthcare and life science industries. He has brought more than 25 new products to market in the medical device, diagnostics and consumer sectors, most of which have been launched globally.
Joining Dr Stow at Nexus, and strengthening its health and MedTech expertise, is Dr Harrison Evans, pictured right, who is taking on the role of collaboration manager. With a strong background in the research and development of innovative technologies, Dr Evans will build relationships with businesses in the Nexus community by gaining an understanding of their needs, connecting them to the right partners both within the University and beyond.
Dr Evans has spent the last nine years working in health research. His most recent post at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), saw him work across innovation funding programmes and facilitating collaborations between pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and diagnostic companies andNIHR-funded infrastructure.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Evans said: “I’m looking forward to building a fantastic community here at Nexus and supporting them in engaging with collaborators to make a positive contribution to the region’s wider business community.”
Based in a brand new £40m building on the University of Leeds campus, Nexus will feature state-of-the-art office and lab space, collaboration areas, as well as event and meeting facilities. A dedicated team will be responsible for facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations to connect businesses to the University’s world-class research, facilities and talent, giving them a competitive edge in a dynamic market.
