Local MP Alan Mak has visited the University of Manchester to champion developments in science and technology.
The Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology discovered how new uses are being found for the material graphene and how collaboration is benefiting the biotechnology community in the North West.
During his visit he also found out how a group of organisations are working with tech and digital businesses to encourage thriving ecosystems regionally and across the UK.
Mr Mak toured the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester with CEO Professor James Baker.
The university’s world-class centre works in collaboration with industry partners to create, test and optimise market applications for graphene, a material extracted from graphite, and other 2D materials.
He went on to visit the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and met Aline Miller, Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Associate Dean for Business Engagement and Innovation within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester.
She is Director of the NW Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst, a £5m initiative that brings together North West England's industrial biotechnology community to encourage knowledge exchange, skills development and innovation.
The MIB is an internationally-recognised hub that specialises in real-world applications in human health, the energy economy, food security and the environment.
The final part of the day saw Mr Mak meet Katie Gallagher, Managing Director of Manchester Digital, the largest trade body for technology and digital businesses in the North. They talked about the regional tech landscape and the importance of the UK Tech Cluster Group in supporting regional tech ecosystems.
He then took part in a round table where the discussion included the challenges of digital and tech skills shortages, the potential for investment and emerging technologies including AI.
Earlier in the day Mr Mak had also met Professor Malcolm Joyce, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Lancaster University, a flagship data and cyber security institution.
The university plays a key role regionally and nationally as an anchor institution in science, research and innovation, and its activities have an estimated economic impact of £2bn.
Mr Mak said: "It was fascinating to find out first-hand about all the great work that's going on in the science and technology field in the North West. It's a real powerhouse of innovation.
"An important part of my role as Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is to champion such work and I'll continue to do that by going on visits around the country.
"I want Britain to be a science and technology superpower, which will drive investment, create jobs and boost our economy."
