4 December 2023

bioProcessUK 2023: Honouring excellence, unveiling future leaders 

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In a symphony of innovation and camaraderie, the 20th anniversary bioProcessUK conference swept through Brighton, creating an unforgettable experience for the life sciences and biotech community. This three-day event, a testament to the industry's boundless energy, captivated attendees with a diverse array of events, each carefully curated to inspire, educate, and celebrate the biomanufacturing sector in the UK. In this blog, Faustina Anyanwu, BIA's SEO and Content Marketing Manager, gives an exciting summary of the highlights of this year’s event.  


From the moment the vibrant Brighton Museum doors swung open for a relaxing drinks reception, the conference set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Attendees were greeted by an atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking presentations, captivating student poster exhibitions, and the exhilarating Dragon's Den competition. 

At the heart of the bioProcessUK conference lay the recognition of exceptional individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to the life sciences and biotech sector. Dr. Kate Barclay, a champion of skills development and DEI initiatives, was bestowed with the Richard Wilson Impact Award, while Ian McCubbin CBE, a beacon of pharmaceutical industry excellence, received the prestigious Peter Dunnill Award. Read more about them 

Emerging stars shine bright: Abselion triumphs in Dragon's Den, and bursary poster competition crowns winners 

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Ruizhi Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Abselion, winners of the Dragon’s Den challenge at bioProcessUK

Ruizhi Wang and his team at Abselion emerged victorious in the Dragon's Den challenge. Their innovative technology, Amperia, a compact and affordable benchtop device poised to revolutionise protein research, captured the hearts and minds of the audience, earning them the coveted title.  

Abselion's triumph resonated with the conference's overarching theme of empowering scientists to focus on discovery and innovation, rather than being shackled by tedious manual tasks. Their story exemplified the transformative power of technology, propelling the boundaries of scientific exploration.  

The team’s excitement was palpable as Ruizhi Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Abselion, shared his joy on the podium as he was bestowed with the Dragon title of the year, “We feel incredibly honoured to win this award, especially as it was decided by vote by the attendees of the BIA’s bioProcessUK conference. For us at Abselion, it’s great to see how many people believe in our technology and how it can make a significant impact.” 

Meanwhile, the PhD poster competition crowned its winners, recognising exceptional research contributions. Nuur Farah Izzati Binti Abd Ghaffar, Alain Pluen, Gordon J.T. Tiddy, and Robin Curtis from the University of Manchester were hailed for their presentation on Advancing Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) Formulations for Biologics Applications. Their innovative work demonstrated the potential of LNPs to revolutionise drug delivery systems for biology. 

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bioProcessUK 2023, PhD students for the bpuk bursary competition 

The conference's recognition of these emerging leaders underscores the industry's commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking scientists and entrepreneurs. As the applause echoed through the halls of the conference, a new era of scientific advancement was ushered in, fueled by the passion and ingenuity of these rising stars. 

The gala dinner was an evening of exquisite cuisine, delightful and electrifying camaraderie. Attendees reveled in the shared passion for the industry's achievements, forging connections that will undoubtedly foster future collaborations and advancements. 

With over 400 attendees and 55 exhibitors, the 20th anniversary bioProcessUK conference shattered all records, emerging as the largest and most successful edition to date. The overwhelming positive feedback from participants is a resounding testament to the event's ability to connect, inspire, and celebrate the thriving bioprocessing sector. The echoes of this remarkable gathering will undoubtedly continue to reverberate, fueling the industry's momentum towards a brighter future. 

 

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