Connecting Research with Industry in Italy and the UK
18 - 19 April 2007

Sponsors

The organisers of the conference are very grateful for the support of the following sponsors:

British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s organisation for the promotion of cultural relations and British culture overseas, with a particular emphasis on creativity and innovation.  Founded in 1934, the British Council is an independent organization working in 110 countries worldwide with our science network operating across 60 countries encouraging collaboration and forming new partnerships in science.

The British Council has worked in Italy since 1945, and has centres in Rome, Naples and Milan.  It represents, through a rich programme of events and projects, the contemporary face of the United Kingdom and promotes collaboration between people of different nationalities in order to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding.

The British Council also offers high quality English courses, training and updating courses for teachers and University of Cambridge English language examinations.

British Council Italy
Via delle Quattro Fontane 20 – 00184 Rome
Contact: Amanda Thursfield
Tel: (+39) 0647814276/233
Email: amanda.thursfield@britishcouncil.it
Web : www.britishcouncil.it

Bedford Development Agency

The Bedford Development Agency (BDA) is leading the ‘Bedford Central for Business’ initiative, the primary aim of which is to promote Bedford as a first class location for both living and working.  The BDA is keen to make sure that businesses are aware of what an excellent location Bedford is, and will continue to be, in the future.  The initiative, also aims to continue the development and growth of its thriving business community which is established in the Borough.  Through actively bringing together local companies to work with the Council, the BDA wants to ensure that the goal of a prospering local economy will be achieved.

Bedford is proud of its links to Italy with the Italian community dating back to the post-war period which continues to thrive today.  Bedford’s cosmopolitan culture is enhanced by the spirit which is generated through the wide variety of Italian restaurants, bars and social clubs throughout the town as well as the large number of deli’s and grocery shops selling Italian and continental produce.  There are also a number of successful Italian owned businesses.  Bedford has, since 1954, had its own Italian vice-consulate - the only non-capital city in the world to have one.

For further information on the Bedford Development Agency:
Web: www.investinbedford.com

Economic and Social Research Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. It provides independent, high quality, relevant research to business, the public sector and Government.

For further information on ESRC:
Web: www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk

Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre

The Cranfield IMRC was founded in 2002 to create a centre of excellence at the University, drawing together the vast experience of expertise in manufacturing related research across the University’s three campuses. The IMRC conducts high quality integrated research, identifying and exploiting emerging research ideas, as well as encouraging an element of ‘blue-sky’ research.

For further information on the Cranfield IMRC:
Web: www.cranfield.ac.uk/imrc
Email: i.walton@cranfield.ac.uk, Dr Ian Walton

Organisers: