Sectoral Groups Launch Event: Shaping Loughborough’s Future Partnerships

Loughborough University is launching its new Industry Sectoral Groups, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen collaboration with business, government and funding organisations, aligned to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy priority growth sectors (IS 8).

This is an excellent opportunity for colleagues to gain first-hand insight into the policy, funding and investment landscape shaping the future of research, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Why attend?

• Hear directly from UKRI, EPSRC and DBT on national priorities, funding signals, and Industrial Strategy ambitions.
• Learn how Loughborough is positioning its research and innovation strengths to support economic growth and societal impact.
• Explore opportunities for future collaboration with industry, government and external partners.
• Gain insights into how sector-focused approaches can strengthen funding, partnership and impact opportunities.

Event highlights

• Welcome from Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President
• Overview of the Sectoral Groups by Richard Taylor, Chief Operating Officer
• National policy and investment perspectives from Will Lord, Policy Lead, Industrial Strategy Unit at Department for Business & Trade (DBT), Joel Herzig, Investment Strategy Deputy Director, UKRI and Joe Shearring, Head of Regional Engagement - East Midlands at EPSRC
• Sector spotlights: Advanced Manufacturing, Defence & Security and Creative Industries
• Panel discussion led by Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
• Audience Q&A

Whether you are involved in research, innovation, knowledge exchange, external engagement or you work in the professional services, this event will provide valuable insight into the opportunities emerging across Loughborough’s priority sectors.