Innovation and Impact: NBIC Research and Innovation Summit 2026
The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) brought together 120 researchers, industry partners, students and collaborators for our annual Research and Innovation Summit from 6–7 July 2026. Held at the University of Liverpool and highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a City of Innovation, the two-day event celebrated the partnerships, discoveries and innovations shaping the future of biofilm science.
Day One: Translating Research into Real-World Impact
The opening day focused on collaboration, innovation and commercialisation, bringing together NBIC’s industry members and partners, researchers and external stakeholders to showcase how collaborative research is being translated into real-world impact. Through presentations, case studies and discussions, delegates explored how partnerships across academia and industry are driving product development, delivering new technologies and services, and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and future collaboration.
A highlight of the programme featured pitches from participants in NBIC’s recent Investor Readiness Programme, delivered in June. The presentations showcased promising technologies and entrepreneurial talent emerging from the NBIC community, underlining the Centre’s commitment to supporting commercialisation and helping innovators engage confidently with investors and industry partners.
Delegates also heard from Dr Paulina Rakowska on the growing importance of biofilm regulation and standards in supporting innovation and enabling the adoption of new technologies. The session outlined NBIC’s leadership in the Biofilm Alliance, which is bringing together researchers, industry and regulators to help shape standards and address regulatory challenges across the biofilm sector.
Dr Emmanuel Adukwu PhD, FRSB, FHEA, Associate Professor in Applied Microbiology at UWE Bristol gave the keynote address on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Drawing on his experience in microbiology, higher education and EDI leadership, Dr Adukwu explored the importance of creating inclusive cultures in STEM, addressing barriers to participation and increasing representation. His keynote emphasised the importance of visible role models and inclusive leadership in creating opportunities for future generations of scientists.
Day One concluded with an evening reception at Liverpool’s iconic Victoria Gallery & Museum, where delegates had the opportunity to continue discussions and build new connections. During the reception, Professor Richard Black, Provost at the University of Liverpool, delivered a closing address reflecting on the importance of Universities driving innovation at both national and regional levels, with NBIC providing an exemplar model.
Day Two: Showcasing Emerging Talent and Future Impact
The second day showcased the excellent research being undertaken by PhD students from NBIC’s BITE (Biofilms Innovation, Technology and Engineering) Doctoral Training Programme and NBIC Research Fellows. Since its launch, the programme has enrolled 71 doctoral researchers, helping to develop the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists equipped to tackle global biofilm challenges.
Presentations showcased innovative projects spanning NBIC’s four strategic themes: Prevent, Detect, Manage and Engineer biofilms (PDME). The breadth and quality of the research reflected the strength of NBIC’s collaborative model and provided valuable opportunities for delegates to identify potential areas for future collaboration.
A policy engagement session, led by NBIC Policy Engagement Officer Ines Foidl, explored how researchers can engage effectively with policymakers to maximise the impact of their work and contribute to evidence-informed decision-making. The session included a short panel discussion featuring NBIC BITE PhD Student Ryan Fernandez Medina and NBIC Edinburgh Co-Director Professor Cait MacPhee, who shared their perspectives and experiences of policy engagement in research.
Delegates also took part in a panel discussion, “Building Your Industry Network for the Long Term”, introduced by NBIC CEO, Professor Jo Slater-Jefferies and co-chaired by NBIC BITE PhD student Hansani Wahalathanthrige. Featuring members of the NBIC Industrial Advisory Board, Kirsty Salmon (bp), Su Varma (NSG Group) and David Bradshaw (Haleon), the session offered practical advice on building professional relationships, identifying collaboration opportunities and turning conversations into tangible outcomes such as projects, publications and careers.
The Summit concluded with the presentation of awards recognising outstanding contributions from NBIC’s early-career researchers. Brogan Richards received the Postdoctoral Talk Prize, while Ellen Wikeley was awarded the PhD Talk Prize and Jack Martin received the PhD Talk Runner-up Prize. In the poster competition, Olivia Sealy was awarded the PhD Poster Prize, with Cerys Heys and Jordan Kirby jointly receiving the PhD Poster Runner-up Prize. The awards highlighted the exceptional quality of research and communication skills demonstrated throughout the event.
Celebrating a Collaborative Community
Across both days, the Summit demonstrated the vital role collaboration plays in advancing biofilm science and translating research into impact. From industry leaders and established researchers to students and early-career scientists, the event showcased the talent, ambition and partnerships that continue to drive the NBIC community forward. The Summit reinforced NBIC’s role as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together expertise from across disciplines and sectors to address global biofilm challenges and foster future collaboration.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, researchers, industry partners and delegates who contributed to another successful and inspiring Summit. We would also like to thank our event sponsors, Royal Microscopical Society, Novogene, Unilever and Azenta Life Sciences, for their generous support.
Professor Jo Slater-Jefferies, NBIC CEO said:
“Bringing our community together at the annual NBIC Summit is always incredibly rewarding. Over the two days, we saw outstanding research, thought-provoking discussions and countless examples of new connections being made. Seeing researchers, industry partners and stakeholders come together with such enthusiasm reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and delivering impact.”