b'Catalysing Biofilm Innovation in the Liverpool City Region and BeyondCORE UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTSNBICs Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces (OPIHAS) at the University of Liverpool continues to play a key role in tackling biofilm-related challenges through cutting-edge research, innovation, and strategic collaboration. Over the past year, the Liverpool team has significantly contributed to developments across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.NBIC Liverpool Co-Director Professor Rasmita Raval sitsVisit from Wolfson Foundations CEO Paul Ramsbottom on the Liverpool City Region Innovation Board, whichOBE and Programme Manager Claire Samber.supports the Metro Mayors goal of investing 5% of GVA in R&D annually by 2030. The Hub is highlighted as avisits from partners such as the University of Porto, key asset in the Health and Life Sciences InnovationKings College London, SCELSE, NTU, and the Centre for Cluster, contributing to the Local Growth Plan and SkillsBiofilm Engineering (Montana). An NBIC FTMA award Development Policies. NBIC/OPIHAS also play leadingalso enabled Erica Galvagno from the Italian Institute roles in regional initiatives across Liverpools Knowledgeof Technology to undertake a research placement Quarter, including the Life Sciences Accelerator, iiCON,in Liverpool, investigating antimicrobial coatings LYVA Labs, and the Materials Innovation Factory. for heritage preservation in Venice and Pompeii.NBIC Liverpool maintains a strong regional andNBIC Liverpool contributes to the national Biofilms national presence through advanced researchStandards and Regulations initiative, particularly infrastructure. Recent investments include a Bio- on surface cleaning and hygiene, with Dr Allkja AFM facility for correlative imaging and cell-surfaceactive in EU COST and NBIC regulatory meetings.force measurements, a microcalorimetry system forOutreach activities have included policy engagement real-time metabolic analysis, and a Focal-Plane Arraythrough the Heseltine Institute, a public talk by Infrared microscope for high-throughput IR signatureProfessor Raval at Liverpools Athenaeum Club, analysis. In 2025, OPIHAS commissioned the UKs firstand upcoming participation in the British Science Bruker nano AFM-IR system, supported by the WolfsonFestival via an exhibition at the Bluecoat Chambers.Foundation and the University of Liverpool, enabling nanometre-scale mapping of surface structure, surface properties and microbial bioresponses.NBIC researchers have been prominent at major scientific events. Dr Jontana Allkja represented NBIC at the 2024 Federation of Infection Societies Conference and co-chaired a microbiome session at the 2025 Microbiology Society Conference. PhD students Daniel Smaje and Abbie Johnson also contributed toThe Dedicated nano AFM-IR laboratory opened in July 2025.academic forums, with Abbie Johnson winning Best Oral Prize at the NBIC Annual Summit in Cardiff. Professor Rasmita Raval Industry and SME engagement continued, whileNBIC Liverpool Co-Directorinternational collaborations were strengthened with 1515'