Our annual NBIC Research and Innovation Summit took place from 6–7 July 2026 and brought together 120 researchers, industry partners, students and collaborators. Held at the University of Liverpool, the two-day event celebrated the partnerships, discoveries and innovations shaping the future of biofilm science, while highlighting Liverpool’s growing reputation as a City of Innovation. The opening day focused on collaboration, innovation and commercialisation, bringing together NBIC’s industry members and partners, researchers and external stakeholders to explore how collaborative research is being translated into real-world impact. Presentations, case studies and discussions showcased how partnerships across academia and industry are driving product development, new technologies and services, knowledge exchange and future collaboration. A highlight was a series of pitches from participants in NBIC’s Investor Readiness Programme, delivered in June 2026. The presentations showcased promising technologies and entrepreneurial talent emerging from the NBIC community, demonstrating NBIC’s commitment to supporting commercialisation and helping innovators engage confidently with investors and industry partners. Delegates also heard from NBIC Biofilms Standards & Regulatory Programme Manager, Dr Paulina Rakowska, on the growing importance of biofilm regulation and standards in supporting innovation and enabling adoption of new technologies. The session highlighted NBIC’s leadership in the Biofilm Alliance, bringing together researchers, industry and regulators to help shape standards and address regulatory challenges across the sector. Dr Emmanuel Adukwu PhD, FRSB, FHEA, Associate Professor in Applied Microbiology at UWE Bristol, delivered the keynote on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), exploring inclusive cultures in STEM, barriers to participation, representation, visible role models and inclusive leadership. Day One concluded with an evening reception at Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery & Museum, where Professor Richard Black, Provost at the University of Liverpool, reflected on the importance of universities driving innovation at national and regional levels, with NBIC providing an exemplar model. Day Two showcased research from PhD students in NBIC’s BITE Doctoral Training Programme and NBIC Research Fellows. Presentations spanned NBIC’s four strategic themes: Prevent, Detect, Manage and Engineer biofilms (PDME). INNOVATION AND IMPACT: NBIC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION SUMMIT 2026 40 A policy engagement session led by NBIC Policy Engagement Officer, Ines Foidl, explored how researchers can engage effectively with policymakers to maximise impact and contribute to evidence- informed decision-making. A panel featuring NBIC BITE PhD Student Ryan Fernandez Medina and NBIC Edinburgh Co-Director Professor Cait MacPhee shared their experiences of policy engagement. The programme also featured “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. Industrial Advisory Board members Kirsty Salmon (bp), Su Varma (NSG Group) and David Bradshaw (Haleon) shared practical advice on building relationships, identifying collaboration opportunities and turning conversations into projects, publications and careers. The Summit concluded with awards recognising NBIC’s early-career researchers. Brogan Richards received the Postdoctoral Talk Prize; Ellen Wikeley, the PhD Talk Prize; and Jack Martin, the PhD Talk Runner-up Prize. Olivia Sealy received the PhD Poster Prize, with Cerys Heys and Jordan Kirby jointly receiving the PhD Poster Runner-up Prize. The Summit demonstrated the vital role of collaboration in advancing biofilm science and translating research into impact. We thank all speakers, researchers, industry partners and delegates, as well as event sponsors Royal Microscopical Society, Novogene, Unilever and Azenta Life Sciences, for their generous support.
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