19 September 2002
North West Science Council - Chairman appointed
In March 2001 Stephen Byers then Secretary of State for Trade
& Industry announced his support for the establishment of a
North West Science Council - the first of its kind in England.
Since then the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has been in
discussion with a wide range of partners to determine the
composition of the Council. The Agency, along with the North
West Universities Association is now delighted to be able to
announce that Dr Tom McKillop, the CEO of AstraZeneca has agreed to
Chair the North West Science Council.
Mike Shields, Chief Executive of the NWDA said:
"This is really excellent news. Tom McKillop is a very senior
international industrialist representing the high tech, high
skilled pharmaceutical industry. The region is fortunate to
have his commitment. This will get the Science Council off to
the best possible start."
Professor Sir Martin Harris Vice-Chancellor of Manchester
University and Chair of the North West Universities Association
said:
"Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology represent some of the real
strengths of the region, both for its companies and
universities. AstraZeneca is a world- wide player with a
major international research programme. Tom McKillop's
commitment to the North West and the North West Science Council
will be matched by the commitment of the North West Universities to
developing the region's science base. Together, the
Universities and industry can grow our knowledge-based economy to
the benefit of all concerned."
Dr Tom McKillop, CEO of AstraZeneca said:
"I am very pleased and honoured to have been asked to take on this
important job. The development of the science base in the
North West in support of the regional economy is fundamental to the
region's future. This is certainly true of Pharmaceuticals
but it is equally the case for the region's other major industries
- Aerospace, Chemicals, Automotive and so on. The Science
Council will be working hard to support all the region's
science-based industries."
Page one of two
Notes to editors
The North West Science Council will:
1.Develop, with the Northwest Development Agency, a Science
Strategy for the region in support of the development of the
regional economy as articulated in the Regional Strategy.
2.Act as an influential voice for science and the private sector
in seeking to secure resources and commitment to the development of
the science base in the region.
3.Act as an advocate for the science base and the development of
the regional economy.
4.Assist in developing an effective and productive relationship
between industry/commerce and the science base in support of the
developing regional economy.
5.Focus attention on the priorities for action required to
deliver the strategy; to give weight to proposals to secure funding
support for those priorities and to influence the manner in which
available resources are distributed.
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged
in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of
prescription
pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. The Company
has a major research and development site and important
manufacturing facilities based in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Over 7,000 people are employed by AstraZeneca in the North West
region.
For further information please contact Emma Degg on 01925 400128
or 07980 713 272