Local business leaders develop a healthy bond

The University hosted a Bondholders' Breakfast event this week, where members of the business community gathered to hear how the University and wider city are capitalising on its expertise in health.

The event, organised by Hull Forward, was held at Staff House and focused on how Hull can reap the benefits of new technology, research and investment in healthcare and its related industries.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Calie Pistorius, introduced the speakers and spoke of the University's expertise, including healthcare advances developed here such as virtual radiotherapy training and 'lab on a chip'. He also highlighted the partnerships the University has with other organisations in the sector, and urged the business community to harness our expertise in their own new health projects and technology.

Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University's Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), then gave a presentation on the newly-launched HONEI centre. HONEI, the Humberside Obesity, Nutrition, Education and Innovation centre, is the first in the UK to examine food and its relationship to disease, particularly obesity. It will conduct clinical trials and major research into this relationship and associated issues around functional foods. In addition it is hoped that new spin out companies will grow from the centre.

Professor Atkin outlined the huge cost of obesity and related diseases to the economy and the health of individuals, and added: "Wealth is health. If we improve the wealth of the region, we will also improve its health. HONEI is not aspirational - we are already conducting the research and clinical trials."

Also speaking at the event were Mark Richardson from Smith & Nephew, which has a major research and development operation in Hull, and Stephen Greep, Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr Richardson highlighted the major role healthcare industries and research play in the economic future of the region, whilst Mr Greep - who is soon to retire from his post - spoke of the developments being carried out at the hospitals trust.