Nottingham is one of only six English cities to have been designated ‘Science Cities’ by the Government.
Science Cities are “cities with strong science-based assets – such as a major university or centre of research excellence – who use these assets as the basis for generating economic success”. The common aim of all six cities is to put science and technology to work for greater local and regional benefits.
Nottingham’s vision for the future is that by 2020 it will be recognised as an international location for scientific, research and teaching excellence.
The three main aims of Nottingham Science City are therefore to:
- Nurture Nottingham’s role as an international leader in scientific discovery and teaching excellence.
- Stimulate community pride and interest in the City’s scientific heritage.
- Convert science into thriving businesses in Nottingham.
In order to take forward the Nottingham Science City agenda, the Board wish to commission a two-year Forward Plan to set out a series of clear objectives to guide future investment.
It is intended that this study will:
- Provide a health check on the first three years of work of Science City and an independent report on the progress that has been made.
- Identify the key themes that need to be prioritised to meet long term goals of Nottingham becoming a leading European City where science plays a significant part within the local economy.
- Set out priorities that need to be addressed over the next three years, in the context of costed work programme options as a basis for forward planning and budgeting.
To help develop the 2009-11 Forward Plan, the GNP will provide £10,000 of funding to Nottingham Science City.
