MIC academics and Unilever researchers hold collaboration event at the Materials Innovation Factory

Published on 22 March 2024

Microbiome Innovation Centre academics and Unilever research and development scientists came together for an event in the Materials Innovation Factory this week. The purpose of the session was to promote understanding of each other’s respective research interests and expertise as well as to identify potential areas for future collaboration.

Professor Steve Paterson, MIC Deputy Director, opened the session by giving a brief history of the University’s successful relationship with Unilever, followed by an outline of the breadth of expertise within the MIC, including research strengths in genomics, infection and AMR.

Unilever’s Mike Hoptroff and Joanne O’Keeffe, both Senior Research and Development Scientists, gave an overview of Unilever’s historic and current interests in microbiome research.

Liverpool academics were then given a tour of the Unilever floor of the Materials Innovation Factory before convening in the atrium to participate in discussions stimulated by a range of posters prepared by Unilever colleagues. The posters depicted some of the key microbiome-related research questions underpinning Unilever’s R&D activity and indicated where additional expertise and insights might be beneficial.

Steve Paterson said, “This was a fantastic event and great to see so many stimulating discussions and new connections being made. The relationship between the University and Unilever is a long-standing success story. Our aspiration is that this event is the first step in taking our collaboration to the next level in the bio-sciences field.”

Mike Hoptroff said, “Having collaborated with Steve and MIC colleagues for many years, knowing the benefits that this has had for Unilever and recognising the potential to expand these benefits significantly through further collaboration , it was a real pleasure to see connections being made at this event. Both Unilever and University colleagues have reported how useful they found the session and we have identified several potential avenues for future collaboration”