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Big Science Business Forum 2018

Save the date to Big Science Business Forum 2018: 27-28 February 2018 in Copenhagen

Many of the world’s largest research facilities unite Big Science with big business in Copenhagen

Press release:

(To download the press release, please see this PDF)

Representatives from some of the world’s largest high-tech research facilities are gathering for the first time for a joint conference. They will offer insights into procurement opportunities and orders worth more than EUR 12 billion for companies.

When the European Space Agency sends astronauts into space, or when ITER tries to recreate the energy source powering the sun and the stars, and thus tap into fusion energy, extensive purchases are required, from the smallest screw to high-tech consultancy. And often with a requirement of extremely high quality and innovation.

This high-tech branch is known as Big Science and for the first time, nine of the world’s largest research facilities have gathered together to create Big Science Business Forum to present their offers to European industry. These span advisory engineering work and architectural tasks, to advanced technical equipment, concrete building projects and radiation-resistant materials, and the orders are worth many billions of euros.

The conference takes place in Tivoli Congress Center in Copenhagen during 26-28 February, hosted by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science and BigScience.dk. A 1000 delegates from more than 500 companies and organisations spanning approx. 30 countries have already registered.

“The most advanced research is constantly expanding the boundaries of our knowledge and imagination. Research can cure illnesses previously thought incurable, it can change the way we communicate with each other, and there is a good chance that it will help solve the world’s energy needs. Much of the most advanced research takes place at Big Science facilities, and their need for high-tech solutions provides great innovation and growth opportunities for private companies. I look forward to welcoming some of the world’s leading research institutions and innovative companies”, says Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind.

Big Science Business Forum 2018 will be the first one-stop-shop for companies from all over Europe, where they can gain insight into Big Science organisations’ future investments and purchases in just one location over the course of a few days.

The conference is arranged by the organisations CERN, EMBL, ESA, ESO, ESRF, ESS, European XFEL, F4E and ILL. A further nine Big Science organisations have joined the conference programme – ALBA, DESY, ELI-NP, ENEA, FAIR, MAX IV, SCK•CEN – MYRRHA, PSI and SKA – thereby gathering 18 of the world’s most advanced Big Science organisations under one roof.

In the open exhibition space, participants can meet more than 200 companies and organisations and in 19 conference sessions, they can meet leaders and experts from the Big Science organisations. 700 1-to-1 business meetings have already been arranged between delegates and the exclusive guided tours of the European Spallation Source and MAX IV in Lund have been sold out, thus sending 250 people across the border to Sweden.

The key speakers opening the conference are high-level representatives from the nine organising Big Science organisations, together with the EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas and the Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind.

Read more about the participating Big Science organisations here.