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Ulster University is heading to Hong Kong this March to show off its research expertise as one of the partners of the GREAT Festival of Innovation, showcasing its world-class research and innovation in healthcare and technology.

The Northern Ireland based University will be attending the four-day Festival organised by the UK’s Department for International Trade with its experts taking part in speaker sessions as some of the world’s leading minds in healthcare, technology, research and innovation.

Established to showcase the UK’s creativity and leadership across a host of industry and education sectors, the Festival, taking place 21-24 March 2018, focuses on how innovation, technology and creativity will change the way we work, live, learn and play in the years to come.

A packed programme includes keynote speakers, panel discussion sessions and interactive master classes looking at how businesses can make the most of new ideas, technologies and markets.

Ulster University will be showcasing its world-class research and innovation in healthcare and technology at the festival. Medical devices derived from Ulster University research are making positive impacts on healthcare outcomes worldwide. Demonstrations at the Festival will include wearable technology which measures and translates brainwaves into control signals that allow people to communicate and interact without moving; the first and only commercially available genetic testing system for corneal health; and world class algorithms for the detection of a range of cardiac arrhythmias from wireless sensors on the body.

A delegation from Ulster University will have the opportunity to meet fellow business and education leaders from across Asia to discuss possible future trading and investment opportunities.

Tim Brundle, Director of Research and Impact, Ulster University said:

“The GREAT Festival of Innovation is an exciting opportunity to showcase Ulster University’s ground breaking developments in research while further strengthening and building upon our many links with China. As a team we anticipate future needs and challenges in society and we shape our teaching to produce pioneering and forward looking solutions.

“The Festival programme showcases our leadership in personalised medicine, bioengineering, computing, intelligent systems, finance and the knowledge economy – Northern Ireland is the second fastest growing UK Knowledge Economy (KE) region for the fourth consecutive year.”

Tim added:

“Ulster University hosts 1000 students from over 100 countries, with an alumni network of 190,000 people in 148 countries. We have a pipeline of skilled and career ready graduates who are supporting foreign direct investment and local businesses.”

Top UK figures speaking at the Festival include WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell, Lastminute.com co-founder Brent Hoberman, former GCHQ director Robert Hannigan, GQ editor Dylan Jones, Blippar CEO Ambarish Mitra, chef Tom Kerridge and many more.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:

“The UK’s education sector is world renowned for its high quality and the seven universities attending the GREAT Festival of Innovation are leading the way in innovating for future generations. From virtual reality game art, students around the world are experiencing education like never before.

“As in international economic department, DIT is ensuring British businesses make the most of growing markets like Hong Kong and exporting their goods around the world. The Festival will be a major showcase for the UK in Asia, and a shop window for the best of our creativity and innovation.”

For more information, please follow the hashtag #GREATinnovation.