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Thursday Gathering
Sculpting Innate Immunity: New Vistas for Health
Aug 6, 2026, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT+1

📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR

 

How do we turn world-leading biological research into breakthrough therapies, transformative companies and real-world impact?

 

This Thursday Gathering, delivered in partnership with the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), explores its Sculpting Innate Immunity Opportunity Space, bringing together researchers, founders and innovators at the forefront of one of the most exciting areas of modern science. Together, we'll explore how bold research moves beyond the lab through collaboration, investment and commercialisation.

 

The evening's headline panel, Turning Complex Biology into Commercial Reality, features voices from ARIA, academia and the startup ecosystem discussing the opportunities and challenges of translating cutting-edge biology into innovations that could reshape the future of healthcare.

 

In partnership with Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)

 

Event Program
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5:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT+1
Connect: Pizza & Networking
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6:00 PM - 6:05 PM GMT+1
Welcome Remarks
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6:05 PM - 6:10 PM GMT+1
Introduction: Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
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6:10 PM - 6:15 PM GMT+1
60s Lightning Pitches
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6:15 PM - 6:50 PM GMT+1
Panel: Turning Complex Biology into Commercial Reality
Featuring
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Lawrence Billing
Science & Technology Lead
ARIA
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Hugh Brady
Professor of Immunology
Imperial College London
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Dr Parsa Pirhady
Postdoctoral Researcher in Breast Cancer Prevention
University of Manchester / Nucleate
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Andrew Ruffler
Director
Venture Café Manchester
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Jacob Thompson
Chief Scientific Officer
ADDER-VAX Ltd
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Brian Wang
Programme Director
Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
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Dr Wioleta Zelek
Group Leader
UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University
Location
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