Geoscientists fly the flag for Manchester at global energy showcase

26 Jul 2017

Three senior geoscientists from the University have been representing Manchester and the UK at an international energy expo hosted in Kazakhstan.

Professor Kevin Taylor, Professor Jonathan Redfern and Dr Cathy Hollis, all from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, have been highlighting Manchester’s world-leading expertise at the Oil and Gas Forum, part of the energy-themed EXPO 2017 in Astana.

As well as representing the University, the Manchester experts were also part of a UK Government delegation to promote UK science and technology to international audiences.

The Manchester delegation joined Greg Hands, the UK’s Minister for Trade and Investment, at the high profile forum hosted at the UK Pavilion which was attended by senior figures, including the Kazakh vice-minister for energy.  

During their tour the geoscientists also met senior representatives from energy giant Shell, following up on earlier business engagement made by the University.  

Professor Taylor said: "The University has a long and successful history of training students in geoscience and engineering from Kazakhstan - and the opportunity to develop stronger training and research links was an exciting one.” 

The team of experts were part of an official tour made by Manchester to EXPO 2017 in Astana - and demonstrates Manchester’s commitment to collaboration in this fast-developing region, as well as supporting the UK in promoting its innovation on the international stage.  

The University of Manchester is an official sponsor of the British government-backed pavilion, highlighting the University’s role as a leading knowledge partner in the UK economy. 

The UK Pavilion is currently showcasing advanced material graphene – isolated at Manchester - as one the most transformational technologies of our age.

This graphene display – which is flanked by The University of Manchester branding and video collateral – has been seen by the UK’s Trade and Investment Minister Greg Hands; HRH The Duke of Gloucester; senior Chinese government and business leaders; the President of the Swiss Central Bank;  the Thai minister for energy Anantaporn Kanjanarat; Ben van Beurden, the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell; the Lord Mayor of London and business delegates from the City of London; plus many other visiting international delegations and the 140,000 general visitors who have visited the UK Pavilion.