North East scientist joins biotech panel

A North East engineer is taking part in a national biotech forum.

Dr Pedro Fernandez of North Shields-based Northern Engineering Solutions has been selected by Bionow to join an industry panel at the inaugural BioIgnite Conference on October 16. 

The event, held at Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire, brings together industry and academic leaders to discuss the latest innovations, sector initiatives and funding opportunities in biotechnology.

Dr Fernandez will join other leading experts including Allister Theobald, principal scientist at Lubrizol Home Care; Adeel Aslam, deputy managing director at Bouygues; and Damian Kelly, vice president of innovation and technology development at Croda.

The panel will be led by Aline Miller, director of the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst.

Dr Fernandez said: “I am honoured to join this panel alongside such distinguished colleagues to discuss the practical realities of scaling biotech innovation. 

“At Northern Engineering Solutions, we see firsthand how critical it is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application. 

“Forums like BioIgnite are vital for accelerating collaboration across academia and industry, and I look forward to sharing insights from our recent projects that demonstrate how engineering can unlock biotechnology’s full potential.”

Since joining Northern Engineering Solutions 18 months ago, Dr Fernandez has led projects focused on scaling biotech solutions from lab research to industrial application. 

His work includes pioneering the use of microalgae to treat mine water and designing a 1000-litre fermenter to advance bio-derived chemicals through C3 Biotech, a Manchester Institute of Biotechnology spinout. 

He has also contributed to research supporting the RAF’s net-zero ambitions, using bacteria to treat waste aviation fuel and capture carbon dioxide for reuse.

Geoff Davison, chief executive of Bionow, added: “We are excited to launch BioIgnite, with an agenda packed with engaging sessions, including expert panels and presentations on industry trends, funding landscapes, and the latest advancements in healthcare.

“We welcome Dr Fernandez and the rest of the panellists as they share their expert opinions on the industrial biotech landscape, the future of this innovative sector and what sustainable scalability could look like in the next 12 months and beyond.”

Northern Engineering Solutions specialises in mechanical, electrical and process engineering, including high-purity pipework, cleanrooms and effluent treatment systems. 

Its clients include Pragmatic, CPI, Sterling Pharma and De La Rue. 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →