In April, we were delighted to host the fourth NSG Group – University of Liverpool Symposium at our European Technical Centre in Lathom, bringing together colleagues from both organisations to share progress and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

The symposium continues to provide a valuable platform to showcase joint research and development projects, spanning early-stage discovery through to applied innovation. The agenda reflected this breadth, opening with perspectives on NSG Group’s vision for R&D and the role of the R&D Incubator in accelerating new ideas, before moving into technical presentations from University of Liverpool researchers and NSG Group collaborators.

Presentations from University PhD students, academics, and NSG Group researchers highlighted the breadth and depth of ongoing collaboration, while also reinforcing how these projects are contributing to the development of technologies that support NSG Group’s businesses covering digital insight into advanced functional materials for coatings, manufacturing processes and decarbonisation.

A poster session and informal networking also provided opportunities for deeper discussion and new connections across the partnership.

Su Varma, NSG Group’s Academic Director (R&D), said:

“This successful event gives many colleagues across the business the opportunity to understand why we’re doing the work we’re doing, and the value the work of the R&D teams bring to the business. The symposium allows us to step back, connect ideas, and see the bigger picture of how our collaboration is driving innovation.”

Kevin Sanderson, Chief Technology Officer at NSG Group, added:

“Our partnership with the University of Liverpool has evolved beyond individual projects – it is now a shared programme with a real cross flow of ideas. Some of our collaboration partners have even joined us as employees, which is a strong reflection of its success. The partnership is also recognised by the UK Government as a success story, helping both organisations to secure significant funding.”

He continued:

“R&D at NSG Group is fundamentally about value creation and providing our businesses with differentiation, and this collaboration plays a critical role in delivering that. We’re keen to build broader awareness of its impact – encouraging people to be inquisitive, identify new opportunities, and continue expanding what we can achieve together.”

Professor Matt Rosseinsky, Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool, said:

“This symposium continues to highlight the strength of the partnership between the University of Liverpool and NSG Group, where fundamental science and industrial application come together to create real impact. It is particularly encouraging to see how collaborative research is evolving into longer-term programmes with shared goals and outcomes.”

The event reinforced the importance of collaboration in tackling complex scientific and technological challenges, demonstrating how joint working can accelerate progress and support the development of future technologies.