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The RECOUP Plastics Assembly stands as the UK’s premier national gathering for stakeholders across the entire plastics value chain. Taking place in Peterborough, this landmark conference brings together cross-sector leaders, environmental experts, manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to address the regulatory, environmental, and commercial pressures shaping the future of plastic materials. As global standards for resource efficiency tighten and carbon reduction goals become paramount, establishing a truly circular framework for plastics is essential. The assembly provides an authoritative platform for open dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical problem-solving. Attendees will gain direct insight into emerging legislative frameworks, technological breakthroughs, and system-wide strategies designed to transform waste into valuable resource streams while protecting local and global ecosystems. Innovations in Circular Product Design and Materials A core focus of the conference revolves around designing plastic products with end-of-life recovery in mind. Morning breakout sessions explore how complex packaging, multi-layer polymers, and consumer products can be re-engineered for effortless recycling, repair, and reuse. Industry specialists and material innovators showcase next-generation bio-based plastics, advanced composites, and alternative sustainable materials that maintain real-world performance without compromising environmental integrity. Presentations highlight practical design-for-recyclability guidelines, chemical recycling advancements, and closed-loop manufacturing models. By bridging the gap between polymer science and commercial production, delegates learn how to overcome technical barriers, optimize material recovery rates, and eliminate hard-to-recycle plastics from their supply chains. Strengthening Recycling Infrastructure and Collection Systems Achieving true circularity requires robust, scalable collection and sorting infrastructure capable of processing high volumes of plastic waste. Specialist panels examine current gaps in regional recycling networks, municipal collection frameworks, and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) technologies. Discussions focus on the strategic capital investments, automated sorting innovations, and artificial intelligence integration needed to increase throughput and purity levels. Speakers also address the systemic challenges of illegal waste crime, plastic leakage, and environmental pollution, outlining coordinated enforcement mechanisms and preventive actions. Delegates explore how public-private partnerships, infrastructure funding schemes, and standardized collection policies can unlock significant progress across urban and rural communities alike. Navigating Policy, Extended Producer Responsibility, and Behavior Change The evolving regulatory landscape is reshaping business obligations across the packaging and manufacturing sectors. Keynote presentations breakdown upcoming government strategies, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates, and deposit return schemes (DRS). Expert panels deliberate on who holds ultimate responsibility for driving sustainable behavior across the supply chain—from brands and retailers to consumers and local authorities. Sessions analyze clear, honest consumer communication strategies that foster responsible disposal habits and build consumer trust. By offering clear policy interpretations and practical compliance pathways, the conference empowers organizations to align their long-term operational strategies with current and upcoming environmental legislation. Interactive Showcases and Cross-Sector Collaboration Beyond traditional presentations, the assembly features the interactive Innovation Room, a dedicated space where pioneering startups, university researchers, and technology providers showcase cutting-edge recycling solutions. Delegates can examine live material samples, explore experimental sorting software, and evaluate novel chemical processing techniques. Dedicated networking lunches and structured collaborative sessions encourage deep discussions between normally siloed sectors. Whether establishing commercial partnerships, exploring joint venture research projects, or sharing best practices, participants leave Peterborough equipped with actionable frameworks and high-value industry connections to accelerate systemic change across the global plastics ecosystem.

The University of Birmingham proudly presents the Family Fun Day - Antarctic Adventures, hosted at the world-renowned Lapworth Museum of Geology. This engaging and immersive event is designed to bring polar science and heritage to life for visitors of all ages. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Edgbaston campus in Birmingham, the program offers a rare window into more than a century of groundbreaking Antarctic research conducted by the university. Attendees can expect an inspiring environment where education meets entertainment, fostering a deep appreciation for polar exploration, environmental preservation, and academic discovery. Discovering a Century of Polar Legacy For decades, the University of Birmingham has stood at the forefront of polar exploration and scientific investigation. This special family-focused day highlights the rich historical ties and ongoing contemporary research expeditions carried out in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore authentic artifacts, archival documents, and educational exhibitions detailing survival in the freezing wilderness. Experts and researchers will guide attendees through interactive storytelling sessions, unpacking how historical expeditions paved the way for modern climate change studies and geographical mapping in the South Pole. Interactive Activities and Hands-On Learning Learning comes alive through a series of dynamic, hands-on activities tailored for curious minds. Children and adults alike can participate in themed workshops, scientific experiments simulating polar conditions, and creative craft sessions inspired by Antarctic wildlife and icy landscapes. The event encourages collaborative exploration, allowing young learners to handle geological specimens and experience what it feels like to navigate uncharted polar terrains. Every activity is curated to spark curiosity about earth sciences, glaciology, and the crucial ecosystems that depend on the stability of our planet's polar ice caps. Engaging with Leading Researchers One of the core features of the Family Fun Day is the direct access it provides to active academic researchers and scientists from the university. Visitors can converse directly with professionals who study ice cores, fossil records, and atmospheric changes at the poles. These conversations offer invaluable insights into contemporary scientific methodologies and why polar research matters to global climate health. Through friendly, accessible discussions, aspiring scientists can learn about career paths in geology, environmental science, and polar conservation, making it an intellectually rewarding day out for the family. Plan Your Visit to the Lapworth Museum Situated in the heart of the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus, the Lapworth Museum provides a stunning and welcoming architectural space equipped to host family-friendly events. Admission to the Family Fun Day - Antarctic Adventures is entirely free, ensuring that everyone in the local community can partake in a day of discovery and fun. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to fully experience all the interactive stations, museum galleries, and special exhibition zones. Whether you are a lifelong science enthusiast or looking for an educational weekend outing during the summer break, this event promises unforgettable memories.

The role of computational modeling in safety assessment has shifted from a "nice-to-have" to an essential component of the regulatory dossier. This seminar, hosted at the University of Leeds, explores the cutting-edge developments in (Q)SAR modeling and expert knowledge systems. As the industry moves toward New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), Lhasa Limited remains at the forefront of providing validated, transparent, and reproducible tools. This event is a call to action for the next generation of toxicologists and established professionals to embrace the digital transformation of safety science. The seminar will feature presentations from Lhasa’s senior scientists on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in toxicity prediction. We will discuss the "Black Box" problem and how Lhasa ensures transparency in Sarah Nexus through its unique hierarchical network model. Participants will learn how in silico methods are being used to support "read-across" arguments, reducing the reliance on traditional animal models for endpoints like skin sensitization and genotoxicity. In addition to the technical talks, a dedicated career session will be held for students and early-career researchers, highlighting the growing demand for "Digital Toxicologists" in the global job market. This event is free to attend, reflecting Lhasa’s commitment as an educational charity to support the wider scientific community and promote the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal testing).

The Lhasa Annual User Group Meeting (UGM) is our premier flagship event, returning to our home city of Leeds. This gathering serves as the primary forum for our global community of scientists, researchers, and regulatory experts to converge and discuss the evolution of predictive toxicology. This year’s meeting is specifically designed to bridge the gap between computational development and practical application in the lab. With over 40 years of expertise embedded in our software, we will be showcasing the latest updates to Derek Nexus, Sarah Nexus, and Zeneth. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in "Member-Only" breakout sessions where the development roadmap for 2027 will be discussed. We believe that collaborative data sharing is the cornerstone of scientific progress; therefore, a significant portion of this event will be dedicated to the Lhasa Data Sharing Initiatives. You will hear first-hand from industry leaders on how the Excipients and Vitic databases are helping reduce the need for animal testing globally. The event includes keynote speeches from international regulatory bodies, technical workshops led by our Senior Application Scientists, and ample networking opportunities during the evening reception. Whether you are a long-term user of our software or a stakeholder in chemical safety, this meeting provides the insights necessary to stay ahead of evolving ICH M7 and Q3R guidelines. The second day focuses on hands-on software clinics, allowing users to bring their specific chemical challenges to our developers for real-time problem-solving.

Nitrosamine impurities continue to pose a significant challenge for pharmaceutical quality and safety. This intensive workshop, held at the Leeds Innovation Centre, is designed to provide practical, science-led approaches to nitrosamine risk assessment. As regulatory expectations from the EMA and FDA continue to evolve, staying compliant requires a deep understanding of both chemical formation and toxicology. This workshop will guide participants through the entire nitrosamine lifecycle—from identifying potential risks in synthetic routes and manufacturing processes to performing robust in silico assessments using Mirabilis. The day is structured into three core modules. First, we examine the chemistry of nitrosation, exploring how secondary amines and nitrating agents interact under various conditions. Second, we dive into the "Lhasa Carcinogenicity Database" to understand how to derive acceptable intakes for N-nitrosamines, even when data is sparse. Finally, we move into a hands-on session where attendees will use Lhasa tools to generate regulatory-ready reports. Unlike a standard seminar, this workshop encourages active participation. Attendees are encouraged to bring anonymized case studies for group discussion under a confidentiality agreement. By the end of the session, you will have a clear framework for justifying control strategies to regulators, potentially avoiding costly and time-consuming analytical testing where the risk is shown to be negligible.

Collaboration is the engine of scientific progress. On May 22, 2026, the BASES Northern Regional Research Networking event will take over New Dock Hall at the iconic Leeds Dock. This free event (for members) is designed specifically to break down the silos between different sport science disciplines and between the ivory towers of academia and the fast-paced world of industry. The afternoon starts with "The Three-Minute Thesis" (3MT) competition, where post-graduate students from across the North of England have just 180 seconds to explain their research and its impact. It is a high-energy way to get a snapshot of the current landscape of sport and exercise science research. Following this, we host the "Industry-Academia Speed Dating" session. Here, tech startups and sport equipment manufacturers from the Leeds digital corridor meet with researchers to discuss potential validation studies and collaborative R&D projects. As the sun begins to set over the water at Leeds Dock, the event transitions into a social mixer. We recognize that some of the best research ideas happen over a coffee (or something stronger) rather than in a lecture hall. A panel of "Alternative Careers in Sport Science" will also take the stage, featuring individuals who have successfully transitioned from research into data analytics for betting companies, high-end fitness tech, and government health policy. For undergraduate students, this is the perfect opportunity to find a supervisor for their Master's or PhD, or to secure a summer internship. For established academics, it’s a chance to find collaborators for the next big UKRI grant application. The atmosphere is relaxed yet professional, mirroring the modern, innovative spirit of the Leeds Dock area. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the Northern Powerhouse of sport science.

Developing the next generation of athletes requires a delicate balance of physiological understanding, nutritional support, and educational psychology. The BASES Youth Athletic Development & Nutrition Forum, taking place in May 2026 at Leeds Beckett University, is the premier event for those dedicated to the health and success of young movers. The forum begins with a deep dive into the biological age vs. chronological age debate. Experts in pediatric exercise science will demonstrate how to use non-invasive maturation tracking (such as Khamis-Roche modeling) to tailor training loads and prevent overuse injuries during the adolescent growth spurt. This data-driven approach is essential for academy directors and PE teachers who want to maximize potential while prioritizing athlete welfare. In the second half of the day, the focus shifts to "Fueling the Future." Nutrition for the young athlete is vastly different from that of an adult, yet much of the available information is incorrectly scaled down. Our keynote nutritionist will provide evidence-based guidelines on energy availability, bone health, and the dangers of early-onset supplement use in teenagers. The day concludes with a networking "Roundtable" session. This is a unique opportunity for grassroots coaches to sit down with university researchers to discuss how to implement Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) models in real-world settings with limited resources. We believe that by connecting the local Leeds coaching community with national-level expertise, we can create a safer and more effective environment for youth sport. Whether you are looking to refine your academy's training curriculum or simply want to ensure your students are eating the right things for their sport, this forum provides the practical, science-backed answers you need.

The mental component of athletic success is often cited as the most important, yet it is frequently the least understood. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) invites you to a one-day seminar at the Hilton Leeds City that delves deep into the "Top Two Inches" of performance. This seminar is a must-attend for anyone working in the supporting cast of an athlete, from coaches to full-time sport psychologists. The 2026 program is built around the theme of "Holistic Excellence." We move beyond simple visualization techniques to explore the complex intersection of high-performance pressure and long-term mental health. The morning sessions will be led by Chartered Sport Psychologists who have worked at the highest levels of professional golf and tennis, sharing their strategies for maintaining focus during "clutch" moments. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to the "Athlete-Centered Approach." This involves understanding the psychological impact of long-term injury and the transition out of professional sport—a critical area of modern sport science. Attendees will participate in interactive "fishbowl" discussions where they can observe and critique consultation styles in a safe, professional environment. This seminar also addresses the growing need for behavioral change strategies in the general population. How do we apply sport psychology principles to help sedentary individuals adopt a more active lifestyle? This crossover between performance and public health makes the event relevant for those working in NHS settings or community sports programs. Situated in the heart of Leeds, the venue offers a professional and comfortable setting for a day of intensive learning and networking. Join us to refine your approach to the mental side of the game.

Mastering the laboratory environment is a foundational requirement for any sport and exercise scientist. On April 25, 2026, BASES will host a comprehensive one-day workshop at the University of Leeds focused on the gold standards of physiological testing. This event is specifically designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical rigors of testing professional athletes. The curriculum covers the entire spectrum of metabolic and cardiovascular assessment. Participants will spend the morning session reviewing the latest research in gas exchange kinetics and the nuances of $VO_{2}$ max testing in different athletic populations. The afternoon shifts into a high-intensity practical phase, where attendees will perform and interpret blood lactate profiles and utilize advanced portable metabolic carts. One of the unique aspects of this workshop is the focus on "testing under pressure." In a professional club setting, the time available for assessment is often limited; therefore, learning how to maintain data integrity while managing tight schedules is a key learning outcome. Additionally, the workshop will feature a segment on environmental physiology, utilizing the university’s climate chambers to demonstrate how heat and altitude impact standard physiological markers. This workshop is essential for those pursuing BASES Accreditation, as it fulfills several core competencies in the physiology pathway. By the end of the day, delegates will not only be proficient in the technical operation of the equipment but will also be skilled in the "art" of testing—knowing when to push an athlete and how to explain the physiological data in a way that informs the next six weeks of their training block. The University of Leeds provides a central, easily accessible location with world-class facilities, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for all.

The University of Hull Business School (HUBS) invites senior leaders and aspiring executives to a high-level seminar in Leeds focusing on "The Resilient Organization." In an era of economic volatility and rapid technological change, this seminar explores the strategies necessary for businesses to thrive. Drawing on the latest research from HUBS and the practical experience of regional business leaders, the event will cover topics such as sustainable supply chain management, ethical leadership, and navigating the post-digital transition. The seminar is designed for decision-makers who want to challenge their current thinking and explore new frameworks for organizational success. It will feature a keynote presentation followed by an interactive roundtable discussion where participants can share their own experiences and challenges. This Leeds-based outreach event is a key part of the University of Hull's mission to drive regional economic growth by providing businesses with the intellectual capital they need to innovate. Attendees will also learn about executive education opportunities at Hull, including MBA pathways and bespoke corporate training programmes.

This hands-on workshop is part of a collaborative initiative between the University of Hull’s School of Computer Science and the Leeds tech community. As the digital economy continues to evolve, this event focuses on bridging the gap between academic theory and industry application. Participants will engage in intensive sessions covering Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, led by both University of Hull professors and industry veterans based in Leeds. The workshop is designed to be highly interactive, moving beyond lectures into live coding environments and problem-solving scenarios. Attendees will work in small groups to tackle real-world digital challenges provided by local business partners. This event also serves as an introduction to the University of Hull’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules, allowing attendees to see how they can further their qualifications while working. Held at Platform, the heart of Leeds’ tech hub, the workshop offers a unique space for professionals to upskill while networking with the next generation of digital talent emerging from the University of Hull.

The University of Hull is proud to host a special edition of its Research Symposium in the heart of Leeds. This event serves as a platform for PhD candidates and senior researchers from the University of Hull to present their latest findings to a wider audience, including industry partners and academic peers from across the Yorkshire region. The symposium focuses on the theme of "Collaborative Innovation," highlighting how inter-university cooperation can solve regional challenges in areas like public health, sustainable engineering, and social policy. The day is structured into multiple breakout sessions, each dedicated to a specific research pillar. Attendees will have the opportunity to view poster presentations, participate in Q&A sessions with lead investigators, and attend a panel discussion on the future of UK research funding. By bringing this symposium to Leeds, the University of Hull aims to strengthen its ties with the regional academic ecosystem and showcase the impact of its research beyond East Yorkshire. This is an essential event for anyone involved in academia, R&D, or public policy who wishes to stay at the forefront of contemporary research and forge new partnerships for future grant applications and collaborative projects.