The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) marked its 40th anniversary with a major celebration.

From October 16 to 18, more than 350 industry figures gathered for a two-day conference, ending with a gala dinner and awards ceremony.

The UKSPA represents science parks and innovation clusters across the UK, including Southampton SETsquared Centre, University of Southampton Science Park, and Ocean Village Innovation Centre.

The event featured discussions led by industry experts on topics like the future of science parks, innovation clusters, and improving access to public market funding for life science companies.

A notable moment was a pre-recorded video message from Lord Vallance, minister of state for science, research, and innovation, who recognised the role of the science park sector in the new government.

George Freeman MP, chair of the all-party science in parliament committee, also addressed the conference digitally, celebrating the work of science parks and their innovative occupiers.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a renowned theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster, delivered a speech at the gala dinner, celebrating the achievements and contributions of science parks and innovation clusters across the UK.

The awards ceremony recognised industry pioneers in various categories, highlighting the innovation, sustainability, and community engagement efforts of the winners.

John Leake, chair at UKSPA, added: "The 40th anniversary conference proved to be a great success reflecting all that is great about the Association with our 150 science park and innovation location members. The Awards ceremony expertly hosted by Jim Al-Khalili, showcased the breadth of excellence across the sector from sustainability to partnerships and networks, customer service to innovation, tackling the skills challenges to celebrating the best of the young talent in science parks."

The association is the leading industry voice for the sector, championing its growth and development.

The anniversary event was a celebration of the work done by the UKSPA in championing the growth of the sector and the achievements of science parks and innovation clusters throughout the UK.