Youve heard of speed dating - now theres speed networking!

DOZENS of future scientists will take part in an organised ëspeed-networkingí event in Manchester this afternoon. Casting off the traditional format of a networking event, PhD researchers from across the North West will have two minutes to ëchat upí potential partners from bioscience organisations, just like speed-dating events.



The ëspeed-networkersí will get two minutes with each of 20 guests who currently work in the biosciences sector. They will be able to take notes and follow up with further networking later in the evening.

Elizabeth Wilkinson, careers consultant at The University of Manchester and co-project manager for Postgrad Talent North West (the North West hub of UK GRAD), said: ìPhD researchers donít often get the chance to develop their networking skills. ëSpeed-networkingí gives them an opportunity to get a real insight into careers within a growing sector.

ìThis event offers much more than traditional careers advisory services. While we do offer full support to students through CV analysis and one-to-one interviews, what really makes the difference is real insight from those working within a particular sector. The Careers Service at The University of Manchester is committed to offering such opportunities and services to all its students.î

The speed-networking event is part of a three-day Bioscience GRAD School, held from 19 to 21 July 2005 in partnership with UK GRAD and hosted by The University of Manchester at the Chancellors Conference Centre, Fallowfield. The School provides insights into the bioscience sector, as well as interactive case studies and useful business advice for budding bioscience entrepreneurs. Other highlights include an insight into a drug development programme presented by Astra Zeneca; working with local communities, hosted by Manchester Museum, and a mock TV news programme.