THE University of Bradford has been able to show off its facilities during a two day conference organised by a major Japanese company.

Shin-Etsu is the largest chemical company in Japan, and is today starting the second day of its conference, which has involved staff at the company as well as a global delegation of their clients.

The two day conference is the group’s third Technical Seminar on Solubility Enhancement, which looks at ways to improve how certain drugs are delivered.

The University’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science, which has a successful history of research collaboration with the company, welcomed the delegation to the university Norcroft Centre yesterday.

The events on the first day of the conference included talks from international experts and demonstrations of the latest technology, much of which is available at the university, including injection moulding, hot melt extrusion and spray dying.

After the day’s events were finished, the delegation was given a tour around the district on a coach, getting the chance to learn about Bradford’s heritage. They were even given a ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, one of the district’s most popular tourist attractions.

The two day conference is focused on “techniques and excipients that enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs.”

Dr. Jason Jones, Commercial Manager in the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science at the University of Bradford, said “This is an extremely exciting development for us in our relationship with Shin-Etsu.

“We are looking forward to giving the delegates a warm welcome to the UK and Yorkshire, and for them to learn more about the Centre’s excellent research capabilities in pharmaceutical formulation development that may lead to future collaborations.”

In today’s session there will be talks from Dr. Henry Lu, from the company’s USA branch, and Shivprasad Deshmukh from AstraZenca.

Established in the 1920s, Shin-Etsu is based in Tokyo, and is one of the largest chemical companies in the world.

It employs over 19,000 people in bases across the globe.

The strong links between the company and the university sees professors regularly speak at Shin-Etsu’s conferences.