Bradford University has scooped a contract with Yorkshire Forward to enable businesses to exploit its world-class research, it was announced today.

The University will become home to another of the regional development agency's pioneering Centres of Industrial Collaboration (CIC) specialising in pharmaceutical science.

It will be the second CIC to be established at the University - along with the Polymer CIC - and is one of five new centres announced today.

Last year, Yorkshire Forward became the first RDA to establish a network of CICs, an £11 million initiative with the European Regional Develop-ment Fund to establish a scientific, technical and research resource for industry.

The new CIC will be at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation which was officially opened by Science Minister Lord Sainsbury last year and focuses on the development of technology to speed up the time it takes to develop drugs.

CICs appoint a commercial manager to translate the business benefits of each university's research and development expertise to businesses.

They collaborate with industry, offering services on a full commercial basis.

Led by Paul Thorning, a former market research director for AstraZeneca, the new CIC will draw upon the latest computer technology to develop new drug-delivery solutions.

"The IPI-CIC provides access to advanced analytical facilities together with programme management to support drug development, acting as a link between regional business and the international pharmaceuticals market," said Mr Thorning.

Susan Johnson, Yorkshire Forward business development director, said CICs were a key part of its efforts to create growth in the region's economy. With growing globalisation our businesses can no longer simply compete on cost grounds alone," she said.

"Our aim is to transfer knowledge to regional companies, encourage investment by UK and international companies in the region and promote Yorkshire and Humber as the emerging force for technology and innovation." The contract is the latest boost to Bradford University's links with business and follows last month's announcement that it has secured £2.4 million from the Government's Higher Education Innovation Fund to further strengthen the relationship.