Inward investment hope for Science City hub

Professor Nicola Spence believes York's scientific expertise will make it an attractive base for inward investors, adding: "The potential for growth in the science and technology sector has never been higher."

Ms Spence, the former chief scientist at the York-based Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), took up her role as the new 85,000 a year chief executive of Science City York yesterday.

Ms Spence, who was chosen from a field of 70 applicants, said: "A delegation from Brazil visited York before Christmas – they were particularly interested in biofuels. The University of York has developed partnerships with Brazil in the biorenewables sector.

"The university and Fera has had several delegations from China in the last few months.

"The Chinese are particularly interested in science and technology to support their exports in the food chain, and anything that ensures the quality, authenticity and safety of food."