Science City York welcomes academic on board

Professor David Fleming, the vice chancellor at York St John University, is to join the board of directors at Science City York.

Science City York was established in 1998 as a partnership between City of York Council and The University of York to promote North Yorkshire as a centre for innovation.

It became a joint venture company involving the university and the council in 2007, and also receives funding from Yorkshire Forward.

A spokesman said Mr Fleming's appointment reflected the close links between York St John University and Science City York.

Professor Fleming will work with Richard Gregory, the chairman of the Science City York Board, and company directors Professor Nicola Spence, Science City York's chief executive; Professor Brian Cantor, the vice chancellor of the University of York; Kersten England, the chief executive, of City of York council; David Dickson, the chairman of accountancy firm Garbutt & Elliott and Simon Hill, the director of business development at Yorkshire Forward.

Mr Gregory said: "The timing for our new partnership with York St John University could not be better, building upon the strong support and joint working to date, and strengthening Science City York's reach, range and integrated city approach."

Ms Spence added: "David's extended involvement in Science City York brings additional skills, vision and leadership to an already exceptional top-level team and helps ensure a more inclusive approach to supporting, and growing, the city's economic, social and cultural ambitions."

Ms England said: "Our priority is to grow innovative enterprising businesses that bring wealth and jobs to the city. York St John brings expertise in many fields – particularly the creative and digital sector – to add to the world class research of the University of York."

Mr Fleming added: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to be directly involved in this important partnership."